Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ – Striking Blooms with Dark Stems

The Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ is an eye-catching perennial that combines bold flower colour with striking dark stems. Unlike traditional purple coneflowers, this variety stands out thanks to its intense magenta-pink petals, which surround prominent, bronze-orange central cones. The contrast between the vivid blooms and the deep purplish-black stems makes it one of the most dramatic echinaceas for modern borders.

Flowering from July through September, it adds reliable colour and structure to the summer garden, while its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and pollinators. Compact, long-flowering, and low-maintenance, ‘Fatal Attraction’ works beautifully in mixed borders, prairie-style planting schemes, or as a bold feature in patio pots.

General Information

Echinaceas, commonly known as coneflowers, are hardy perennials native to North America and renowned for their resilience, bold flowers, and pollinator appeal. The cultivar ‘Fatal Attraction’ was introduced in the early 2000s and is prized for its compact growth and unusual stem colour.

• Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with sturdy, dark stems.

• Height & spread: Typically grows 50–60cm tall and 40–50cm wide.

• Foliage: Mid-green, lance-shaped leaves forming a neat basal clump.

• Flowers: Magenta-pink, daisy-like petals with bronze-orange central cones; held on dark purplish-black stems.

• Flowering season: July to September, often continuing into early autumn.

• Position: Best in full sun; tolerates light partial shade.

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; thrives in sandy or loamy conditions but dislikes waterlogging.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland.

• Uses: Excellent for mixed borders, prairie-style gardens, wildlife-friendly planting, and cut flowers.

Its bold colouring and sturdy habit make it a versatile perennial that suits both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

Care Guide

Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ is easy to grow and thrives with minimal attention, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels.

Planting

• When to plant: Best in spring or early summer, though container plants can be set out at any time.

• Depth & spacing: Plant at the same depth as in the pot; space 40–50cm apart.

• Preparation: Add grit or sand to heavy soil to improve drainage.

Watering & Feeding

• Water regularly during the first year to establish deep roots.

• Once established, plants are drought-tolerant and only need watering in prolonged dry spells.

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring, or feed monthly with a liquid fertiliser during the growing season to support flowering.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage fresh flowers and prolong the display.

• Leave some seed heads intact in autumn – they add architectural winter interest and provide food for birds.

• Cut back stems to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

• Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring to rejuvenate plants and create new stock.

Protection

• Fully hardy in the UK, with no need for winter protection.

• Generally pest- and disease-free; may occasionally attract aphids or slugs.

• Ensure good drainage to avoid crown rot in wet winters.

Why Choose Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’?

This standout echinacea variety offers colour, structure, and wildlife value in one package.

• Bold blooms: Vivid magenta-pink flowers with contrasting bronze cones.

• Dramatic stems: Dark purplish-black stems add striking visual appeal.

• Wildlife-friendly: Nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Compact habit: Sturdy, upright growth is perfect for borders and pots.

• Low-maintenance: Hardy, drought-tolerant, and long-flowering.

The Echinacea purpurea ‘Fatal Attraction’ is a dramatic and reliable perennial that delivers months of colour, pollinator interest, and architectural value. Whether brightening a border, enhancing a prairie-style planting, or providing long-lasting cut flowers, it’s a must-have for gardens that value both style and substance.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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