Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top' – Tennessee Coneflower, Pastel Pink with Greenish Cones

Tennessee Coneflower 'Rocky Top' (Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top')

Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top' (eh-kih-NAY-shah ten-ess-ee-EN-sis) offers 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 extinct in the 1960s but was rediscovered and is now widely available.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Southeastern U.S. native
• Attracts butterflies and goldfinches

Growing Conditions & 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.

Potential Problems

Leaf miners, powdery mildew, bacterial spots, gray mold, vine weevils.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Dry to medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer
• Flower Color: Pink
• Uses: Beds, borders, cut flower, dried flower, meadow gardens
• Type: Perennial