SOMBRERO® Hot Coral Coneflower

SOMBRERO® ‘Hot Coral’ is the trade name for the Echinacea selection ‘Balsomcor’. Its compact, upright plants carry coral-to-orange flowers with a coppery cone, and its dense branching makes a bright accent in a sunny border. ## Landscape Use Use it in a sunny mixed border, in a small group, or in a container where the flowers can be viewed up close. Its sturdy stems and repeated flowering suit a front or middle position in a perennial bed. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Exact-selection sources report mature dimensions around 22–24 inches tall by 18–24 inches wide, with some supplier listings giving a narrower spread; USDA zone ranges are commonly listed as 4–9. ## Seasonal Interest The orange-red ray petals open through coral tones and age toward orange, surrounding a warm brown cone. Blooming is reported from summer into early fall, with many listings giving July through September. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and allow the soil to drain freely. Remove faded flowers if you prefer a tidier display; leaving some seedheads provides food for birds. Cut old stems back in late winter or early spring. The [Canadian Food Inspection Agency record](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/conf/app00008400e.shtml) confirms ‘Balsomcor’ as the cultivar denomination and Sombrero Hot Coral as its trade name. The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/echinacea-balsomcor-coneflower) describes its upright habit, orange flowers, border and container uses, and butterfly interest; [NVK Nurseries](https://www.nvknurseries.com/plant/Echinacea-x-Sombrero-Hot-Coral-Balsomcor) lists exact-selection size, color, light, and soil details. [Illinois Extension](https://extension.illinois.edu/flowers/purple-coneflower) describes how deadheading can extend coneflower bloom and retained seedheads can feed birds.