Ratibida columnifera 'Buttons and Bows'

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Ratibida columnifera 'Buttons and Bows'

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Kemper Code: T400

Common Name: long-head coneflower
Zone: 3 to 8
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 2 to 2.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: June - September
Bloom Color: Golden-edged rusty rays and brown center disks
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium

Plant Culture and Characteristics

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Uses:		Wildlife:	Flowers:	Leaves:	Fruit:
Hedge	Suitable as annual	Attracts birds	Has showy flowers	Leaves colorful	Has showy fruit
Shade tree	Culinary herb	Attracts	Has fragrant flowers	Leaves fragrant	Fruit edible
Street tree	Vegetable	hummingbirds	Flowers not showy	Good fall color	Other:
Flowering tree	Water garden plant	Attracts	Good cut flower	Evergreen	Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1')	Will naturalize	butterflies	Good dried flower		Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates light shade and somewhat poor soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This long-headed coneflower cultivar features pinnately divided leaves (to 5" long) on stiff stems typically growing 2-2.5' tall. The composite flowers have a distinctive brown to purplish-brown central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder (2" long) which somewhat resembles the crown of a slender sombrero. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 6-14, downward pointing, rust-colored ray flowers which are edged in gold. Species name of columnifera refers to the columnar center disc, and species is commonly called Mexican hat. Long summer bloom period.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Tends to flop and may need staking or other support.

Uses:

Interesting plant for the sunny border, meadow or prairie. Best massed because individual plants are narrow and somewhat sparsely leafed.