Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red'

Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red': A Bold Dance of Summer Colour
Fiery and unforgettable, Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red' bursts into bloom with dazzling scarlet petals that radiate from a coppery centre cone, igniting garden spaces with passion and vibrancy. Part of the Sombrero series, this cultivar was bred for compact form, improved hardiness, and profuse flowering. Its rich red hue remains intense through the season, making it a favourite for gardeners who crave bold colour in a tidy, easy-to-grow package.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–55 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a dense, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Vibrant scarlet-red petals with a warm copper centre cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves with a clean, mounded habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: A true statement perennial, Salsa Red delivers lasting colour to borders, pollinator beds, and decorative containers. Its blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season, while the dried seed heads offer structural interest and nourishment for overwintering birds. The compact, upright form makes it a great fit for urban gardens and smaller spaces, and its low-maintenance nature appeals to gardeners of all levels.

Companion Plants: Pair Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red' with Sedum 'Fulda Glow', whose dark bronze foliage and reddish-pink flowers create a warm, textured carpet beneath the bold red blooms. Add Panicum 'Prairie Fire' for height and dynamic foliage that shifts from green to burgundy, echoing the fiery tones of the coneflower. Finish the planting with Achillea 'Sassy Summer Taffy', whose large, soft coral-pink flower heads add a complementary contrast, softening the palette while enhancing pollinator appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the establishment period; once mature, it is highly drought-tolerant. Deadhead to promote repeat blooming or leave seed heads standing for winter interest. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour and form.

History: Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red' is part of the Sombrero breeding programme, developed to combine intense flower colour with improved garden performance. Its North American native ancestry lends it toughness and adaptability, while the refined breeding enhances bloom density, compact size, and vibrant pigmentation. A modern twist on a prairie classic, it brings heritage and horticultural innovation together.

Final Thoughts: Bold, bright, and full of life, Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red' is a celebration of summer in every bloom. Its rich red flowers, tidy habit, and wildlife-friendly traits make it an outstanding addition to any sunny garden. Whether massed in a border or featured in a striking container display, it dances through the season with energy and charm.