Mexican Hat Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget'
ABOUT
Red Midget, a variant of the commonly known Prairie Coneflower, is a charming and visually striking perennial. Distinguished by its unique flower heads, Red Midget boasts long, slender petals that droop gracefully downward. These petals showcase a radiant red hue, creating an eye-catching contrast with the central cone that is typically dark brown or sometimes black. This central cone is elongated and cylindrical, a signature characteristic of the Prairie Coneflower, which adds an architectural element to the flower's appearance. The foliage of Red Midget is equally attractive, with leaves that are deeply cut, lending a feathery texture to the plant. The green of the leaves offers a lush backdrop, making the red of the petals pop even more vividly. As the plant goes through its blooming season, the flowers may attract various pollinators, adding movement and life to its display. Overall, Red Midget presents a compact and richly colored addition to any garden, with its distinct flowers and attractive foliage, without taking up much space or growing overly tall.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Red Midget Mexican Hat, Red Midget Prairie Coneflower, Red Midget Coneflower.
Common names
Ratibida columnaris f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget', Ratibida columnifera var. pulcherrima 'Red Midget'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mexican Hat is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity or poisoning from ingesting this plant. As with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, so it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants not specifically meant for consumption to prevent any potential adverse reactions.
To pets
Mexican Hat is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of this plant causing poisoning in domestic animals. However, as with any plant, pet owners should monitor their animals to prevent them from eating large quantities of plant matter, as it could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset purely due to the ingestion of non-digestible material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant red and yellow colors to gardens with its unique cone-shaped flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Red Midget' is highly drought-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for dry climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Erosion Control: Its deep root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Naturalizing: Self-seeds in favorable conditions, which can help it naturally spread and fill in garden areas.
- Long Blooming Season: Maintains a long flowering period, offering visual interest for much of the growing season.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to grazing by deer, which can help reduce garden damage in areas with deer populations.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by seed, allowing gardeners to grow multiple plants cost-effectively.
- Low Maintenance: Does not require frequent watering or fertilizing once established, saving time and resources.
- Garden Design: Versatile for use in borders, prairie plantings, and wildflower gardens, contributing to various landscaping styles.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: Mexican Hat is often used as a subject in nature photography due to its unique structure and vibrant coloration, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to capture the beauty of native wildflowers.
- Education and Research: Mexican Hat can serve as a model organism in botanical studies and educational programs focusing on prairie ecosystems and plant pollination strategies.
- Dye Production: The vibrant petals of the Mexican Hat can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Thematic Gardens: Mexican Hat is used in thematic gardening to represent the prairie style or to create a "wild west" ambiance due to its strong associations with the North American prairies.
- Flower Arranging: The distinctive shape of Mexican Hat blooms adds texture and interest to cut flower arrangements, making them a popular choice for rustic or prairie-themed bouquets.
- Erosion Control: Mexican Hat's extensive root system can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.
- Beneficial Insect Attraction: Planting Mexican Hat can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting pollination and biodiversity in gardens.
- Crafts and Decor: Dried Mexican Hat flowers can be used in crafts and décor, such as in dried flower wreaths or as part of a natural potpourri mix.
- Companion Planting: Used in companion planting, Mexican Hat can help to deter pests and support the growth of vegetable crops through its insect-attracting qualities.
- Wildlife Habitat: Mexican Hat provides food and habitat for wildlife, particularly for certain species of birds that feed on its seeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mexican Hat is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mexican Hat is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Native Tradition: The Mexican Hat plant, as it's commonly known, symbolizes the rich heritage and tradition of the regions it is native to, including North America, especially within indigenous cultures that may have used it for medicinal or spiritual purposes.
- Uniqueness: With its distinctive sombrero-shaped flowers, Mexican Hat stands out in the garden, often representing uniqueness or individuality in a symbolic context.
- Resilience: As a plant that thrives in tough conditions and is drought-tolerant, Mexican Hat is often associated with resilience and the ability to endure challenging situations.
- Joy and Celebration: The vibrant and whimsical appearance of the flower can symbolize joy and a spirit of celebration, much like the lively dances and festivities where traditional Mexican hats might be worn.
- Connection with Nature: Planting native species like Mexican Hat can symbolize a desire to maintain a connection with the natural world and support local ecosystems.
WaterThe Mexican Hat plant needs moderate watering to establish a deep and extensive root system. Water the plant with about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. Ensure the soil is well-draining as it is drought-tolerant and does not respond well to overly wet conditions. In the absence of rainfall, provide supplemental water but allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot. During the colder months, reduce watering as the plant will require less moisture.
LightMexican Hat prefers full sun conditions and should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant thrives under bright sunlight and should ideally be situated in an open space free from shade or shadow-casting structures to ensure optimal growth and flower production.
TemperatureMexican Hat is moderately cold-tolerant and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F, but it prefers warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat above 90°F can stress the plant, so some afternoon shade might be beneficial in hotter climates.
PruningPruning the Mexican Hat plant helps to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and cut back the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when the plant becomes leggy or overgrown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMexican Hat 'Red Midget' thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure drainage is ideal for this drought-tolerant species. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter should meet its needs.
RepottingMexican Hat 'Red Midget' typically does not require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, whichever comes first. Ensure to use the soil mix as described for best results.
Humidity & MistingMexican Hat 'Red Midget' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and is typically resilient to the humidity levels found in most outdoor environments. No specific humidity requirements are necessary beyond those of the natural climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright area, minimal watering, well-drained soil mix.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, drought resistant, space 12 inches.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleRatibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget', commonly known as Mexican Hat 'Red Midget', begins its life cycle as a seed sown in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Germination occurs when soil temperature and moisture conditions are favorable, typically in the spring. As seedlings establish, the plant develops a deep taproot and basal rosette of leaves during its vegetative stage. Following vegetative growth, Mexican Hat 'Red Midget' enters the flowering stage in late spring to summer, producing distinctive red and yellow bicolored flowers with elongated central cones. After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds that are dispersed by wind, enabling the colonization of new areas. The plant is a perennial, undergoing a period of dormancy in winter before regrowing from the root system in subsequent seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget', commonly known as the Mexican hat, is by seed. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, usually in late spring to early summer. They should be scattered lightly on the surface of the soil and lightly covered or pressed into the earth as they need light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until germination, which typically occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Thinning may be necessary to provide each plant with enough space to grow, ideally leaving about 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) between each plant. Seed propagation not only is straightforward but also allows for natural genetic variation within the plants, which can lead to a nice assortment of flower forms and colors within your garden.
