How to Grow Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower

Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower

Echinacea purpurea 'Double Scoop Raspberry'

flower

Double Scoop Raspberry is a stunning cultivar of purple coneflower featuring fully double, raspberry-pink flowers that resemble scoops of ice cream. This compact, disease-resistant perennial blooms profusely from early summer through fall and attracts pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens.

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Example Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower blooms
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Double Scoop Raspberry Coneflower dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates)

💧

Water: Moderate watering; water deeply when soil is dry to the touch. Drought tolerant once established. Water at soil level to prevent powdery mildew. Reduce watering in winter.

📏

Spacing: 18 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90 days from transplant to first bloom

🌱

Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds need light to germinate, so press lightly into soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost for organic matter Perlite or sand if soil is heavy clay Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

Seedling/Establishment

3-4 weeks

Small rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves developing from germinated seed or young transplant

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Protect from strong wind.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops fuller foliage and stronger root system; height increases to 18-24 inches with multiple stems forming

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer if planting in poor soil. Pinch back if needed to encourage bushier growth.

Bud Formation & Flowering

3-4 months (early summer to fall frost)

Flower buds appear on stem tips; double, raspberry-pink petals form distinctive 'scoop' shape; blooms are typically 2-3 inches across

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide consistent moisture during hot periods. Stake if needed in windy locations.

Seed Head Formation

4-6 weeks in fall

After flowering, seed heads develop (less prominent in double forms due to full petals); brown, spiky centers remain ornamental

Leave seed heads on plant for wildlife and winter interest if desired. Can allow self-seeding in garden. Cut back in late fall or early spring.

Dormancy

4-5 months (November-March in most zones)

Plant dies back to ground in winter; roots remain alive underground and will regrow in spring

Cut back dead foliage in late fall or leave as winter mulch/wildlife shelter. Mulch around base in colder zones. No watering needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan) Salvia Daylilies Catmint Sedum Ornamental grasses Blanket flower Russian sage

Avoid planting near:

Allelopathic plants that release growth-inhibiting chemicals Plants requiring frequent watering in heavy clay soils (water needs differ significantly)

Common Pests

Improve air circulation, water at soil level (not foliage), provide adequate spacing. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil if needed. Choose resistant cultivars.
Control leafhopper vectors with insecticidal soap. Remove infected plants immediately. Choose resistant Echinacea varieties when possible.
Increase humidity, spray foliage with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure adequate watering.
Hand-pick early morning, use Japanese beetle traps away from plants, apply neem oil, encourage natural predators.

Uses

🍳

Herbal Tea & Infusions

Culinary

Coneflower roots and flowers can be dried and brewed into immune-supporting herbal tea. The flowers add beautiful color and mild flavor to herbal blends. [source]

💊

Immune Support

Medicinal

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has been traditionally used to support immune function and reduce cold/flu duration. Active compounds include alkylamides and polysaccharides. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The double flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting local ecosystems. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Craft

The distinctive double pink blooms are excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements, adding unique texture and color to floral designs. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping

Household

Double Scoop Raspberry is ideal for perennial borders, cottage gardens, containers, and landscape beds, providing months of reliable color with minimal care. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Double Scoop Raspberry is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly (pinch or cut just below flower) to promote continuous flowering throughout summer and fall. Flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements when fully open; they last 1-2 weeks in a vase.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Double Scoop' series of Echinacea was bred to produce fully double flowers, which are sterile and cannot produce seeds, ensuring flowers remain showy all season without energy devoted to seed production.
🌱 Purple coneflower was used extensively by Native American tribes and early American herbalists for wound healing and immune support before becoming a mainstream herbal remedy.
🌱 Unlike single-flowered Echinacea varieties, the fully double forms like Double Scoop Raspberry are less attractive to native bees seeking pollen, though other pollinators still visit.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial Pinch Back Transplant

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