Kismet Red Coneflower
Kismet Red Coneflower
Rich Tomato-Red Daisies on a Compact, Nonstop Bloomer
Kismet Red Coneflower (Echinacea 'Kismet Red') brings deep, saturated tomato-red daisies to the border from early summer into fall on a tidy, densely branched plant. Bred for a compact habit and prolific bloom, it flowers early, holds its color well, and never flops. Bees and butterflies work the blooms all season, and goldfinches enjoy the fall seed heads. Drought-tough and deer-resistant, it's a bold pollinator favorite for sunny beds in Eden Prairie, Eagan, and Maple Grove.
Kismet Red Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Kismet Red' |
| 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 tomato-red aging to warm coral |
| 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
Bold pollinator borders: The hot red blooms make a strong statement massed in drifts. Space 16–18 inches apart.
Low-water sunny beds: Tough in hot, dry spots; leave seed heads for goldfinches. Pair with yellow yarrow, 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 Kismet Red 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 Red 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: Does the color fade?
Blooms open a rich tomato-red and mellow to warm coral as they age, giving depth across the plant.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Generally yes — deer usually avoid coneflowers, though young growth may be sampled.
You May Also Like
Kismet Raspberry Coneflower (Echinacea): A cooler magenta tone from the same series.
Yarrow (Achillea): Gold, flat-topped blooms to contrast the red daisies.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style border.
How Many Kismet Red 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 Red 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 tomato-red 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 Raspberry Coneflower — a cooler magenta tone from the same series.
- Sombrero Salsa Red Coneflower — another ultra-hardy red coneflower to deepen the drift.
- Moonshine Yarrow — flat gold flowers that contrast the tomato-red daisies.
- Little Bluestem — native grass for prairie-style texture and movement.
Is Kismet Red Coneflower Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil (it handles clay and lean ground if it isn't soggy), opening rich tomato-red daisies that mellow to coral while bees and butterflies feed. Not a fit if your bed stays wet in winter — give it the sharp drainage every coneflower needs to return each spring.