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Plant Patent #12,242. Love Coneflowers (Echinacea) but don't have the space for those vigorous, bushy plants? 'Kim's Knee-High' is a dwarf variety -- the first ever developed -- that combines the free-flowering ability of larger Coneflowers with a compact, neat habit. Just 18 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 20 inches wide, it is suitable for the front of the border, patio, and even the smallest garden patch!

You will love these big 3 1/2-inch blooms. They hold their central cone -- a large button of russet-brown -- up above the petals, making it easier for birds and butterflies to feast. The long, thin, super-bright petals spread into a wide, colorful skirt below the cone. This is not a variety to plant just one of -- you'll want a swirling sea of bright color! And these plants are so floriferous that you can cut plenty of blooms for the house and still have masses for the garden.

The color show begins in mid- to late summer in the sun-soaked garden, and continues well into fall in mild climates. Coneflower is one of North America's finest native plants, so it's widely adapted to tough growing conditions. Heat, drought, and poor soil are no problem. Much beloved for its ability to attract masses of butterflies, 'Kim's Knee-High' also offers tempting treats for the birds when the cones dry out on the plants.

'Kim's Knee-High' was developed by Kim Hawks, an authority on native plants. It is terrifically hardy and easy to grow, thriving in just about any well-drained soil.

Space 'Kim's Knee-High' plants about 12 to 15 inches apart for thickest, most lush coverage. Enjoy! Zones 3-9.