Ratibida columnifera

RHS Plant Profile
upright prairie coneflower

Other common names

long-head coneflower, obelisk flower, column flower

Synonyms

Ratibida columnaris

Herbaceous Perennial

An upright, clump-forming perennial to 80cm tall, with finely cut, feathery leaves. From early summer to early autumn, slender, branching stems bear daisy-like flowerheads to 8cm across, with drooping red or yellow (sometimes red and yellow) ray florets around a large, columnar cone

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Ratibida are biennials or perennials with erect stems developing from woody-based crowns. The flowers have colourful, outer ray florets and a tall, central boss of green, then brown, disc florets
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S.W. Canada, W. and C. USA to New Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Drought resistant once established

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free