Contents
Description
Ratibida Tagetes is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in Mexico, the central United States, and as far north as Canada. The plant is also known as wild or prairie coneflower, Mexican hat, or thimbleflower. The plant produces beautiful daisy-like flowers with a brown center disk and yellow or red petals. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
Taxonomy
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Ratibida |
Appearance
Ratibida Tagetes has a long stem with green leaves that are slightly hairy. The flowers are usually yellow or red, and they have a distinctive brown center disk. The petals are long and narrow, giving the flower a cone shape. The flowers bloom from June to August, and they are an excellent source of nectar for bees and butterflies. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, making it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
Care Guide
- Water: Ratibida Tagetes is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require much water. Water the plant deeply once a week during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilization. If you want to fertilize it, use a balanced fertilizer once in the spring.
- Soil: Ratibida Tagetes grows well in well-draining, sandy soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to grow and bloom correctly. Plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Ratibida Tagetes is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ratibida Tagetes is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be controlled by removing infected leaves and using a fungicide.
Habitat
Ratibida Tagetes is native to North America and can be found in Mexico, the central United States, and as far north as Canada. The plant grows in prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-draining, sandy soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ratibida Tagetes a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Ratibida Tagetes is a perennial plant.Q: What is the best time to plant Ratibida Tagetes?
A: The best time to plant Ratibida Tagetes is in the spring after the last frost.Q: Can Ratibida Tagetes grow in containers?
A: Yes, Ratibida Tagetes can grow in containers but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I fertilize Ratibida Tagetes?
A: Ratibida Tagetes does not require much fertilization. If you want to fertilize it, use a balanced fertilizer once in the spring.
Related Plants
- Ratibida Columnifera
- Ratibida Pinnata
- Ratibida Tagetes
- Rudbeckia Hirta
- Echinacea Purpurea
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Ratibida tagetes. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b605
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Ratibida tagetes (Prairie Coneflower). Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/ratibida-tagetes-prairie-coneflower
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Ratibida tagetes. Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/ratibida-tagetes/
