Echinacea, commonly known as coneflowers, are popular perennials cherished for their daisy-like flowers and long blooming season. ‘Delicious Nougat’ is a unique cultivar, favored for its distinct appearance. This particular variety offers distinct characteristics that make it a favored choice for many garden settings, bringing both beauty and ecological benefits.
Understanding Echinacea ‘Delicious Nougat’
Echinacea ‘Delicious Nougat’ presents a striking appearance with its unique floral structure and coloring. Its flowers feature creamy white petals surrounding a soft yellow-green central cone. These double blooms resemble a fluffy pompom or “divinity candy” as they mature, offering a distinct look compared to traditional coneflowers where the central cone expands to form a fully double, foamy white crown.
This compact, upright, clump-forming perennial typically reaches 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) tall and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) wide. Sturdy stems support its long-lasting flowers, which bloom from early summer into autumn.
Planting and Care Guide
Light Requirements
Echinacea ‘Delicious Nougat’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for abundant flowering and overall health. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, less sun can reduce blooms or vigor.
Soil Needs
Well-draining soil is crucial for ‘Delicious Nougat,’ as coneflowers do not tolerate soggy conditions, particularly in winter. It adapts to average to moderately fertile soil types like sandy, loamy, or clay, provided they drain well. An ideal pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).
Watering
During its first growing season, consistent moisture helps ‘Delicious Nougat’ establish a strong root system. Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental watering only during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizing
‘Delicious Nougat’ is a low-maintenance plant that rarely needs heavy fertilization, performing well in average soil. Excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth instead of more flowers. If soil is poor, a light application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring or incorporating compost provides sufficient nutrients.
Pruning and Deadheading
Deadheading spent blooms encourages ‘Delicious Nougat’ to rebloom and maintains a tidy appearance. Cut faded flower stems back to just above the next set of leaves or a new bud. Leaving some seed heads in late summer or fall provides winter interest and food for birds. For plant health, cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth.
Winter Care
Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, ‘Delicious Nougat’ typically requires no special winter protection. The plant goes dormant in colder months. While stems can be cut back in late fall for tidiness, leaving them provides winter interest and seeds for wildlife. New growth emerges in spring.
Garden Uses and Benefits
Echinacea ‘Delicious Nougat’ is a versatile plant, enhancing various garden designs. Its compact, upright, clump-forming habit suits perennial borders, mixed beds, and cottage gardens. It also performs well in containers, adding elegance to patios and balconies.
Beyond aesthetics, this coneflower offers ecological and practical benefits. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to a vibrant garden ecosystem. ‘Delicious Nougat’ is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice. Its long-lasting blooms are excellent for cutting, providing fresh flowers for indoor arrangements.