Coneflower is an herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that is native to central and eastern USA. Many cultivars are available for varied sizes and colors. Several pollinators are attracted to the flower, especially butterflies. Leave some of the flower heads on to produce seeds for the birds. 'Sombrero Rosada' was bred in Elburn, Illinois in 2007. It grows to a compact 2' tall and produces pinkish-purple flowers that mature in early summer through mid-fall. It was bred to produce sturdy, compact plants that have a high bud count. Its flowers have a mild fragrance. This plant prefers well-drained moist loams but is adaptable to various soil types. It is drought tolerant once established and can grow in full sun to partial shade. This is a popular and long-blooming plant for use in the native garden, meadows, pollinator gardens and naturalized areas. When used in a container, it satisfies the 'filler' requirement. Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Japanese beetle and leaf spot are occasional problems. It is susceptible to aster yellows disease.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheEchinacea purpurea 'Sombrero Salsa Red'Solidago virgaurea 'Peter Pan'Verbena canadensis
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect; Mounding
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Doubly Serrate
Leaf feel
Rough
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Leaves may wilt in summer heat, but will recover when hydration is provided.
Flower color
Pink
Flower value
Fragrant; Good Cut; Good Dried; Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Head; Solitary
Flower shape
Saucer
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
The flowers consist of drooping petals and have a center core.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Stem color
Purple/Lavender
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America
Wildlife value
Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are attracted to the blooms. Songbirds enjoy the late season seed heads.