(Coneflower) Echinacea ‘Ruby Giant’ boasts huge 7-inch flowers with petals that occur in a double row and do not droop like other common echinacea. ‘Ruby Giants’ blooms are also long-lasting and abundant, sitting atop sturdy branched stems and providing color from early summer into fall. Echinacea, including ‘Ruby Giant’, are tolerant of many things, including drought, heat and humidity, and poor soil conditions, making them a must-have plant for the mixed border. Butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist the rich rose-red color of ‘Ruby Giant’, whereas deer tend to just walk on by. Deadheading will encourage more blooms, but be sure to leave some mature flowerheads on to provide seed for the birds throughout the fall and create winter interest. Some great companion plants for ‘Ruby Giant’ are daylilies, ornamental grasses, and Rudbeckia ‘Black-eyed Susan’.
