Best Landscape Ideas

Ratibida

Ratibida

Ratibida columnifera ( Mexican Hat )
A long lived perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4.5 x 2.5 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to central North America ( Alberta to Manitoba; south to northern Mexico to Texas ).
The hairy, very deeply lobed leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are gray-green.
The leaves may be used to make a pleasant tasting tea.
The flowers have bright yellow petals, up to 2 inches in length, and dark cones.
The flowers are borne mid summer to mid autumn. The flowers have drooping petals.
The flowers attract butterflies.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Easy to establish and very drought tolerant.

Mexican Hat
Reaches up to 2 x 1.5 feet, with very profuse, bright red flowers with yellow petal tips.

Pulcherrima
Reaches up to 4 x 2.5 feet, with deep red flowers.

Ratibida pinnata ( Gray Headed Coneflower )
Also called Prairie Coneflower. A strong stemmed perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 3 feet, that is native to dry open woods and prairies in central North America ( from Minnesota to Ontario; south to Oklahoma to Georgia ).
The pinnate compound leaves are composed of toothed, lance-shaped leaflets. The foliage is blue-green. The leaves may be used to make a pleasant tasting tea.
The flowers have a dark cone and drooping golden-yellow petals up to 2.5 inch in length.
The flowers are borne mid summer to early autumn.
The flowers are attractive to butterflies.
Experiments have been done in regards to this plants potential as a perennial seed crop. Up to 1400 pound of seed per acre can be produced on a 3 year old plot.
The leaves make a pleasant tasting tea.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun on very well drained soil. Tolerant of heat, drought, flooding and heavy clay.
Propagation is from seed. Resistant to rabbit and deer.

* photos of unknown internet source


* photo taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC