(aka: Echinacea 'Balsomsed') Echinacea 'Salsa Red' stands out as one of the best red coneflowers we've ever grown. Strong words, considering the array of echinaceas we've trialed, but this is a winner. This selection comes from the breeders at Pan American Seed Company, who were breeding for a seed strain but were struck by the performance of this exceptional clone. For us, it forms a 2 feet wide clump of sturdy stems topped, starting in June, with dozens of fire engine red 3 inch wide flowers. As with all coneflowers, well-drained soil is critical. Maintenance: 'Salsa Red' coneflower is a low maintenance perennial. The only maintenance we perform is to cut the flower stalks back as low as possible as soon as the flowers fade. By doing this, the clump will produce a second floral show in late summer/early fall. If you wait in cutting the flowers, it will not have enough time to produce a second flush of flowers. Growing Conditions: Coneflowers require well-drained soils, but are not designed to endure long-term drought conditions. Clay and sandy soils will both work fine, as long as water isn't retained after rains. Garden Value: Coneflowers provide a lovely burst of bright color in a season, which is in between the typical spring flowering season and the start of the summer season. Because they don't take up much space, they can easily be tucked in among other perennials. Natural Impact: All echinaceas are a great nectar source for an array of bees, but not to worry, since they have no interest in humans when they are feeding.
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