Secret Lust Echinacea Echinacea 'Secret Lust' Play pronunciation

Echinacea 'Secret Lust' is a showy, fragrant, large-blossomed coneflower cultivar. It is a herbaceous perennial with a clumping, compact habit, growing 2 to 3 feet tall, and spreading up to 3 feet wide. It has strong, erect stems and medium green leaves. The flowers have large, red-orange center disc florets, resembling a pompom, and contrasting light pink or coral rays. They will bloom from late spring to late summer, and may have intermittent blooms until frost. The Echinacea 'Secret Lust' was granted PP23060 in 2012 and was developed by Terra Nova Nurseries.  Echinacea is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae).

This plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor, clay, dry, and rocky soils, but is intolerant of wet soils. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and is also tolerant of heat and humidity. Deadheading the spent blooms is recommended for continued blooming. To avoid overcrowding, divide the clumps about every 4 years. Unlicensed propagation is prohibited. 

Coneflowers attract birds and butterflies; however, the doubled center of this coneflower can make it difficult for pollinators to reach the nectar. Be sure to leave behind some seed heads for the birds to enjoy during the winter.

For a pop of color with a large-blossomed red-orange center, light coral rays, and long bloom time, consider using Coneflower 'Secret Lust' as a mass planting or border. It will also perform well as container planting, or planted in a rock, pollinator, or cutting garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for Japanese beetles and eriophyid mites. All coneflowers are susceptible to a viral-like disease known as aster yellows and to fungal and bacterial leaf spots.