Prairie Coneflower is a native North American perennial plant highly valued for its distinctive appearance and ability to attract pollinators. Prairie Coneflowers feature striking, cone-shaped seed heads surrounded by drooping yellow or reddish-brown petals, resembling a cone with downward-drooping rays. The cone-shaped center gives it a unique appearance.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Ratibida columnifera
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Conservation, Habitat
- Germination Time: 10 - 14 days, under optimal conditions
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 2 - 3 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Product Information
Typically, these plants grow to heights of about 2 to 5 feet, producing multiple stems and flowers. Prairie Coneflowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, showcasing their captivating flowers. The blooms are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
The plant's foliage consists of deeply lobed, fern-like leaves that are green and slightly hairy, adding to its overall attractiveness. Prairie Coneflowers thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun. They're adaptable to various soil types and are relatively drought-tolerant once established.
These flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, making them a beneficial addition to gardens aimed at supporting local wildlife. Prairie Coneflowers are popular in wildflower gardens, prairies, and naturalized areas, adding a touch of unique charm and color to the landscape. They're also suitable for cut flower arrangements due to their striking appearance.
Once established, Prairie Coneflowers are relatively low-maintenance. Regular deadheading can encourage prolonged flowering and prevent self-seeding. Prairie Coneflowers are treasured for their unique cone-shaped seed heads, their attractiveness to pollinators, and their adaptability, making them an appealing choice for adding visual interest and supporting wildlife in gardens and natural landscapes.
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Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Prairie Coneflower Wildflower Seed
Prairie Coneflower is a native North American perennial plant highly valued for its distinctive appearance and ability to attract pollinators. Prairie Coneflowers feature striking, cone-shaped seed heads surrounded by drooping yellow or reddish-brown petals, resembling a cone with downward-drooping rays. The cone-shaped center gives it a unique appearance.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...Prairie Coneflower Wildflower Seed
Prairie Coneflower is a native North American perennial plant highly valued for its distinctive appearance and ability to attract pollinators. Prairie Coneflowers feature striking, cone-shaped seed heads surrounded by drooping yellow or reddish-brown petals, resembling a cone with downward-drooping rays. The cone-shaped center gives it a unique appearance.