Sweet Sandia Coneflower
Sweet Sandia Coneflower
Big, Fragrant Watermelon-Pink Blooms for the Pollinator Border
Sweet Sandia Coneflower (Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia') delivers oversized, richly fragrant watermelon-pink daisies on strong stems all summer into fall. Bred from the tough prairie coneflower, it's a magnet for bees and butterflies, while goldfinches feast on the seed heads come autumn. Sturdy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, it's a standout for sunny borders and pollinator gardens in Edina, Woodbury, and Maple Grove.
Sweet Sandia Coneflower Plant Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Echinacea 'Sweet Sandia' |
| Mature Size | 24–32 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 | Fragrant watermelon-pink |
| 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: Bees and butterflies work the fragrant blooms all summer; the long, strong stems are excellent for bouquets. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Low-water sunny borders: Thrives in hot, well-drained spots and looks great with grasses. Leave the seed heads standing for goldfinches and winter interest. Pair with yarrow, catmint, and little bluestem.
Best Time to Plant in Minnesota
Plant in spring (late April–May) or early fall. Coneflowers need good drainage — avoid soggy winter soil to maximize hardiness.
How to Plant Sweet Sandia Coneflower
Dig a hole twice the pot's width at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with compost for drainage. Set the crown level, backfill, water in, and mulch lightly, keeping mulch off the crown. Space 18–24 inches apart.
Watering Sweet Sandia 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. Avoid overwatering.
Q: Will it survive a Minnesota winter?
Yes — hardy to zone 4 with good drainage. Wet winter soil is the main risk; leave stems up over winter for added crown protection.
Q: Is it really fragrant?
Yes — the 'Sweet' series is bred for noticeably fragrant flowers, unusual among coneflowers.
Q: Is it deer-resistant?
Generally yes — deer usually avoid coneflowers, though they may sample tender new growth; established plants are rarely touched.
Q: Should I deadhead?
Deadhead for more blooms, or leave late seed heads for goldfinches and winter structure.
You May Also Like
Kismet Raspberry Coneflower (Echinacea): A compact, richly colored pollinator partner.
Yarrow (Achillea): Flat-topped blooms for a sunny, drought-tough border.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium): A native grass that complements coneflowers beautifully.