General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Herb/Forb
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 4a -34.4 °C (-30 °F) to -31.7 °C (-25 °F)
Maximum recommended zone: Zone 10b
Plant Height: 16 - 22 inches
Plant Spread: 23 inches
Flowers: Showy
Fragrant
Flower Color: Lavender
Mauve
Pink
Other: Combining rich tyrian rose, mauve and lavender
Flower Time: Summer
Late summer or early fall
Other: July, August, September, October
Uses: Cut Flower
Wildlife Attractant: Butterflies
Resistances: Deer Resistant
Propagation: Other methods: Division
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs excellent drainage in pots

Image
Trade name information:
Series: Secret™
Cultivar name: 'Secret Affair'
Common names
  • Coneflower

Photo Gallery
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Date: 2014-06-27
Photo by Rose1656
Location: Hornbaker's Gardens, Princeton, IL
Date: 2015-09-12

Photo courtesy Terra Nova Nurseries Inc. www.terranovanurseries.c
Comments:
  • Posted by BookerC1 (Mackinaw, IL - Zone 5a) on Oct 22, 2015 1:08 PM concerning plant:
    May appear to be a single bloom when it first opens, displaying a row of pink florets. As it ages, the crested center will become fuller and more prominent, until it forms a nearly sphere-shaped bloom, with the florets bending downward toward the stem.

    Very dramatic and appealing in the border, with good drought resistance once established.
  • Posted by Catmint20906 (PNW WA half hour south of Olympia - Zone 8a) on Aug 23, 2014 3:02 PM concerning plant:
    Echinacea 'Secret Affair' is a very pretty double-blossomed coneflower with an early to mid summer bloom time. It is also fragrant.

    Unlike single-blossomed Echinacea, the double-blossomed cultivars like 'Secret Affair' do not attract pollinators. The bees and butterflies seem to not be able to access the nectar easily through the thick bloom cover, and so pass it by. If you are looking for a lovely dusty pink blossom color, this is it. If you are looking to attract the pollinators, you'll want to choose a single-bloom cultivar instead.

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