Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy'

Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy': Deep Wine Tones with Bold Summer Presence

Lush and dramatic, Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy' infuses the garden with rich, velvety colour from early summer into autumn. Its intense burgundy-red petals, wide and gently arching, encircle a warm copper cone atop sturdy, upright stems. A compact, heavy bloomer from the Sombrero series, this cultivar combines bold pigment, strong branching, and exceptional garden performance in a sun-loving, pollinator-friendly package. Its vivid presence and long-lasting flowers make it ideal for borders, beds, and container displays.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a dense, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep burgundy-red petals with a bronze-orange cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a compact, bushy habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Sombrero Baja Burgundy is perfect for adding depth and richness to summer borders, prairie-inspired gardens, and pollinator plantings. Its compact size suits smaller spaces and containers, while its nectar-rich blooms provide essential forage for bees and butterflies. With its saturated colour and tidy form, it offers bold impact with low maintenance.

Companion Plants: Pair Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy' with Salvia 'Noche', whose deep, almost black-purple flower spikes intensify the moody palette and bloom in concert with the coneflower. Add Heuchera 'Wild Rose', whose vibrant rose-purple foliage mirrors the floral tones and adds year-round interest at the base. Finish the trio with Pennisetum 'Burgundy Bunny', a compact ornamental grass with red-tinged blades and soft plumes that echo the coneflower’s colour and soften the overall composition with texture and movement.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce frequency once established. Deadhead to encourage continual blooming or leave seed heads for winter interest and bird forage. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour.

History: Part of the vibrant Sombrero series, Baja Burgundy was bred for strong branching, vivid colour, and a compact habit that suits both professional landscapes and small home gardens. It retains the rugged performance of Echinacea purpurea while offering a modern colour twist and a long, generous bloom period.

Final Thoughts: With its bold wine-red blooms and compact stature, Echinacea 'Sombrero Baja Burgundy' brings richness and reliability to sunny garden spaces. When paired with the deep drama of Salvia 'Noche', the luminous foliage of Heuchera 'Wild Rose', and the soft, swaying texture of Pennisetum 'Burgundy Bunny', it creates a dynamic, pollinator-friendly planting full of colour contrast, structure, and seasonal flair. A striking selection for gardeners who love intensity and elegance in equal measure.