Fresco Apricot Coneflower (Echinacea Fresco ‘Apricot’) Fresco Apricot Coneflower (Echinacea Fresco ‘Apricot’) is a compact, early and long blooming coneflower selected for abundant apricot to soft peach daisies on sturdy, well branched plants. Flowering from early summer into fall, it brings warm, sunset toned color, clean foliage, and reliable performance to sunny borders, cottage beds, and patio containers. Distinctive Features Broad petals open in glowing apricot and mature through peach and soft honey tones around a raised copper cone. Strong, weather resistant stems keep flowers upright in heat and wind, while continuous bud set sustains a months long display. Blooms are rich in nectar for bees and butterflies; dried cones add texture and natural seed for finches. Growing Conditions Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering and compact habit; light afternoon shade is acceptable in very hot climates. Soil: Well drained garden soil; adapts to loam, sandy, or lightly rocky sites. Water: Moderate; water to establish, then allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9. Mature Size: Typically 14 to 20 inches tall and 14 to 18 inches wide. Ideal Uses Focal Point: Warm apricot blooms create high impact in mixed borders and entry beds. Pollinator Gardens: Nectar rich daisies support bees and butterflies. Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems and durable petals for bouquets. Containers: Naturally compact habit suits patio pots and balcony planters. Mass Plantings: Plant in drifts for a cohesive ribbon of summer color. Low Maintenance Care Watering: Deep, infrequent watering once established; avoid chronic wetness. Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to extend flowering; leave some cones for birds in fall. Fertilizing: Light spring feeding with slow release fertilizer or compost. Staking: Not required; naturally sturdy stems. Cleanup: Cut back in late fall or early spring to refresh growth. Why Choose Fresco Apricot Coneflower? Unique Apricot Palette: Soft, sunfast color that blends easily with many schemes. Extended Bloom: Flowers for months with minimal care. Landscape Tough: Heat and drought tolerant once established. Wildlife Friendly: Excellent nectar source and winter seed. Compact and Uniform: Reliable size and branching for tidy beds and containers. Echinacea Fresco ‘Apricot’ pairs warm, modern color with sturdy, low maintenance performance, bringing a long lasting, pollinator friendly highlight to sunny landscapes and patio planters.