Coneflower: Mexican Hats (Ratibida columnifera var pulcherrima)
SKU:
$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
Yellow-edged red petals create a striking display on the rare, easy-to-grow wildflower. Fast growing, it does surprisingly well in even poor soil. These curious little "Mexican Hats" make a fun cut flower, as well as being an interesting point of interest in wildflower gardens, prairies, meadows, and cottage gardens!
Scientific Name: Ratibida columnifera var pulcherrima
Also Known As: Long-head Coneflower, Grey Headed Coneflower, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Red Hats, Thimble flower, Columnar Prairie Coneflower, Mexican Hat
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Blooms: June to Sept.
Growing Conditions: dry, well-drained soils, adaptable to most garden conditions and is quite drought-tolerant
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. There is really no advantage to planting Echinacea in colder soil, so wait until the soil reaches at least 50 ˚F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Full Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot). Prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade.
Water: Low. Dry. Excessively drained. Well drained, soil remains moist for a short period after precipitation. Once established, this plants only needs to be watered during drought or high heat periods. However, it doesn't hurt to give the plants some water every couple weeks, especially if the soil is dry.
Feeder: Moderate. Prefers rich soil.
Suitability: Sunny borders, native plant areas, meadows and prairies. Best grouped or massed because individual plants tend to appear somewhat sparse because of the leaves.
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Plant individual plants in 3 gallon pots or larger, or multiple plants in a narrow planter that is at least 1 1/2' wide. Add gravel to the bottom of the container to encourage draining. Place pots in full sun. Every spring, fertilize your plants and prune back dead flowers and leaves.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes. Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds, Deer
Forage: Edible to birds
Plant Height: 24-36"
Spacing: 15-18”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
Hardiness Zone: 3a-10b
Produces: Yellow-edged red petals create a striking display on the rare, easy-to-grow wildflower.
Garden Uses: Sunny borders, native plant areas, meadows and prairies. Best grouped or massed because individual plants tend to appear somewhat sparse because of the leaves.
Uses: This wildflower has served as a dye source, and the Cheyenne Indians used the parts of the plant to treat rattlesnake bites! Also used to treat poison ivy!
Also Known As: Long-head Coneflower, Grey Headed Coneflower, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Red Hats, Thimble flower, Columnar Prairie Coneflower, Mexican Hat
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Blooms: June to Sept.
Growing Conditions: dry, well-drained soils, adaptable to most garden conditions and is quite drought-tolerant
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. There is really no advantage to planting Echinacea in colder soil, so wait until the soil reaches at least 50 ˚F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Full Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot). Prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade.
Water: Low. Dry. Excessively drained. Well drained, soil remains moist for a short period after precipitation. Once established, this plants only needs to be watered during drought or high heat periods. However, it doesn't hurt to give the plants some water every couple weeks, especially if the soil is dry.
Feeder: Moderate. Prefers rich soil.
Suitability: Sunny borders, native plant areas, meadows and prairies. Best grouped or massed because individual plants tend to appear somewhat sparse because of the leaves.
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Plant individual plants in 3 gallon pots or larger, or multiple plants in a narrow planter that is at least 1 1/2' wide. Add gravel to the bottom of the container to encourage draining. Place pots in full sun. Every spring, fertilize your plants and prune back dead flowers and leaves.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes. Nectar-Bees, Nectar-Butterflies, Nectar-insects, Seeds-Granivorous birds, Deer
Forage: Edible to birds
Plant Height: 24-36"
Spacing: 15-18”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
Hardiness Zone: 3a-10b
Produces: Yellow-edged red petals create a striking display on the rare, easy-to-grow wildflower.
Garden Uses: Sunny borders, native plant areas, meadows and prairies. Best grouped or massed because individual plants tend to appear somewhat sparse because of the leaves.
Uses: This wildflower has served as a dye source, and the Cheyenne Indians used the parts of the plant to treat rattlesnake bites! Also used to treat poison ivy!
Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 5.5-7.5, Ideal 6.5-7.0. Prefers a rich, limey garden soil that drains well. If possible, plant in raised beds for better soil drainage and aeration.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", 1 time: Incorporate at least 2" of compost or well aged manure into the top 8" of soil before planting.
Soil pH: 5.5-7.5, Ideal 6.5-7.0. Prefers a rich, limey garden soil that drains well. If possible, plant in raised beds for better soil drainage and aeration.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2", 1 time: Incorporate at least 2" of compost or well aged manure into the top 8" of soil before planting.
Starting Coneflower Seeds Indoors for Spring
When starting Coneflower seeds indoors for spring, sow them 1/8" (cool soil) to 1/4" (Warm soil) deep in 2" Soil Blocks 8-10 weeks before the last frost date of your area. The soil temperature required for Coneflower seeds to germinate is between 55°F to 80°F. Try to maintain a soil temp of 65-70°F for the best germination possible.
Transplanting Coneflower Seedlings Outdoors in Spring
Transplant your Coneflower seeds outdoors 12-18" apart when your seedlings are 3 to 4" tall and after the last frost date of your area. There is really no advantage to planting this plant in colder soil, so wait until the soil reaches at least 60˚F. Coneflower will be most productive in a warm sunny spot, but will tolerate light shade as well as a wide range of weather conditions once it is established.
Starting Coneflower Seeds Outdoors in Spring
When starting Coneflower seeds outdoors in spring, direct sow them 1/8" (cool soil) to 1/4" (Warm soil) deep in 2" Soil Blocks after the last frost date of your area. The soil temperature required for Coneflower seeds to germinate is between 55°F to 80°F. Try to maintain a soil temp of 65-70°F for the best germination possible. There is really no advantage to planting this plant in colder soil, so wait until the soil reaches at least 60 ˚F. Coneflower will be most productive in a warm sunny spot, but will tolerate light shade as well as a wide range of weather conditions once it is established.
Ripening: For best quality, wait until your plants are 3 years old. Roots should experience a couple hard frosts before harvesting. Harvest roots in the fall after the plants have gone to seed. Harvest flowers when they start to open.
When and How:
Flower:
When: Harvest flowers when they begin to open up.
How: Use a sharp knife and cut the plant where the first healthy leaves are growing.
Root:
When: The root is harvested during the dormant period, preferably in the autumn after 2 or 3 years of growth (after the plant has gone to seed).
How: The roots are dug up with a garden fork or shovel, shaken free of dirt, and washed with a pressure hose. Large crowns will need to be hacked apart with a hatchet or machete in order to allow access to dirt and stones lodged at the base of the crown. Roots are pretty stable after washing and may be cold-stored or shipped over a period of several days without molding. However, it makes sense to make the fresh root tincture as soon as possible after washing, which will minimize oxidation.
When and How:
Flower:
When: Harvest flowers when they begin to open up.
How: Use a sharp knife and cut the plant where the first healthy leaves are growing.
Root:
When: The root is harvested during the dormant period, preferably in the autumn after 2 or 3 years of growth (after the plant has gone to seed).
How: The roots are dug up with a garden fork or shovel, shaken free of dirt, and washed with a pressure hose. Large crowns will need to be hacked apart with a hatchet or machete in order to allow access to dirt and stones lodged at the base of the crown. Roots are pretty stable after washing and may be cold-stored or shipped over a period of several days without molding. However, it makes sense to make the fresh root tincture as soon as possible after washing, which will minimize oxidation.
Roots: Wash roots thoroughly and pat dry. Cut pieces larger than 1" into smaller pieces to avoid mold growth during drying. Hang root pieces or lay on a screen away from direct sunlight. When completely dry, store in a tightly covered glass jar. Store in in cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: 50-65°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Flowers: Lay cut tops on a screen, or hang upside down in a dark place. Make sure they aren't so dense that air cannot circulate through them. When completely dry (crumbles when touched), store in a glass jar with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: 50-65°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Flowers: Lay cut tops on a screen, or hang upside down in a dark place. Make sure they aren't so dense that air cannot circulate through them. When completely dry (crumbles when touched), store in a glass jar with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Storage Req: Cool, Dry
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds.
Seed Viability in Years: 5-8 Years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Seed Viability in Years: 5-8 Years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Use Food: Beverage tea from leaves.
The leaves and stems are analgesic. An infusion is used to relieve the pain of headaches and to treat stomach aches and fevers. A decoction is used as a wash to relieve pain and to treat poison ivy rash. The decoction is also used as a wash to draw the poison out of a rattlesnakes bite.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Peonies, monarda, digitalis, delphinium, scabiosa, campanula, dianthus, and hardy geranium make nice companions.
Suggested Varieties
Bee Balm: Lemon (Monarda citriodora)
$1.00 - $5.60
With a delightful lemon scent and lavender flowers, this wildflower is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Stiff, square stems support the tubular and fragrant flowers, and all parts of the plant have a distinct lemony scent when crushed or bruised. Some Monarda species are commonly called bee-balm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a salve for bee stings. Effective in hummingbird, butterfly, cottage and herb gardens, as well as in native plant areas and prairies. A lovely plant all around!
Bee Balm: Spotted (Monarda punctata)
$1.00 - $5.60
This easy-to-grow wildflower is loved by butterflies! Small, pale yellow flowers are spotted with purple, and rest above colorful palettes of soft pink leaves. As you brush against this plant, the leaves release a wonderful oregano fragrance. This flower also makes a great addition to dried arrangements!
Larkspur: Rocket Mix (Delphinium ajacis)
$1.00 - $5.60
This close cousin of the delphinium has a similar appearance to that flower, but grows as an annual. The genus name Delphinium comes from a Greek word meaning dolphin, referring to the unique shape of the blossoms; the species name “ajacis” comes from the Greek myth that these flowers first grew in the place where the great warrior Ajax committed suicide. The common name of larkspur comes from the supposed resemblance of the blossoms to the claw of a lark. Native Americans and early settlers used the bright flowers of this plant to make blue ink. Larkspur is the flower of the month of July, and symbolizes a carefree or fickle heart.
Poppy, Peony: Pale Rose (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
When it comes to delightful displays in your summer garden, Pale Rose Peony Poppy is the perfect choice! Not only do they make your garden look great with their showy 4" pale rose double flower blooms and blue-green foliage, but you can cut them and enjoy them in beautiful arrangements indoors.
Poppy, Peony: Black (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
When it comes to delightful displays in your summer garden, Black Peony Poppy is the perfect choice! Not only do they make your garden look great with their showy 4" dark maroon double flower blooms and blue-green foliage, but you can cut them and enjoy them in beautiful arrangements indoors.
Poppy, Peony: Cream (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Cream Peony Poppy will grow quickly from freshly harvested flower seeds, bloom in the late spring to early summer, later wilting with the arrival of winter. The seed pods, once dried can be cut, for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. The seeds can also fall to the bare ground beneath, establishing new plants the following growing season.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Foxglove grows as a wildflower in Great Britain and throughout Europe, and can be found in records dating back to the time of Edward III of England. Historically, its common name was “Folksglove” in reference to the little folk, or fairies; these flowers often grew in the deep dells and glades of the forest where the fairies were said to live. One legend states that naughty sprites would give the fox the blossoms of this plant to wear on his feet, to quiet his step among the farmyards. Dr. William Withering first brought foxglove to the attention of the medical world in 1785, detailing its use in an important document that helped begin the modern pharmacology movement. This plant produces digitoxin, a substance included in the heart stimulating drug digitalis. The name Digitalis, also the genus name of the species, comes from the Latin word for finger and refers to the shape of the foxglove blossom.
Poppy, Peony: Double Mix (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
When it comes to delightful displays in your summer garden, Double Mix PeonyPoppy is the perfect choice! Not only do they make your garden look great with their showy 4" mixed color double flower blooms and blue-green foliage, but you can cut them and enjoy them in beautiful arrangements indoors.
Poppy, Peony: Purple (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
When it comes to delightful displays in your summer garden, Purple Peony is the perfect choice! Not only do they make your garden look great with their showy 4" purple flower blooms and blue-green foliage, but you can cut them and enjoy them in beautiful arrangements indoors.
Poppy, Peony: Red (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Red Peony Poppy will grow quickly from freshly harvested flower seeds, bloom in the late spring to early summer, later wilting with the arrival of winter. The seed pods, once dried can be cut, for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. The seeds can also fall to the bare ground beneath, establishing new plants the following growing season.
Poppy, Peony: Salmon (Papaver Paeoniflorum)
$1.00 - $5.60
Grown as an annual flowering plant, the Salmon Peony Poppy will grow quickly from freshly harvested flower seeds, bloom in the late spring to early summer, later wilting with the arrival of winter. The seed pods, once dried can be cut, for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. The seeds can also fall to the bare ground beneath, establishing new plants the following growing season.