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

Ratibida columnifera Photo/Illustration: Todd Meier

(Based on 3 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ratibida columnifera rah-TIB-ih-dah kol-um-NIF-er-ah Common Name: Mexican hat, Prairie coneflower, Long-head coneflower Synonyms: Lepachus columnifera, Rudbeckia columnifera Genus: Ratibida
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.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Sombrero-shaped yellow flowers with long central cones bloom for a long time.
 Care: Needs average, dry to medium, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils in full sun. Intolerant of moist heavy clays. This plant is drought resistant.
 Propagation: May be grown from seed, but will not flower until the second year. Sow seed in early spring in a cold frame. Divide perennials in spring when young, before they become too woody.
 Problems: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, leaf smut, and fungal spots occur occasionally.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Brown Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual
Style Cottage Garden, Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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