Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry'

Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry': Rich Colour, Long Bloom, Lasting Impact

Velvety and vivid, Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry' brings bold beauty to the garden with deep raspberry-pink petals that surround a warm, coppery cone. Compact and floriferous, this coneflower from the Kismet series blooms earlier than most and carries on from early summer through frost—offering a saturated burst of colour with excellent branching and a tidy, upright habit. A magnet for pollinators and a standout in mixed borders, it brings together ornamental richness and prairie resilience.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–55 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a compact, well-branched clump
• Flower Colour: Deep raspberry-pink petals with a warm orange cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to frost
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves; mounded and bushy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Kismet Raspberry is ideal for pollinator gardens, sunny borders, and vibrant containers where long-lasting colour and compact form are prized. Its nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, while its strong stems make it an excellent cut flower. With minimal care and maximum performance, it brings structure, colour, and wildlife value to the garden all season long.

Companion Plants: Pair Kismet Raspberry with Salvia 'Violet Riot', whose deep purple flower spikes bloom alongside and create a dramatic contrast that intensifies the coneflower’s pink tones. Add Coreopsis 'Red Hot Vanilla', whose creamy blooms with red centres echo the warm-cool contrast and keep the planting bright and lively. Finish with Pennisetum 'Red Head', whose smoky, wine-hued plumes and fine foliage add soft movement and a late-season flourish that complements the coneflower’s rich tones.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently during the first growing season, then sparingly once established. Deadhead to extend bloom or leave seed heads for winter interest and birds. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour and size.

History: Bred by Terra Nova Nurseries, the Kismet series is known for compact growth, strong stems, and unusually long bloom times. Kismet Raspberry is one of the most intensely coloured in the series, combining the hardiness of Echinacea purpurea with modern breeding for a compact, floriferous, and reliable garden performer.

Final Thoughts: Saturated with colour and full of garden vitality, Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry' offers season-spanning beauty in a compact, tidy form. When combined with the bold contrast of Salvia 'Violet Riot', the glowing charm of Coreopsis 'Red Hot Vanilla', and the flowing texture of Pennisetum 'Red Head', it creates a vibrant, pollinator-friendly tapestry that moves beautifully from early summer into autumn. A jewel-toned highlight for gardens that celebrate structure, colour, and enduring bloom.