Aloha Coneflower
Aloha Coneflower
Warm Golden-Yellow Daisies With a Light Fragrance
Aloha Coneflower (Echinacea 'Aloha') glows with bright golden-yellow daisies warmed by an orange-tinged center, carried on strong, well-branched stems from midsummer into fall. The lightly fragrant blooms are a favorite of bees and butterflies, and goldfinches feast on the seed heads in autumn. Sturdy, drought-tough, and deer-resistant, it's a sunny, cheerful choice for borders and cut-flower gardens in Woodbury, Maple Grove, and Plymouth.
Aloha Coneflower Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Aloha' |
| Mature Size | 24–30 in. tall, 18–24 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Midsummer into fall |
| Flower Color | Golden-yellow with a warm center |
| Soil | Well-drained; tolerates clay and lean soil if not soggy |
| Winter Hardiness | Reliable to about -25°F once established |
| Deer Resistance | Usually avoided by deer; may nibble young plants |
Landscape Uses in Minnesota
Sunny pollinator borders: The golden color brightens mid-border and pairs with hot and cool palettes. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Cut-flower and low-water beds: Lightly fragrant and great for bouquets; tough in hot, dry spots. Leave seed heads for goldfinches. Pair with catmint, salvia, and grasses.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Provide good drainage; avoid soggy winter soil.
How to Plant Aloha Coneflower
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth, amending heavy clay with compost. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Watering Aloha Coneflower
First year: Water every 2–3 days at first, then weekly. Stop 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes.
After year one: Drought-tolerant — water only during extended dry spells.
Q: Is it fragrant?
Yes — Aloha carries a light, pleasant scent, a welcome bonus among coneflowers.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 with good drainage; leave stems up for winter crown protection.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Generally yes — deer usually avoid coneflowers, though young growth may be sampled.
Q: Does it attract pollinators?
Very much — bees and butterflies love the blooms, and goldfinches eat the fall seeds.
You May Also Like
Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower (Echinacea): A compact golden companion.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes to contrast the golden blooms.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style border.