Panama Rose Coneflower
Panama Rose Coneflower
Plush Double Rose Pompoms on a Compact Coneflower
Panama Rose Coneflower (Echinacea 'Panama Rose') brings full, double rose-pink pompom blooms to a tidy, compact, well-branched plant. Flowering from midsummer into fall, the fluffy, long-lasting blooms add rich texture to the border and draw bees and butterflies, with seed heads for goldfinches in autumn. Drought-tough and deer-resistant, it's a charming, full-flowered choice for sunny borders and containers in Edina, Eagan, and Maple Grove.
Panama Rose Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Panama Rose' |
| 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 | Midsummer into fall |
| Flower Color | Double rose-pink pompoms |
| 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
Compact pollinator borders: The double pompoms add texture in a small footprint. Space 16–18 inches apart.
Cut-flower and sunny beds: Long-lasting blooms are great for bouquets; tough in hot, dry spots. Pair with catmint, grasses, and single coneflowers.
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 Panama Rose 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 Panama Rose 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: Do double coneflowers still feed pollinators?
Yes — bees and butterflies visit them, though single types offer easier access; mixing both supports pollinators best.
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: How big does it get?
A compact 16 to 20 inches — great for the front of the border and containers.
You May Also Like
Panama Red Coneflower (Echinacea): The red double from the same series.
Catmint (Nepeta): Blue spikes to contrast the rose pompoms.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass for a prairie-style border.
How Many Panama Rose Coneflower Do I Need?
Spaced about 17 inches apart, plan on roughly:
| Bed Run | Plants Needed |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 plants |
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 15 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 14 plants |
For a fuller look, plant in groups of 3–5, 16–18 inches apart.
Panama Rose Coneflower Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Fresh basal foliage pushes up; hold off cutting back until you see new growth.
- Summer: Double rose-pink pompoms open midsummer on tidy, well-branched stems and keep coming for weeks.
- Fall: Blooming carries into fall; let the last flowers form seed heads for goldfinches.
- Winter: Leave the stems standing — they add winter structure and shelter, then cut back in spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Four-Season Interest
Plant It With
- Panama Red Coneflower — the matching red double from the same series.
- Magnus Coneflower — a single purple coneflower that gives bees easier access.
- Little Bluestem — a native grass for a prairie-style backdrop.
- Blue Fortune Hyssop — upright blue spikes to contrast the rose pompoms.
Is Panama Rose Coneflower Right for Your Yard?
Panama Rose thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, shrugging off heat and dry spells once established, and deer usually leave it be. Not a fit if your bed stays shady or holds water over winter — soggy crowns rot and shaded plants flop and bloom poorly.