Though I linked to my recent newspaper column about autumn containers in the previous post, I think it’s also worthwhile to spotlight Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, a coneflower cultivar named as an All-America Selections Award Winner in 2013.
Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’, foreground.
‘Cheyenne Spirit’ offers a varied range of flower colors rather than a single hue. Some plants produce typical purple, pink, or white flowers, while others offer unique tones of red, orange, gold, and cream. The cultivar is also especially sturdy and well-branched. Plus, like other coneflowers, it produces long-lasting blooms that open for 4 weeks or more, makes a good cut flower, attracts birds and butterflies, is tolerant of hot and dry sites, deer resistant, and easy to grow.
It’s only fair to mention, however, that feedback has been mixed on some of the other relatively new coneflowers with orange and red blooms, especially the ‘Sunrise’/’Sunset’ group, which doesn’t aways grace the garden for a second year.
In the pair of autumn containers on my front stoop, the dramatic ‘Cheyene Spirit’ plays the role of eye-catcher.
September porch pots.
In the Upstate of South Carolina, Echinacea typically blooms in mid to late summer, but these autumn-hued coneflowers, plus the Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ featured in second container, were specifically brought on later in the year to produce color for the fall season.
Those who live locally will be interested to know the four ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ coneflowers pictured were purchased in a single container at Home Depot for $15.98. What a bargain! And worth the gamble, don’t you think?
In addition to the Echinacea and the Coreopsis, plants include (L to R): ‘Everillo’ carex (C. oshimensis), purple heart (Setcreasea purpurea), creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa), variegated boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), ‘Hameln’ dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora), coral bells (Heuchera), variegated creeping myrtle (Vinca minor), and ‘Risky Business’ hosta.
Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’ and Carex ‘Everillo’.
Since the weather has begun to cool, I hope the flowers will last for an extended display. Later, when the containers are renewed for a final time with winter ornamentals, the Echinacea, Coreopsis, and Pennisetum will be potted up for the spring plant sale of the Greater Greenville Master Gardeners.
Sadly, these sun-loving perennials wouldn’t last in my shady garden, so it’s best to pass them along to a gardener who can grow them in the conditions they require.
Hortitopia 
Beautiful colours but as you say many fellow bloggers have found many of the newer Echinacea to be short live. To be honest even in Pete Ouldolf’s book he has them in the ‘ephemeral’ section, meaning they may not reliably be truly perennial.
Christina–Thanks for adding the interesting observation from Pete Ouldolf’s book. If a “perennial” price is charged for something you can’t count on, it’s not worth it in my book, but I hope the bargin containers get snapped up by locals.
It’s a nice mix of plants you’ve chosen Marian. I have one echinacea in that sunset series that has survived, but most did not. I really like the Coreopsis ‘Sienna Sunset’.
Susie–I like the Coreopsis too and it really is a beautiful complement for the larger flowers.
‘Cheyenne Spirit’ really does pack a punch. It’s so difficult to resist these red and orange Echinaceas when I see them for sale, even though I know they won’t last. Perhaps it’s time the industry recognised their shortcomings and sold them as annuals, appropriately priced.
Your porch display is lovely Marian, very autumnal.
Jessica–I agree. I should have mentioned, though, that Cheyenne Spirit can be grown from seed. Experts say if it’s started early it can bloom in the first year.
The only Echinacea that has survived long- term in my garden is an old variety (name unknown) handed down to me from a fellow gardener. I have started putting the more exotic ones in containers to enjoy as annuals! I really love that Coreopsis in your last photo – looks lovely with the Carex.
Cathy–You’re right, the chartreuse carex really makes the orange flowers pop. It’s a great combo.
A lovely, eye-catching display! I really love the coreopsis as well, it’s so subtly coloured
Matt–That coreopsis has a lot of personality, doesn’t it? And I think it gets the prize for Ms. Photogenic:-)
I like the color on this one, plus it looks to be nice and compact.
Jason–Yes, it is a little shorter than the species. Bluestone says it reaches 2-feet tall. Perfect for pots!
Such lovely colours, they would be ideal in my Sunset Border! I wish the Echinacaea lasted more than just one year, but I have to stick to the species I’m afraid.
Beautiful. I adore echinaceas. The lovely new hybrids make wonderful annuals. But as as already been discussed, they should not be sold as perennials.