Echinacea ‘Strawberry and Cream’ is a beloved coneflower variety known for its vibrant colors and unique double bloom structure. This perennial offers a distinctive texture and form, setting it apart from traditional coneflowers. It enhances borders and beds with its cheerful presence.
Distinctive Features
This coneflower cultivar features unique double-decker blossoms. The flower heads initially emerge creamy white, gradually transitioning to a rich strawberry pink as they mature. This color progression provides continuous visual interest throughout its long blooming season, typically from early summer into fall. Robust, upright stems support these substantial blooms effectively, preventing them from flopping. ‘Strawberry and Cream’ reaches an average height of 24 to 36 inches with a spread of about 18 to 24 inches, creating a strong vertical element.
Planting and Initial Setup
Successful cultivation begins with selecting the ideal site. ‘Strawberry and Cream’ thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is crucial, as soggy conditions can lead to root issues. While it tolerates average fertility, amending heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost can improve drainage and aeration.
When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently place the plant, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space individual plants approximately 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and mature growth. After planting, thoroughly water the area to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, consistent care ensures your ‘Strawberry and Cream’ coneflowers thrive. While somewhat drought-tolerant, regular watering is beneficial, especially during prolonged dry spells or extreme heat. Aim to provide about one inch of water per week, deeply soaking the soil rather than frequent shallow watering. Light fertilization in early spring can support vigorous growth, but avoid excessive nitrogen.
Deadheading spent blooms is recommended to encourage the plant to produce more flowers throughout the season; simply snip off faded flower heads just above a set of healthy leaves or a developing side bud. For winter care, you can choose to leave the dried seed heads for winter interest and to provide food for birds. Alternatively, cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches from the ground in late fall or early spring to prepare for new growth. This coneflower exhibits good resistance to most common pests and diseases, simplifying its routine care.
Using Echinacea ‘Strawberry and Cream’ in Your Garden
Beyond its striking appearance, Echinacea ‘Strawberry and Cream’ offers versatile uses within the garden landscape. Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms also make it a good choice for fresh cut flower arrangements. This coneflower integrates well into mixed borders, cottage gardens, or as a focal point in mass plantings due to its upright habit. Once established, its inherent drought tolerance makes it a resilient and low-maintenance option for various garden settings.