A Complete Guide to Growing and Nurturing Mexican Hat Flowers (Prairie Coneflower)

Prairie Coneflower, scientifically known as Ratibida columnifera is a perennial type of flowering plant that originated in North America, that grows from to the height of 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm).

Today, through this article you will get to know how to successfully grow and care for Mexican Hat Flowers, from choosing the best location to grow.

Mexican Hat Flower (Prairie Coneflower)

Mexican Hat Flower, scientifically known as Ratibida columnifera or Prairie Coneflower is a perennial plant that normally grows up to one foot tall but has the capacity to grow to three feet in height. The lower section of the reddish-brown central disk is leafy and branched.

Characteristics of Mexican Hat Flower (Prairie Coneflower):

1. Appearence: Mexican Hat Flowers are cone-shaped centers ranging from colors yellow to reddish brown also this plant looks similar to traditional Mexican sombrero hats.

2. Height: This flower normally reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet, depending on their growing conditions, and soil fertility.

3. Bloom Time: Mexican Hat Flower adds colorful beauty to your home and garden by blooming from late spring to early fall, it might also thrive in other months appearing continuously throughout the season.

4. Attracts Pollinators: As Mexican Hat Flowers are attractive, they attract a wide range of pollinators including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many more providing them food sources, which also contributes in biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Things to Remember when growing Mexican Hat Flower-

• Location:

To let any plant bloom properly, the first thing you need to do is select a proper location for the plant in your garden. Mexican Hat Flower requires full sunlight to thrive, which gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun per day.

• Soil:

Proper soil and sunlight are essential for the growth of Ratibada columnifera, as they prefer well-drained soil. Make sure the soil drains properly to avoid root rot.

• Watering:

Watering is one of the important aspects of planting any plant. As Mexican Hat Flowers are drought tolerant, they do not require much watering. However, during the dry days, watering should be done, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

• Fertilizing:

As Prairie Coneflower can bloom in poor nutrient soil too, this plant doesn’t require much fertilization. However, you can sometimes compost, or fertilize the plant if you understand the condition of the soil.

• Pruning:

To promote the healthy growth of the plant, Pruning is an easy and simple way of removing dead or damaged plants as it removes the plant’s overall appearence. General maintenance is required for the overall health and appearence of this flower. Remove the unwanted growth that has been harming the leaves, and also ensure that the plant gets enough sunlight, water, and nutrients.

If Mexican Hat Flower starts to fall or lean, give them support to keep their branches straight up.

When should you plant the Mexican Hat Flower?

Late fall or early spring is the best season to plant this flower. Also, when planting Mexican Hat flowers, you need to make sure that they should be planted in a space of 12-18 inches apart, giving them enough space to grow.

Can you grow Mexican Hat Flower from seed?

One of the simple processes of growing Mexican Hat Flowers is from seeds. To grow the Mexican Hat Flowers from seed, follow these steps:

1. Buy the seeds from nearby nurseries or seed suppliers.
2. Then, you can cut or remove the unwanted debris from the seeds before planting as it allows water to pass easily to the seed.
3. Make sure that light requirement is met i.e. full sun and well-drained soil.
4. Get a big container filled with soil, and leave it about two inches from the top, sow the seed lightly, then cover it with soil again.
5. After planting the seeds, Water them thoroughly, and keep them in sunlight.
6. It might take around 21 to 28 days to germinate.

Common Issues Mexican Hat Flowers-

1. Overwatering:

As Mexican Hat Flowers are suitable to bloom in dry conditions and have low water requirements, so overwatering them can result in many problems like Yellowing leaves, Root rot, low growth of the plant, and many more.

In case of overwatering, Mulching/adding soil or compost can help to adjust the moisture of the soil of the plant.

2. Powdery Mildew:

Powdery Mildew is a disease found in many plants including the Mexican Hat Flower, appearing in leaves, and stems. The white, powdery coating will be seen on leaves, stems, and flower buds. First, it will be seen as small patches or spots, later it will spread over all the plants.

The solution to this problem is to place this flower which receives good airflow, and avoid overcrowding plants, removing the infected plants, and reducing watering from above.

3. Aphid:

Another major problem found in Mexican Hat flowers is Aphids, which a small insects that can be green, yellow, black, or brown in color causing the slow growth of the plant, and the yellowing of leaves.

The solution to this problem is to spray the water to remove the aphids, also you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to avoid aphids on Mexican Hat Flower.

4. Nutrient Deficiency:

Plants require healthy and essential nutrients for proper growth and development. As Mexican Hat Flowers are adaptable in nutrient-poor soils, problems might still appear mainly in soil that is highly acidic, or sandy.

FAQs

1. Are Mexican Hat Flowers easy to grow?

Mexican Hat Flowers are a low-maintenance plant and easy to grow, mainly in hot or dry summers, as they are drought tolerant.

2. Is it suitable to grow Mexican Hat Flowers in containers or pots?

Though Mexican Hat Flowers are best if grown directly in the garden, if you’re planning to plant them in a container, ensure that the containers are big enough for the roots to grow properly.

3. How tall can Ratibada columnifera can grow?

Ratibada columnifera can normally grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet, as per their soil fertility and growing conditions.

4. Which colors are usually Mexican Hat Flowers?

Mexican Hat Flowers normally have yellow colors, from light yellow to dark golden with reddish brown or orange color.

5. How can Mexican Hat Flowers be propagated?

You can propagate Mexican hat flowers by collecting and planting seeds in the garden in spring.

You may like to read, Planting Smarter: 10 Ways to Save Money When Shopping for Plants!