Last updated on March 12th, 2026 at 03:36 pm
The Mexican Hat Plant (Ratibida columnifera). Sometimes called the prairie coneflower. An easy-to-care-for plant that does well throughout the southwest and the Midwest plains. The flower is a deep red and yellow color, resembling a “Mexican Hat” or Sombrero. It is considered a herbaceous perennial.
Where to place the Mexican Hat Plant?
Plant it in a xeriscape garden or along fences or in open spaces. Under a tree that lets in filtered light is the perfect place. It will do better in the morning sun and afternoon shade during the hot Southwest sunlight. The plant will go dormant during the winter seasons. Water the area in early spring for a great burst of flowers from mid-spring through late summer. They will also do well in a large container.
Size and height
It will grow to about 2 ft. tall and wide, sometimes larger if planted in afternoon shade. The plant will grow almost anywhere, even in sandy or caliche hard soil, but for good growth, year after year, use good soil.
Growth Rate – A fast-growing plant that can easily be grown with other flowering plants in the garden. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and are a deer-resistant plant.
How much water does it need? It will grow with very little watering and will explode with bloom after a good rainfall. The plant is considered a drought-tolerant plant; however, it will bloom and flourish throughout the hot summer months if watered using a sprinkler-type watering system.
It does not like temperatures above 100° Fahrenheit. Of course, growing them in the hot mid-summer heat, they won’t do as well. So, plant them in the morning sun and afternoon shade, and they will do much better.
It is a wildflower, and most nurseries will carry them either in the plant itself or in seed form.
USDA Hardiness zone 4-11
The Yellow Mexican Wildflower Hat plant is pictured below.
The Red Spike Mexican Hat, see the image below.
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