Ratibida
Prairie comeflower, Mexican hat
- Height × spread
- 0.7m – 1.2m × 0.45m – 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These are classic Prairie plants and have a wild and carefree air. They are characterized by the central cone-shaped area at the centre of the bloom which in the case of Ratibida columnifera, is almost cylindrical, the yellow petals dancing round this central edifice. The cone flower has yellow daisies, and these are a feature from around the middle of summer going into autumn. They are of moderate height, reaching around 1.2 metres at most. The seed heads are scented with an aniseed fragrance.
- Flower colour
- Orange, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.7m – 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.45m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.
Established plants have a good degree of drought tolerance. Water after a prolonged period of drought. Many drought tolerant plants can rapidly revive, even when much of the foliage has died. They will respond with new growth.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.