Tomato Soup Coneflower

Tomato Soup is a vigorous Echinacea hybrid with large tomato-red to red-orange flower heads and a rounded golden-brown cone. Terra Nova lists it at about 22 inches tall and 32 inches wide in USDA Zones 4–9, flowering from midsummer into autumn ([Terra Nova Nurseries](https://www.terranovanurseries.com/product/echinacea-tomato-soup/)); North Carolina Extension describes its broad mature clump and pollinator and bird value ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/echinacea-tomato-soup/common-name/tomato-soup-echinacea/)). ## In the Garden This cultivar was bred from a line involving Echinacea paradoxa and Echinacea purpurea ‘Ruby Giant’. Its large flowers suit sunny mixed borders and cut-flower plantings, while the broad habit gives it room to spread. ## Growing Conditions Plant in full sun for the strongest red color; it also tolerates partial shade. It adapts to moist or dry soils and tolerates heat and drought. Average garden watering is appropriate while the plant is establishing. ## Maintenance Deadhead faded flowers when you want to encourage continued bloom. Leave some spent heads in place through winter for bird food and remove the old stems when spring growth begins.