Echinacea DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’
Overview
Uses: Bold focal points in perennial beds, dramatic pollinator gardens, dark-themed or moody garden designs, front-of-border accents, mixed perennial plantings, and statement container displays.
Benefits: DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ stands out with its fresh, watermelon-pink blooms held on distinctive brown stems. The contrast between the soft, juicy pink petals and the darker stems gives this coneflower a moody, designer look that reads both playful and edgy in the garden. Strong branching, heavy flowering, and reliable summer performance make it a standout choice for high-impact color and texture.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
Life Cycle: Herbaceous Perennial
Sun: Full Sun
Mature Height: 18" – 24"
Mature Width: 20" – 26"
Bloom Season: Early summer through fall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Dial up the drama with the watermelon-pink blooms and dark brown stems of Echinacea DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked.’
This striking coneflower combines cheerful, fruit-toned petals with shadowy, brown-colored stems for a look that feels modern and slightly mischievous. The petals open in vivid watermelon pink and keep their saturated tone as they surround a rich, dark cone, creating a layered contrast that pops in both daylight and evening garden light.
DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ starts blooming early and continues well into fall, drawing in butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Sturdy, branching stems keep flowers upright—even in summer storms—making it reliable in the landscape and excellent for cutting. Once established, it thrives in heat, humidity, and periods of drought.
Care
DARK SHADOWS Wicked Coneflower Care
Plant in full sun for the richest color and the heaviest flower production. Aim for at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best performance.
Grow in well-drained soil. DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ tolerates sandy or rocky conditions but should not sit in waterlogged soil. Avoid heavy clay or locations prone to standing water unless drainage is improved.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish a strong root system. After that, it becomes quite drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, needing only occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
For enhanced bloom production, apply a slow release fertilizer in spring. Our slow release fertilizer pairs perfectly with coneflowers and other full-sun perennials.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continual flowering through the season. In fall, you can leave seed heads standing to provide winter food for birds and textural interest, then cut back old stems in late winter or early spring.
Size
What Size is DARK SHADOWS Wicked for Sale Online?
Our Echinacea DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot, appropriately sized for its stage of growth. For specific questions about plant size or spacing, please contact us.
How Large Does DARK SHADOWS Wicked Grow?
Typically grows 18" – 24" tall and spreads 20" – 26" wide when fully mature.
Additional Information
Common Names of Echinacea DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’
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Dark Shadows Wicked Coneflower
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Watermelon Pink Coneflower
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Brown-Stemmed Echinacea
What Makes DARK SHADOWS ‘Wicked’ Unique?
DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ is known for its distinctive combination of watermelon-pink petals and naturally brown stems. This built-in contrast gives the plant a moody, designer look in the garden—especially when paired with grasses, silver foliage, or soft pastel companions. The dark cone further deepens the overall effect, highlighting the brightness of the petals.
Is DARK SHADOWS ‘Wicked’ Good for Cut Flowers?
Yes—its long, sturdy, brown-toned stems and bold watermelon-pink blooms make it an excellent choice for fresh arrangements. Harvest when petals are fully open for the best color and vase life.
Does DARK SHADOWS ‘Wicked’ Perform Well in Heat?
Very well. DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ has been selected for strong summer performance, maintaining bloom quality and sturdy stems during hot, sunny conditions when many perennials begin to fade.
Is DARK SHADOWS ‘Wicked’ Attractive to Pollinators?
Absolutely. Its long-lasting, open-centered blooms invite bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the season. The seed heads provide a natural food source for finches and songbirds later in the year.
How Does DARK SHADOWS Compare to SunSeekers or KISMET®?
DARK SHADOWS™ ‘Wicked’ emphasizes mood and contrast—watermelon-pink petals, dark cones, and brown stems—creating a bolder, edgier look than many traditional echinacea. SunSeekers varieties are known for their color-shifting petals, while KISMET® selections tend to be extra compact and floriferous. Together, these series give gardeners multiple options for color, size, and style, with ‘Wicked’ serving as the dramatic, brown-stemmed star of darker or more modern garden themes.
