Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top' - 2026

Echinacea tennesseensis 'Rocky Top' is a compact and resilient perennial that brings a touch of elegance to any garden. This cultivar features star-shaped flowers with narrow, upturned, deep pink petals surrounding a dark greenish-brown central cone. The blooms are held on sturdy stems that face eastward, following the sun's path, which is a distinctive trait of this species. Flowering from early to late summer, 'Rocky Top' provides extended colour and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Preferring full sun and well-drained, alkaline soils, 'Rocky Top' is drought-tolerant once established and relatively low-maintenance. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming, while leaving some seed heads provides winter interest and food for birds. This cultivar is ideal for wildlife gardens, prairie-style plantings, or as a focal point in mixed garden beds. With its unique appearance and ecological benefits, 'Rocky Top' is a valuable addition to any garden.