Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener
Plant Search
James H. Schutte
Asteraceae
Ratibida columnifera
Mexican Hat
The common name "Mexican hat" aptly describes the sombrero-like blossoms of this perennial from prairies and meadows of central North America. It is often cultivated as an annual or biennial.
This hardy perennial forms dense mounds of lacy, finely lobed, gray-green leaves. Showy blossoms with drooping yellow rays and a long protruding central cone are borne on tall branching stems from early to late summer. The rays of variety pulcherimma are variously stained with purple. The thimble-shaped cone is light green aging to brown. Butterflies visit the flowers, as do other small bees and insects. Plants will often self-sow if not deadheaded.
Grow Mexican hat in full sun and well-drained, circumneutral soil. It dislikes damp conditions. Use this perennial in meadow and prairie plantings, mixed borders, and cutting gardens. Cultivar 'Red Midget' is a low-growing selection with maroon, yellow-rimmed rays.
10 - 1
3 - 10
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Southwestern United States, Texas, Canada, Mexico
Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Fast
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer
Showy
Yellow, Purple, Burgundy, Light Green, Brown
Bicolor
Brown
Light Green, Gray Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower
Birds, Butterflies
© 2006-2012 Preferred Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
