Tennessee coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top') eh-kih-NAY-shah ten-ess-ee-EN-sis Genus:  Echinacea The 'Rocky Top' hybrid offers the garden an abundance of pastel pink coneflowers with greenish-black cones on plants 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Interestingly, the flowers follow the sun like sunflowers and the petals sometimes curl upward slightly. Use this compact coneflower in borders, meadows, or as cut and dried flowers. E. tennesseensis  was thought to be extinct in the 1960s, but was rediscovered and is now widely available as a garden plant. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Southeastern U.S. native. Attracts butterflies and goldfinches. Care:  Grow in full sun and poor to moderately fertile, moist soil. Can take drier soil once established. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, but birds love the seedheads. Propagation:  Sow seed indoors in spring at 55° F. Take root cuttings in late fall or early winter. Divide every few years. Problems:  Leaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, gray mold, vine weevils.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Dried Flower Style Meadow Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials