Thompson & Morgan Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midge

Product description

Sun-loving drought-resistant variety that will make a sensational addition to a sunny border

Fascinating flowers in tones of in brick-red with yellow edging each resembling a mini sombrero

Blooming in its first year you can enjoy the flowers of thie Ratibia from July to September

'Red Midget' may be small, but it will delight you from summer to autumn with zillions of fun flowers. Also known as Mexican Hat, its daisy-like flowers are curiously shaped with a large central cone surrounded by rusty-red petals with a yellow edge. Flowering the first year from seed, Ratibida columnifera f. pulcherrima 'Red Midget' is a short-lived perennial but will happily self-seed.

This tough plant thrives in a sunny position and is highly drought tolerant. It looks fabulous as a front of border plant combined with grasses and other prairie plants or grown in a gravel garden. ?Red Midget? is also highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, making it perfect for a wildflower patch. Height and spread: 50cm (20").

Sowing

Sow Ratibida seed from September to April. Sow seed at a depth of 2mm (1/16in) in a tray of good quality seed compost and gently firm down. Seal seed trays inside a plastic bag or place in a heated propagator at a daytime temperature of around 20C (68F). At night allow the temperature to drop to ambient levels as this aids germination. Germination usually takes 21-40 days. Keep the compost moist but not saturated.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When Ratibida plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in full sun on well-drained soil at a distance of 30cm (12") apart.

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