Zone: 3
RED MIDGET PRAIRIE CONEFLOWER
Ratibida columnifera 'Red Midget', commonly known as the Mexican Hat plant or Red Midget Prairie Coneflower, is a compact and charismatic perennial that brings a vibrant, architectural element to the landscape. Unlike the taller wild species, it stays at a manageable height of about 15 inches, making it an excellent choice for the front or middle of a border. It is celebrated for its unique, drooping ray florets in rich shades of mahogany-red edged with yellow, which surround a prominent, upright dark brown central cone. These distinct blooms appear in abundance from mid-summer through early fall, providing a steady source of color and serving as a major draw for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
For the best performance, 'Red Midget' should be planted in a spot that receives full sun, as it requires at least six to eight hours of direct light to maintain its sturdy stems and prolific blooming habit. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, thanks to a deep taproot, and actually prefers well-drained soils; it may struggle in areas with heavy, standing water or overly fertile conditions. 'Red Midget' is a "tough-as-nails" option for water-wise gardens, prairies, or naturalized meadows. To encourage a second flush of flowers and keep the plant looking tidy, you can deadhead the spent blooms, though leaving a few seed heads in the fall will provide a natural food source for local songbirds.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| RATIBIDA RED MIDGET | con 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.