Provide full to part sun (4+hrs/day).

This native was collected from the Flint Hills region of the Kansas prairie. Soil type is clay to loamy clay. This plant should do well in similar soil and can tolerate rocky areas as well.

Native to hardiness zone 6b (-5 to 0 °F).

Ratibida can tolerate droughty conditions once established. During the plant’s first 1-2 years, water deeply when the top 2-4 inches of soil is dry..

Ratibida does not need extensive nutrient support. If you know that your soil is poor, consider adding a small amount of compost at planting, working it evenly into the surrounding top 6-8” of soil.

If you know that your soil has acidic leanings, consider amending with lime. (Most Kansas soils don’t have this issue.)

As a perennial, Ratibida is best established after soil has warmed in May/June or 4-6 weeks before our first frost in the fall.

Summer (June-September)

Ratibida colonizes an area after several years but I would not classify it as an aggressive spreader. The flowers can reach 2-3’ tall upon blooming.

Ratibida blooms can vary in color from a bright sunflower yellow to a deep maroon (though maroon is not as common).

It also plays host to many unique prairie critters like treehoppers.