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| This is the second year of a grouping of these plants in one of our beds. Last year was the first year and they didn't do much after planting. This year they far exceeded their 3-5' estimated height and topped out at 6+ feet. And then promptly flopped all over due to all the flower weight. I've done some reading and was hoping someone could clarify for me about early summer pruning. Although the common name is coneflower, they are not echinacea or rudbeckia. But I looked under these plants and read about when the are about 18-24" tall, to prune the tops. This should promote both shorter and bushier plants. Could the same be done with the Ratibida? I'd like to keep them in the 3-4' range. Thank you. Charles |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by aseedisapromise z4.5 SD (My Page) on Sun, Aug 11, 13 at 9:54
| I think it sounds like a worthy experiment. I have never had this plant, but I thought I would chime in just to get things going on this. The native Mexican hats around here are much shorter, but they are still kind of floppy guys. I think the general rule is that if you do early summer pruning, then the plants will bloom a little later than they would if they weren't pruned. Also, there probably isn't guarantee that still wouldn't need to be staked. |
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| I leave them to self-sow in my native gardens. I have never cut them down or handled them in any way. Mine stay upright. They are in full sun and have never had extra irrigation. They self sow to abundance. Leaner soil and less water should keep them upright. |
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- Posted by mad_gallica Z5 Eastern NY (My Page) on Sun, Aug 11, 13 at 10:46
| Given the number of yellow, daisy type things out there, I'd replace them with something that is going to be naturally shorter. Heliopsis maybe. Keeping these at 3 ft sounds like it is going to be a challenge. |
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