Yellow Coneflower
ratibida pinnata
Also known as: ["Prairie Coneflower","Drop-Head Coneflower"]
Overview
A native North American perennial with drooping yellow petals and a distinctive cone-shaped center.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Ratibida |
| Botanical Name: | Ratibida pinnata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in open sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Tolerates clay but prefers amended soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead flowers as they fade; cut back stems in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless rejuvenating an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyModerate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water at the base of the plant to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacting soil; test pH if issues arise.
Temperature
Prefers moderate temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Hardy to USDA zones 3–8.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from cold drafts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or division. Seeds can be sown in fall or early spring; division is best done in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep moist.
- Thin seedlings.
- Divide clumps by cutting through roots with a sharp tool.
Best Time: Early spring for division; fall or early spring for seeds.
Environment
Warm, moist conditions with indirect light for seeds; full sun for established divisions.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or garden soil for division.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone may help with stem cuttings if attempted.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–4 weeks to germinate; division establishes quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, potting mix, sharp knife or spade, water spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Cold stratify seeds for better germination; divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node; cut back stems to the base in early spring if needed.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to promote bushiness.
Tools
Hand pruners, clean scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools before use; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers; cut back leggy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; tease out circling roots; place in a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for garden plants. Potted plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; replant at same depth.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay buildup.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in early/late season.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowers may fade quickly; growth may become leggy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade if possible; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage in the morning.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can reduce flowering. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicRatibida pinnata is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicRatibida pinnata is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicRatibida pinnata is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a native wildflower with no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Ratibida pinnata grow?
A: It typically reaches 3–5 feet in height.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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