Cara Mia™ Sands Coneflower

CARA MIA™ ‘Sands’ is a compact, mound-forming coneflower with bright white double petals, a cream-colored cone, and a fresh green eye. Its dense foliage supports abundant flowers, while the well-balanced habit helps the plant stay upright despite the flower count. ## Landscape Use Place it in a mixed bed, at the front of a border, or in a group for a bright summer display. The breeder also recommends it as a cut flower. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun and average, well-drained soil. The breeder lists foliage height near 14 inches, spread near 30 inches, and flower stems around 20 inches. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. ## Seasonal Interest Flowers are listed from June through October, with strongest garden presence in summer and continued flowering into fall. White petals and green foliage provide a crisp contrast among warmer colors. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and avoid leaving the crown in wet soil. Remove spent flower stems for a tidier appearance, or leave some seedheads for birds before cutting stems back in late winter. [Terra Nova Nurseries](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/product/echinacea-cara-mia-sands/) gives the cultivar’s size, zones, bloom months, color, light, soil, habit, and landscape uses; its [CARA MIA™ series listing](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/plant-series/echinacea-cara-mia-series/) confirms the series and growing context. [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/purple-coneflower) describes how deadheading can extend coneflower bloom and retained seedheads can feed birds.