Genus Ratibida (Mexican hat, Prairie coneflower)

Ratibida columnifera Photo/Illustration: Todd Meier

rah-TIB-ih-dah Common Name: Mexican hat, Prairie coneflower

Ratibida is a small genus of only 5 or 6 species from the prairies of North America and Mexico. These biennials and perennials have woody crowns and branching stems topped by yellow cone-shaped flowers with prominent columnar florets. They are useful in a sunny border, wildflower meadow, or for cutting.
Noteworthy characteristics: Daisy-like flowers that resemble small sombreros. Good cut flower. Drought-resistant.
Care: These prairie plants need dry, well-drained, moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. They are drought-resistant.
Propagation: Start seed in containers in a cold frame in early spring. Divide perennials in spring when young (mature plants have woody roots).
Problems: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf smut, and fungal spots sometimes affect Ratibida.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ratibida

Ratibida columnifera
(Mexican hat, Prairie coneflower, Long-head coneflower) (2 user reviews)

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This perennial coneflower, sometimes grown as an annual, has a long season of flowers on thin, branching stems. The flowers resemble small hats, with yellow reflexed ray florets and large greenish-brown columnar centers.

Spectacular Spring Bloomers
These perennials are the light at the end of the long, wintry tunnel by Dave Demers

VIDEO Potting Soil Recipe for Woody Plants and Perennials
This long-lasting mixture is the perfect medium for long-term plants by Rita Randolph

VIDEO The Hunt for the Best Heucheras
A plant expert tells us which cultivars stand out from the rest by Allan Armitage

The Season's First Flowers
For a welcome ray of sunshine, try these 10 plants that bloom in winter by Mike Lee

Be Bold with Fine Texture
by Megan Smith

Great Plants, Vol.2Learn how to choose and use the best plant varieties for your gardenMore Info

The Gardener’s Guide to Common-Sense Pest ControlLeast-toxic solutions for your gardenMore Info

The Complete Book of Plant PropagationDemystifying this essential artMore Info