Common name:Mexican Hat
Botanical name:Ratibida columnaris
This unusual perennial forms large dense mounds 2' tall 1' wide. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The tall center cone rises above deep maroon petals that are tinged with yellow tips, and the long-lasting flowers literally cover the plant all summer and into the fall. This is a good cut flower.
Designer: n/a
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.
Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.