Echinacea Supreme cantaloupe

Echinacea ‘Supreme Cantaloupe’ is a gorgeous coneflower that brings warm, glowing colour to sunny borders. The flowers open in delicious cantaloupe-apricot tones—a soft peachy-orange shade that feels both modern and uplifting—held on sturdy stems above strong, clump-forming foliage. It’s a fantastic choice for mixed borders, prairie-style planting, and wildlife-friendly gardens, where it will be buzzing with bees and butterflies throughout summer.

Supplied as a bare root plant, it’s an excellent-value way to establish a long-lived perennial. Once settled in, Echinacea returns bigger and better each year, and the flowers are superb for cutting too

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant bare root Echinacea in spring or autumn, while the soil is moist and workable. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. Echinacea thrives in mixed borders, prairie-style planting and wildlife-friendly gardens. Once established it is fairly drought tolerant, but it flowers best with plenty of sun and free-draining ground.

How to Plant:

• Before planting: Soak the bare roots in water for 30–60 minutes to rehydrate.
• Depth: Plant so the crown (where roots meet stems) sits level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space 35–45 cm (14–18 inches) apart to allow plants to bulk up.
• Soil Prep: Mix in a little compost to help establishment, but avoid overly rich soil which can reduce flowering.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season. Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms.
• Leave some seed heads to mature for birds and winter interest.
• Cut back stems in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
• Mulch lightly in spring to help conserve moisture and feed the soil.

Top Tip:
Pair ‘Supreme Cantaloupe’ with ornamental grasses and dusky purples like Salvia or Verbena—the warm apricot tones look incredible in a prairie-style border.

Plant Details

Flowering Period:
July - September (often into October)

Height:
18–30" (45–75cm) approx.

Position:
Full sun

Hardy Perennial