Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange'

Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange': A Brilliant Blaze from Summer to Frost

Fiery and floriferous, Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange' lights up the garden with large, deep orange blooms held atop compact, upright stems. Each daisy-like flower radiates from a coppery cone, with petals that hold their vibrant colour from early summer all the way into fall. Part of the Kismet series, this coneflower is bred for an exceptionally long bloom period, strong branching, and a tidy, robust habit—making it as practical as it is stunning. A magnet for pollinators and a beacon of warmth, it thrives in sunny borders and wildlife-friendly designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a compact, bushy clump
• Flower Colour: Intense orange with a dark copper cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to frost
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves; dense and mounded
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange' brings dazzling colour and unmatched flower power to sunny beds, borders, containers, and pollinator plantings. Its compact size makes it especially useful in smaller gardens or foreground placements, while its non-stop bloom and tidy habit reduce the need for maintenance. Loved by bees and butterflies, it’s a dependable performer with standout appeal.

Companion Plants: Pair Kismet Intense Orange with Coreopsis 'Curry Up', whose golden-yellow blooms and fine texture amplify the warm colour palette while blooming through summer. Add Salvia 'Bumbleberry' for a shot of magenta contrast and pollinator-attracting vertical spikes. Finish with Schizachyrium scoparium, whose slender, blue-green foliage matures to coppery-red—mirroring the coneflower’s hues and adding late-season movement and texture.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly once plants are mature. Deadhead to prolong blooming, or leave seed heads intact for winter interest and bird forage. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to refresh growth and maintain shape.

History: Bred by Terra Nova Nurseries, the Kismet series was developed for compact form, intense colour, and unusually long bloom time. ‘Intense Orange’ is one of its most vibrant offerings, carrying the hardy lineage of Echinacea purpurea into a new era of high-performance perennials. Its resilience and saturated hue make it a favourite among designers and home gardeners alike.

Final Thoughts: Glowing with warmth and packed with bloom, Echinacea 'Kismet Intense Orange' delivers a season-long show that few perennials can match. When combined with the sunny tones of Coreopsis 'Curry Up', the vivid contrast of Salvia 'Bumbleberry', and the prairie elegance of Little Bluestem, it creates a bold, pollinator-friendly tapestry that celebrates colour, movement, and lasting performance. A vibrant favourite for gardens that thrive in the heat of summer.