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.
How Many Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower Do I Need?
At roughly 18 in spacing, use this as a quick guide for a sunny drift:
| Run length | Plants needed |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 20 ft | 13 plants |
| 30 ft | 20 plants |
| 40 ft | 27 plants |
For the boldest contrast, plant in drifts of 5–7 spaced 18 in apart; single plants read best grouped in at least threes.
Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Dark-tinged basal foliage and near-black stems emerge, with the first buds forming by late spring.
- Summer: The main event — velvety deep-red daisies on dark stems from early summer on; bees and butterflies work the cones nonstop.
- Fall: Blooming continues toward frost; leave the spent cones standing for goldfinches that feed on the seed.
- Winter: Dark seed heads hold structure above the snow; cut back in early spring before new growth.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower — multicolor coneflowers extend the daisy show in the same sunny, lean bed.
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — golden cones play off the deep-red blooms and share the drought tolerance.
- Little Bluestem — native grass adds airy texture and fall color behind the dark stems.
- Butterfly Weed — vivid orange native milkweed for an even bigger pollinator draw.
Is Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower Right for Your Yard?
Dark Shadows Wicked thrives in full sun and average-to-lean, well-drained soil, and deer usually leave it alone. Not a fit if your bed stays soggy over winter — coneflowers rot in cold, wet ground — and young plants may be nibbled before they toughen up.