Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita'

Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita': Rich Hues, Refined Form
Deep and dramatic, Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita' unfurls velvety red petals that glow like garnet in the sunlight, surrounding a dark copper cone with regal intensity. This striking coneflower from the Sombrero series brings bold colour and improved performance to the garden with its compact habit, sturdy stems, and profuse blooming from early summer into fall. A refined yet vibrant choice, Sangrita lends a sense of warmth and richness to sunny borders, wildflower meadows, and container arrangements.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–55 cm
• Spread: 55–60 cm, forming a well-branched, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep red petals with a rich, dark copper centre cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early autumn
• Foliage: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves with a bushy, tidy habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: With its bold colour and tidy structure, Sombrero Sangrita is ideal for pollinator gardens, front-of-border plantings, and patio containers. It draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout its long bloom season, and its spent flower heads provide winter structure and seed for birds. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in sunny, dry areas and offers high visual impact with little effort, making it a perfect choice for modern, wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Companion Plants: Pair Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita' with Sedum 'Voodoo', whose dark red foliage and pinkish-red blooms echo and intensify the rich hues of Sangrita, while thriving in similarly dry, sunny sites. Add movement and vertical interest with Panicum 'Prairie Fire', whose deep green blades age to burgundy—mirroring the flower tones and enhancing autumnal beauty. Finish with Achillea 'Sassy Summer Sangria', whose large, wine-red umbels complement the deep reds of the coneflower while adding fine-textured foliage for balance and cohesion.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots; once established, this echinacea is highly drought-tolerant. Deadhead to prolong flowering or leave spent blooms to dry for winter texture and wildlife support. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to rejuvenate growth and maintain form.

History: A standout in the Sombrero series, 'Sangrita' was selected for its rich red colouring, strong branching, and compact, floriferous nature. Like its native Echinacea purpurea cousins from the prairies of North America, it combines rugged adaptability with ornamental charm. The Sombrero breeding programme brings these native virtues into the modern garden, enhancing colour range and bloom performance without compromising resilience.

Final Thoughts: Velvety and vibrant, Echinacea 'Sombrero Sangrita' adds a bold splash of warmth and depth to the summer garden. Whether featured in a pollinator bed, paired with ornamental grasses, or nestled in a sun-drenched container, it brings seasonal drama and lasting beauty with ease. A radiant choice for those who seek richness in both colour and form.