I have a red perennial that looks a lot like coneflower or daisy (not like gerbera).?

Question

I bought it at Lowes this year (08) in E. WA. As it blooms, the center pops, and the petals start to bend back like the coneflower, but I would have remembered, for sure, if that was the type. It is tall (24") and red, and not a mum, either.

Answer 1

So give Laurel her best answer.

Answer 2

Gaillardia?  Painted Daisy?  What is the foliage like?

Answer 3

There are all kinds of coneflowers out there, many hybrids.  Why not just go back to Loewe's and ask a garden center worker what plant you have?