Wildflower 'Prairie Coneflower'

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida Columnifera)

Introduce the striking beauty of Prairie Coneflower to your organic garden beds or containers! This captivating perennial wildflower is perfectly suited for water-wise xeriscaping, thriving in conditions of drought, high heat, and humidity, thanks to its origins in the central prairies and mountains. Each unique bloom features a prominent central cone encircled by vibrant red petals tipped with fiery, sun-bright yellow. Its distinctive bluish-green, strap-like leaves form an attractive rosette. For optimal health, aim to keep the foliage dry or water in the early morning to deter foliar issues like powdery mildew. Enjoy its continuous display from late spring right through autumn..


DETAILS:

QTY: 300

TYPE: Perennial

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Barely Cover

GERMINATION: 10-30 days at 20°-24°C

HEIGHT: 24-60"

MATURITY: 90 - 100 Days

SPACING: 12-24"

PINCH: Yes 6-8"

HOW TO GROW:
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring, ideally during the period from two weeks before to eight weeks after your average last frost date. Sowing when there's a slight risk of minor frost can sometimes improve germination. Prairie coneflower seeds can also be sown in late autumn for natural stratification and spring germination; however, some seeds may be lost to water, birds, or animals over winter.

Soil Preparation: If your chosen planting site currently supports no plant growth (including weeds), there might be underlying soil issues. These could include poor fertility, inadequate drainage, or a need for amendments to improve texture. In problematic spots, such as beneath a cedar tree, few plants, including wildflowers like prairie coneflower, will thrive. Addressing these soil concerns before planting is crucial for success.

Watering and Weeding: Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to aid seed germination and help young seedlings become well-established. It is essential to keep weeds under control during this initial growth phase, as they can outcompete young coneflower seedlings. Once prairie coneflower plants are established and actively growing, they are quite drought-tolerant and generally will not require additional water except during long periods of hot, dry weather.