‘Secret Lust’ Coneflower is a specific cultivar of Echinacea, a popular perennial known for its striking appearance and adaptability in garden settings. It offers a unique aesthetic, making it a favored choice for vibrant and visually interesting garden additions. Its robust nature and attractive blooms contribute to its widespread appeal.
Distinctive Features of Secret Lust Coneflower
‘Secret Lust’ Coneflower is distinguished by its unique double flowers. Each bloom features a prominent, fully double pom-pom disc in a vivid reddish-orange hue. This central disc is contrasted by lighter, swept-back ray petals that display an orange-pink shade.
These flowers typically emerge from mid-summer and continue to bloom into the fall, often reblooming throughout the season. The plant forms a spreading clump, reaching a height of 25 to 31 inches and a spread of about 36 inches. Its strong, upright stems hold blossoms well above the foliage, contributing to a tidy and attractive plant habit.
Planting and Growing Conditions
This perennial thrives in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter climates, too much shade results in fewer flowers and less sturdy stems.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to a range of soil types, including average, sandy, or even clay soils, as long as they do not retain excessive moisture. An ideal soil pH for coneflowers ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. ‘Secret Lust’ Coneflower is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9 and tolerates drought, heat, and humidity once established. When planting, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for proper growth and air circulation.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, routine care maintains health and encourages continuous blooming. During its first growing season, water consistently, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Once mature, it becomes quite drought-tolerant, needing minimal supplemental watering except during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization is minimal; apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if soil fertility is low. Over-fertilizing promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers and maintains a neat appearance. This practice redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to flower development. Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and promote vigor.
Common Issues and Garden Applications
‘Secret Lust’ Coneflower is generally robust, but gardeners should be aware of potential issues. While resistant to most pests and diseases, occasional problems like aphids or powdery mildew can occur. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal issues like botrytis.
This coneflower is generally deer resistant, making it a suitable choice for gardens where deer browse is a concern. It also attracts various pollinators, including butterflies, though its double flower form may make nectar slightly less accessible to some bees than single varieties. ‘Secret Lust’ Coneflower is versatile in garden design, performing well in perennial borders, mixed beds, and cut flower gardens. Its vibrant blooms are also excellent for mass plantings, adding visual impact.