Kismet Raspberry Coneflower
Kismet Raspberry Coneflower
Rich Raspberry-Magenta Daisies on a Compact, Nonstop Bloomer
Kismet Raspberry Coneflower (Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry') covers itself in deep raspberry-magenta daisies from early summer into fall on a tidy, densely branched plant. Bred for a compact habit and outstanding flower count, it blooms early, never flops, and brings rich, jewel-toned color to the border. Bees and butterflies love it, and goldfinches feast on the autumn seed heads. Drought-tough and deer-resistant, it's a vibrant pollinator favorite for sunny beds in Edina, Woodbury, and Apple Valley.
Kismet Raspberry Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry' |
| Mature Size | 16–20 in. tall, 16–20 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 | Rich raspberry-magenta |
| 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
Jewel-toned pollinator borders: The rich magenta blooms pair beautifully with silver and chartreuse foliage. Space 16–18 inches apart.
Low-water sunny beds: Tough in hot, dry spots; leave seed heads for goldfinches. Pair with catmint, Russian sage, 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 Kismet Raspberry 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 16–18 inches apart.
Watering Kismet Raspberry 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: How is the Kismet series different?
It's bred for a dense, compact habit with early, heavy bloom on sturdy, non-flopping stems.
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 hotter red tone from the same series.
Russian Sage (Perovskia): Airy blue spires that contrast the magenta blooms.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style border.
How Many Kismet Raspberry Coneflower Do I Need?
At 16–20 inches wide, space plants about 18 inches apart for a full, knit-together drift. Use the run-length guide below for mass plantings, or set them in groups of 3–5 for a strong color block in a mixed border.
| Run length | Plants needed |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 plants |
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 15 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 14 plants |
Kismet Raspberry Coneflower Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A compact, densely branched clump leafs out; no staking needed thanks to the sturdy Kismet habit.
- Summer: Nonstop raspberry-magenta daisies from early summer on, swarmed by bees and butterflies.
- Fall: Bloom carries into autumn; let the cones ripen into seed heads for the goldfinches.
- Winter: Leave the stiff stems and seed heads standing — they feed birds, protect the crown, and add structure above the snow.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Four-Season Interest
Plant It With
- Kismet Red Coneflower — a hotter red tone from the same compact series.
- Kismet White Coneflower — crisp white to brighten the rich magenta.
- Little Bluestem — native grass for airy prairie-style contrast.
- Moonshine Yarrow — silver foliage and gold flowers that set off the magenta.
Is Kismet Raspberry Coneflower Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (clay and lean ground are fine if not wet), holding its jewel-toned color on sturdy, non-flopping stems that pollinators adore. Not a fit if the spot stays soggy over winter — coneflowers need sharp drainage to overwinter reliably here.