Moab Sunset Coneflower
Moab Sunset Coneflower
Fragrant Sunset Tones for the Pollinator Border
Moab Sunset Coneflower (Echinacea 'Moab Sunset') blooms in glowing layers of rose, orange, and gold — like a desert sunset captured in a flower — with a light, sweet fragrance that's rare among coneflowers. The large, slightly ruffled blooms appear from midsummer into fall on sturdy stems, feeding bees and butterflies and offering goldfinches seed in autumn. Drought-tough and deer-resistant, it's a warm, fragrant focal point for sunny borders in Edina, Woodbury, and Plymouth.
Moab Sunset Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Moab Sunset' |
| 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 | Rose, orange, and gold sunset blend |
| 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
Pollinator and cut-flower gardens: The fragrant, sunset-toned blooms are a butterfly favorite and lovely in bouquets. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Low-water sunny borders: Tough in hot, well-drained spots; leave seed heads for goldfinches and winter interest. Pair with grasses, yarrow, and catmint.
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 Moab Sunset 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 Moab Sunset 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 really fragrant?
Yes — Moab Sunset carries a light, sweet scent, a welcome bonus among coneflowers.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 with good drainage; leave stems up over winter for crown protection.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Generally yes — deer usually avoid coneflowers, though young growth may be sampled.
Q: What colors will I see?
A shifting blend of rose, orange, and gold, often several tones at once across the plant.
You May Also Like
Sweet Sandia Coneflower (Echinacea): Another fragrant, large-flowered coneflower.
Yarrow (Achillea): Flat-topped blooms for a sunny, drought-tough border.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style pairing.
How Many Moab Sunset Coneflower Do I Need?
Space plants 18–24 in. apart for a full pollinator border. At 21 in. spacing:
| Run length | Plants needed (21 in. spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 3 |
| 10 ft | 6 |
| 15 ft | 9 |
| 20 ft | 12 |
For the richest color effect, plant in groups of 3–5.
Moab Sunset Coneflower Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A low rosette of green leaves emerges and sends up sturdy flower stems.
- Summer: Lightly fragrant, slightly ruffled blooms open in a shifting blend of rose, orange, and gold from midsummer on, alive with bees and butterflies.
- Fall: Color continues into autumn and the cones ripen into seed heads.
- Winter: Standing seed heads feed goldfinches and add structure above the snow.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Four-Season Interest
Plant It With
- Sweet Sandia Coneflower — another fragrant, large-flowered coneflower to extend the show.
- Mellow Yellows Coneflower — soft yellow tones that blend beautifully with the sunset shades.
- Moonshine Yarrow — flat gold flower heads for a sunny, drought-tough border.
- Little Bluestem — a native grass for a prairie-style pairing.
Is Moab Sunset Coneflower Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates clay and lean ground, and stands up to heat, drought, and deer. Not a fit in heavy shade or soggy winter soil — wet crowns are the main cause of loss for coneflowers.