Coneflower (Echinacea 'TNECHKIO' KISMET INTENSE ORANGE)
Vibrant Echinacea 'TNECHKIO' KISMET INTENSE ORANGE Coneflower. Low maintenance, drought tolerant, blooms orange June-August.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE is a spectacular modern selection of the beloved native Coneflower, valued for its intense, bright orange coloration and tidy, compact habit. This cultivar offers gardeners reliable summer color without demanding excessive upkeep, making it a superb addition to sunny borders or rock gardens across diverse climates. As an adaptable herbaceous perennial, this Coneflower brings essential structure and pollinator attraction to the landscape from early summer into late fall.
This specific hybrid, known commercially as KISMET INTENSE ORANGE, features prominently displayed flowers, roughly 4 inches across, characterized by vivid orange rays contrasting sharply with a dark orange-brown central cone. It retains the robust, low-maintenance features that define the genus Echinacea, thriving even when conditions become challenging. Gardeners appreciate its ability to look tidy, often benefiting from just minimal pruning to maximize rebloom potential.
Beyond immediate visual appeal, the Coneflower is a foundation plant for wildlife gardens, providing crucial nectar for butterflies and seeds for winter birds if cones are left standing. Its resilience against heat, humidity, and various soil types—including clay—makes Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE a truly practical and beautiful choice for gardeners seeking durable, high-impact perennials.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.25-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.75-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The ideal time to plant Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE is typically in spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, allowing the root systems to establish before summer heat. This adaptable Coneflower prefers average soils that are well-drained, although it tolerates poor conditions better than many other summer bloomers. Full sun exposure is recommended for the most vigorous blooming, though it can manage with part shade.
Once established, this particular variety is notably drought-tolerant, aligning well with water-wise gardening practices. Water deeply if natural rainfall is scarce, but avoid habitually soggy conditions, which can encourage root issues. Minimal fertilization is required; excessive richness can lead to floppier stems.
Maintenance for this low-level perennial is simple. While prompt removal of spent flowers encourages more blooms, plants rebloom well even without deadheading. To maintain vigor, divide overcrowded clumps roughly every four years. The dead flower stems left standing provide winter visual interest until spring cleanup.
Landscape Uses
The moderate size and upright habit of Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE make it perfect for defining the front of perennial borders where its intense orange hue can truly pop against taller background plants. Its compact spread of nearly two feet allows it to be effectively massed or planted in drifts, creating a striking sweep of color. Additionally, its adaptability to dry conditions means it excels in rock gardens or areas where soil moisture is inconsistent.
Consider pairing this bright Coneflower with complementary textures and colors for dynamic contrast. Silver-leafed plants or deep purple companions, such as Russian Sage or dark salvias, harmonize beautifully with the orange rays. It also serves well as an attractive specimen plant or accent near walkways where pollinators can be observed up close.
Due to its robust nature and tolerance for clay and dry soil, this plant is an excellent choice for structural planting in mixed perennial beds that require resilience. It provides reliable, low-contrast filler in woodland margins that receive dappled light, proving its versatility beyond the full-sun cottage garden.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Echinacea is a genus of seven species all endemic to eastern and central North America, and Coneflowers bloom reliably from June through August with occasional later sporadic flushes. This specific cultivar, ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE, is an upright, compact hybrid selection featuring bright orange rays surrounding a dark orange-brown center cone, reaching up to 4” in diameter. The genus name draws from the Greek word for hedgehog, referencing the spiny central cone structure common to most flowers in the group.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Clay Soil
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
Potential Problems
All coneflowers, including Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE, can occasionally be prone to aster yellows, a serious disease transmitted by leafhoppers that causes excessive, distorted growth. Fungal and bacterial leaf spots can also appear, particularly in periods of high humidity or poor air circulation; ensure adequate space between plants to mitigate this. Gardeners should also be vigilant for common pests like erythroid mites and, near vegetable gardens, Japanese beetles, which may sometimes chew on the ray petals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Coneflower suitable for?
This Coneflower, Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE, is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering a wide geographical range for planting.
How large does Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE grow?
Mature clumps typically achieve a height between 1.25 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading outward to occupy a space 1.75 to 2 feet wide.
When does Coneflower bloom?
This perennial features a strong main bloom period extending from June into August, offering continuous orange color throughout the peak summer months.
What sun exposure does Coneflower need?
For best performance and the most intense orange blooms, Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE prefers full sun, although it tolerates conditions classified as part shade.
Conclusion
The vibrant orange display and exceptional durability offered by Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE make it an indispensable component of the contemporary perennial garden. Valued for its low maintenance and tolerance for difficult soils, this Coneflower supports both pollinator health and summer aesthetics. Before planting, confirm your local USDA hardiness zone falls within the 4-9 range to ensure years of reliable performance.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the visual impact of the Coneflower while often sharing similar cultural needs. Since Echinacea thrives in dryness and full sun, pair it with other drought-tolerant perennials that appreciate similar conditions. Plants like Russian Sage (Perovskia), various ornamental grasses such as Little Bluestem, or coreopsis cultivars make excellent partners. Avoid placing this plant next to moisture-loving species, as consistent dampness around the base of the Coneflower can lead to rot issues.
Propagation Tips
While Echinacea ‘TNECHKIO’ KISMET INTENSE ORANGE is a patented hybrid and propagation is generally discouraged for commercial resale, established clumps can be rejuvenated through division, which is necessary about every four years. To divide, lift the entire clump during the dormant season or very early spring before new growth begins. Carefully use a sharp spade or knife to separate the root mass into sections, ensuring each division has at least a few healthy root nodes and growth points. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared, well-drained soil at the same depth as the original plant.
