Sunny Days Ruby Coneflower

Sunny Days Ruby Coneflower (Echinacea SUNNY DAYS 'Ruby')

Sunny Days Ruby Coneflower (Echinacea SUNNY DAYS 'Ruby') is a compact, heavy blooming coneflower selected for rich ruby red petals that hold their color in heat and full sun. From early summer into fall, its tidy, well branched plants deliver months of luminous, sunfast blooms on sturdy stems with clean, deep green foliage for sunny borders, meadow style plantings, and patio containers.

Distinctive Features

Large daisies present broad, nearly horizontal ruby rays around a warm copper cone, reading clearly across the garden. Continuous bud set keeps flowers coming for weeks, while the weather resistant stems stand firm in wind and rain. Nectar rich blooms draw bees and butterflies; if left standing, the seed filled cones add winter texture and natural food for finches.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for strongest color and bloom; light afternoon shade acceptable in very hot climates.
• Soil: Well drained garden soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or lightly rocky sites and tolerates light clay with good drainage.
• Water: Moderate; water to establish, then allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 18 to 24 inches tall and 16 to 22 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Saturated ruby blooms create high impact accents in mixed borders.
• Pollinator Gardens: Reliable nectar source that supports bees and butterflies.
• Cut Flowers: Long lasting petals and sturdy stems for bold arrangements.
• Containers: Compact, upright habit suits patio pots and entry planters.
• Mass Plantings: Plant in drifts for a ribbon of ruby red summer color.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering once established; avoid chronically wet soils.
• Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to extend flowering; leave some late cones for birds.
• Fertilizing: Light spring feeding with slow release fertilizer or compost.
• Staking: Not required; naturally sturdy stems.
• Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth.

Why Choose Sunny Days Ruby Coneflower?

• Sunfast Ruby Color: Holds vivid tone in full sun and heat.
• Extended Bloom: Consistent flowers for months with minimal care.
• Tough Performer: Heat and drought tolerant once established.
• Wildlife Friendly: Supports pollinators and provides winter seed.
• Design Versatility: Works in cottage, prairie, and contemporary landscapes.

Echinacea SUNNY DAYS 'Ruby' combines saturated color, durable performance, and pollinator value on a compact, low maintenance frame, creating a long lasting highlight for sunny, well drained sites.