Ratibida

( RAT - ih - bid - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of perennial flowering plants, commonly known as Prairie Coneflower or Mexican Hat, needs full sun and moderate water, and bloom for a long season in summertime. They are wonderful in casual borders when planted amongst grasses and other perennials, and will attract pollinators like butterflies and birds into the landscape.

Ratibida Species and Varietals

The genus Ratibida is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes seven distinct species. Ratibida grows well in all zones. ​To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ratibida columnifera (Mexican Hat, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Longhead Prairie Coneflower)
This species is native to the Great Plains region and reaches 2.5 feet tall and a foot wide. Flowers have drooping petals that are yellow or brownish purple. Cones are pronounced and brown. They get their common name from their likeness to a sombrero with a drooping brim. Variety Ratibida columnifera pulcherrima 'Red Midget' reaches 18 inches tall and wide.

Ratibida pinnata (Prairie Coneflower, Yellow Coneflower, Pinnate Prairie Coneflower, Gray-Head Coneflower, Yellow Coneflower)
This species of Ratibida is native to central North America and reaches 4 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide. The flower head has yellow petals and a rounded brown cone. These are hardy plants, and are commonly grown as garden ornamentals. A popular cultivar is 'Sunglow'.

Caring for Ratibida

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Ratibida
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 553, Ratibida
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