Mexican Hat, Ratibida Columnaris

Mexican Hat Flower 24-30” Hardy Perennial Wildflower

This is a native American Wildflower and is very hardy surviving well into Zone 3. May be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before spring ¼” deep at 65 degrees or direct seeded. Transplants well. Space 12" Should have full direct sun and does very well in hot, dry locations. This is a native wildflower of New Mexico. Fun and hearty. I especially love the all yellow variety. Blooms the first year. Should be divided or thinned out every few years to maintain vigor. Does not require rich soil. Likes wild, dry deserts or mountain roadsides. Blooms mid-summer into fall and puts on a beautiful show!. Butterflies and bees are attracted to this plant as well.

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Tags: Hat, Mexican, coneflower, wildflower
Albums: Creekside Garden

Comment by Flighty on February 24, 2012 at 19:04: That looks to be an interesting flower, especially as it's good for bees and butterflies.

I see that there are two varieties, which go by the common name of Prairie Coneflower, available here in the UK - a yellow one Ratibida columnifera and a red dwarf one Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget', and that both are good for cutting.

I think that I'll put them on the list to try next year!

Comment by Christine Haese on February 24, 2012 at 22:35: I think you will enjoy them, especially if you let them ramble a bit. I have not found them very good for cutting as they wilt so quickly. Have fun!