Sombrero Salsa Red Echinacea
Echinacea 'Balsomsed' (Sombrero® Salsa Red)Sombrero Salsa Red Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Balsomsed’ Sombrero® Salsa Red) is a compact, long-blooming perennial prized for its rich scarlet-red flowers, sturdy upright habit, and exceptional pollinator value. Beginning in early summer and continuing into early fall, large daisy-like blooms with deep copper-orange central cones rise above dense clumps of dark green foliage. The vibrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators while also making excellent additions to fresh-cut flower arrangements.
Its well-branched, compact habit makes Sombrero® Salsa Red an outstanding choice for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, and patio containers. Unlike older coneflower varieties, its sturdy stems remain upright without staking, even during summer storms. After flowering, the seed heads provide winter interest and become an important food source for goldfinches and other songbirds.
Typically growing 18 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide, this easy-care perennial fits beautifully into smaller gardens while providing months of reliable color. It thrives in full sun and tolerates heat, humidity, and drought once established, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.
Soil: Prefers average, well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of soil types.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water during prolonged drought.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring if needed.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming or leave seed heads for winter interest and birds. Cut back in late winter or early spring.
Spacing: Space plants 18–24 inches apart for mature growth and airflow.
Maintenance: Divide every 3–4 years if needed to maintain vigor.
Its bold red blooms, long flowering season, and outstanding wildlife value make Sombrero Salsa Red Coneflower a colorful and dependable addition to perennial gardens.
