Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella'

Pink and peach ombre is one irresistibly fabulous fusion, and Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' has absolutely nailed this dreamy colourway. From a dark button centre, long narrow peach-coloured petals, each with a rosy-pink blush, radiate outwards with an elegant downward curve. The overall effect of these amber-hued coneflowers mimics the most illuminating sunsets, and balmy summer evenings are precisely the time to enjoy this fruity cocktail of colour.

Despite its exotic looks, Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' is a resilient hardy perennial and will grow back each year without the need for winter protection. Give it a sunny position with free draining soil, each year the plant establishes a little more and forms a clump which produces multiple flowering stems. The nectar-rich flowers provide a banquet for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Flowering from mid-late summer, Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' intensifies the sizzling colours of the season, lighting up summer evenings with their warm glow. 

Its apricot-orange petals with a central brown cone make for a stunning display, and the cone gradually matures to a soft pink. Perfect for containers, attracting pollinators, and even as a cut flower, you can't go wrong with Echinacea purpurea 'Rainbow Marcella' ('Rainb299'ᴾᴮᴿ) (Butterfly Series).

Plant Echinacea 'Rainbow Marcella' in a spot in sun where it can easily be seen. Note that it is around 50cm tall and will bush out as it gradually forms a wider clump over the years. It’s a gem in a mixed border with other summer flowering perennials and easily combines with most colours. You can create a really bright display, or go for a more muted, hazy look by planting these coneflowers with ornamental grasses.