Butterfly™ 'Rainbow Marcella' Coneflower

Butterfly™ ‘Rainbow Marcella’ is a compact Echinacea with daisy-like flowers that open orange and pink, then soften toward pink as they mature. The breeder lists an 18-inch height, an 18–24-inch spread, full sun, and flowering from June into September; independent trial and garden references show that size and bloom timing can vary by site. ## Garden use Use this upright selection in a sunny border, container, mass planting, or cutting garden. Its changing sherbet colors bring warm contrast through summer, and the breeder specifically recommends it for butterfly gardens. Trial observations record pink-and-orange flowers and a 30-inch by 30-inch plant, so allow room for a broader clump where conditions favor more growth. ## Growing conditions Choose moist but well-drained soil and give the plant full sun for best flowering. The breeder describes it as drought tolerant once established; water new plantings while they develop roots and reduce irrigation only when the soil and weather allow. ## Maintenance Remove spent flowers if you want to limit seed formation and encourage a tidier display. Leave some mature seed heads standing into late season for birds and winter interest, or cut stems for arrangements. Sources: [AB Cultivars](https://www.ab-cultivars.com/?portfolio=echinacea-rainbow-marcella), [Mt. Cuba Center trial](https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/echinacea-mid-atlantic-region/echinacea-rainb299-rainbow-marcella/), [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/echinacea-rainbow-marcella-rainbow-marcella-coneflower).