Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Mid summer to late autumn
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Ratibida are commonly known as the ‘Prairie Coneflower’ or the ‘Mexican Hat flower’. They originate from North America, Canada and North Mexico and are a close relation to Rudbeckia. Flowering from mid-summer to late autumn, these showy plants display large columnar centers and colourful descending petals. They are best suited to containers, flower beds and borders within prairie, cottage and informal garden settings. You should expect to see Ratibida grow to an approximate height of 1.8m (72”) and a spread of 40cm (16”).
Ratibida are best planted in well-drained soil of clay, loam or sand. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball, watering thoroughly and deeply once it is settled into place. Ratibida are best positioned in full sun although they will tolerate areas of part shade.
You may wish to stake taller varieties in exposed sites to retain good structure and a pleasing appearance. However, generally its lax, informal habit rarely gets damaged by prevailing winds due to their sturdy stems. You may wish to mulch around the base of your plant to retain moisture levels and to suppress weeds. Water your plants thoroughly and close to the roots, avoiding the foliage.
It is possible to propagate Ratibida by seed or by division during spring.
