Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower
Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower
Deep Red Daisies and Dark Stems for Dramatic Borders
Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower (Echinacea 'Dark Shadows Wicked') brings real drama — deep, velvety red daisies with rich dark-toned stems and buds, on a sturdy, compact, well-branched plant. The moody coloring is striking against silver and chartreuse foliage. Blooming from early summer into fall, it draws bees and butterflies and feeds goldfinches in autumn. Drought-tough and deer-resistant, it's a bold, dramatic choice for sunny borders in Edina, Eagan, and Maple Grove.
Dark Shadows Wicked Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Dark Shadows Wicked' |
| Mature Size | 20–24 in. tall, 18–22 in. wide |
| Hardiness Zone | 4–9 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a — fully hardy) |
| Light | Full sun (6+ hours) |
| Bloom Time | Early summer into fall |
| Flower Color | Deep velvety red on dark stems |
| 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
Dramatic pollinator borders: The dark stems and deep-red blooms create striking contrast with light foliage and flowers. Space 18–22 inches apart.
Cut-flower and low-water beds: Moody, long-lasting blooms for bouquets; tough in hot, dry spots. Leave seed heads for goldfinches. Pair with silver artemisia, catmint, 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 Dark Shadows Wicked 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 18–22 inches apart.
Watering Dark Shadows Wicked 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: What makes it dramatic?
Deep velvety-red flowers paired with dark stems and buds give it a moody, high-contrast look that stands out in the border.
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
Kismet Red Coneflower (Echinacea): A bright red for the compact border.
Silver Artemisia: Silvery foliage that sets off the dark blooms.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style border.