Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera) - A distinctive and cheerful North American native perennial known for its unusual sombrero-shaped flowers and long, slender central cones. The blooms feature drooping petals in shades of golden yellow, reddish-brown, and mahogany, surrounding a prominent raised centre that gives the flowers their characteristic hat-like appearance. Growing approximately 1–3 feet tall, Mexican Hat produces an abundance of flowers throughout the summer, adding colour and interest to wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and naturalized plantings. Its delicate, finely divided foliage and slender stems give the plant an airy appearance, while the long-lasting blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Mexican Hat is drought tolerant once established and adapts well to dry, relatively poor soils. An excellent choice for pollinator gardens, prairie-style plantings, and cut flower arrangements.
75 seeds per packet
Growing Information: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring frost. For best germination, mix seeds with a moist growing medium and refrigerate for 2–4 weeks for cold-moist stratification. Sow seeds 3 mm (⅛") deep in moist seed-starting mix and keep warm. Seeds can also be direct-sown outdoors in fall or spring. Keep soil lightly moist until germination. Harden off seedlings and transplant after all danger of frost has passed, spacing 30cm (12") apart. Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature. Hardy perennial.
Days to Germination: 10 - 20
Plant Spacing: 12" (30cm)
Plant Height: 24" (60cm)
Features:
Perennial
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Attracts Bees & Butterflies
Heat & Drought Resistant
