Overview
Ratibida columnifera is a columnar upright perennial in the genus Ratibida, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Ratibida columnifera grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, prairie planting, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Manitoba and Massachusetts.
About
Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower, rocketflower, Mexican hat, and longhead prairie coneflower, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the genus Ratibida in the family Asteraceae. It is native to much of North America and inhabits prairies, plains, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ratibida columnifera
About the genus
Ratibida is a genus of North American plants in the tribe Heliantheae within the family Asteraceae. Members of the genus are commonly known as prairie coneflowers or Mexican-hat.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ratibida", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ratibida
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ratibida
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ratibida columnifera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Manitoba, Massachusetts
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ratibida columnifera
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back in late fall or early spring
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ratibida columnifera?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed.
Where is the best place to plant Ratibida columnifera?
Ratibida columnifera prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Ratibida columnifera need?
Ratibida columnifera grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Ratibida columnifera?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back in late fall or early spring.
How big does Ratibida columnifera grow?
Ratibida columnifera reaches a height of 0.8 m.
Is Ratibida columnifera hardy in the UK?
Ratibida columnifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Ratibida columnifera?
Seed, Division.