Frequently
Asked questions
DO THESE VARIETIES SEED?
Yes. These self-seed readily.
DO THEY LIKE WET FEET?
No. These like good drainage and are very drought
tolerant.
IS DEADHEADING BENEFICIAL?
Deadheading or snipping off the stems that have faded
flowers, helps stimulate more blooms and often in even in
late autumn. Though not necessary it may be worthwhile
especially if you have them in a container. However do
not do so to all of the flowers so some can self-seed.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO USE THESE IN
LANDSCAPE?
They are dense, compact, somewhat rounded in habit,
possess a trouble-free disposition, and are ideal for large
massing and excellent as a foundation plant, especially
for problem spots and late-summer color when little else
is in bloom.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR WINTER DORMANCY
Leave last of old flower heads on the plant. Just let them
naturally die back. Remove any foliage that still remains
the following spring. This is usually very minimal.
ARE THEY DEER AND RABBIT RESISTANT?
Yes.
Thank you for your order!
Take your gardening experience to new heights by
visiting Roberta’s Unique Gardens. Our goal is to
enhance your gardening enjoyment by providing you
with top quality, leading edge perennials and annuals
that are suitable for your garden and home with the
best service imaginable.
RobeRta’s GaRdens
planting and growing guide
Roberta’s is a 4th generation family owned business and
has been one of the leading commercial exhibitors at
flower and garden shows for over 50 years in the U.S.
and abroad. We search the globe to find easy-to-grow
plants that are unique in themselves or their variety
making them nearly impossible to find elsewhere. Our
passion and commitment continually asks the question,
“What makes a better, unsurpassed, and more beautiful
flower to behold?”
Working with growers and breeders from all over the
world, Roberta’s is able to bring you hard-to-find plants
and new species that will be sweethearts for years to
come.
Thank you for bringing us into your home,
Eric, Kevin, and Koort Wallien
HOW OFTEN CAN THEY BE DIVIDED ?
Clumps should be divided every 3 to 4 years in spring or
fall.
WHAT ARE SOME NICE COMPANION PLANTS?
Peonies, monarda, digitalis, delphinium, scabiosa,
campanula, dianthus, and hardy geranium make nice
companions.
Cheerful Midget
Mexican Hat Flower
(Ratibida columnifera)
First things First...
When your plant arrives from Roberta’s, remove from the
shipping box immediately.
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the
leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that
may have occurred during transit. If you can not plant it
into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it
stays well watered.
When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day as
possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that prevent
proper water uptake from the roots. Water them in well
and whisper a few words of wisdom.
Mexican Hat M43087.indd 1
1-800-428-9726
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST
Thank you
for bringing us into your home
www.robertasinc.com
11/5/13 10:09 AM
quick reFerence
plAnting guide
light/sun exposure:
Full to Partial Sun
usdA
hArdiness zones:
4 to 10
plAnting distAnce:
18-24 inches
mAture height/spreAd:
15 to 18 inches tall and wide
)
bloom time:
Mid-summer to Early Fall
plAnting instructions:
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around
potted plant(s). Transplant into the garden as
soon as evening temperatures stay above 40F.
Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and
about 5 to 6 inches deep.
(soil preparation, depth,
which end is up, etc.)
plAnting guide
1
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves
or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves or spent flowers
that may have occurred during transit. If you cannot plant it
into garden or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays
well watered.
2
Transplant into the garden as soon as evening temperatures
stay above 40F. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and
about 5 to 6 inches deep. Place them in their holes. Pack soil
firmly around roots. Fill with soil and pack in firmly covering
entire root zone. Water again. Plants prefer full sun to half
day of sun.
3
Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large
containers. Repot the plants into at least 10 inch pots
separately or together inside one larger container.
4
Planted now they will produce flowers in summer.
step
step
step
continuing cAre
SHELF LIFE
Plant into garden or larger pots and place outside
immediately after the night temperatures stay above 40
degrees.
PLANT PREPARATION
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves
or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves that may have
occurred during transit. If you cannot plant it into garden
or larger pot within a few days, make sure it stays well
watered.
SOIL
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Amend clay
type soils with compost or potting mix.
GARDEN PREPARATION
They prefer full to partial sun. Great for borders, beds,
containers and mass plantings.
POTTED PLANTS
Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large
containers. Repot the plants into at least 10 inch pots
separately or together inside one larger container.
PLANTING SPACING
If planting in garden space 18 – 24 inches apart.
PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH
These grow about 15to 18 inches wide.
WATER
Water upon planting and just average amount during
summer. They are drought tolerant once established.
FERTILIZER
They respond to feeding with a high bloom fertilizer
like Flower Magic plant food (M7503). Once a month is
sufficient.
TEMPERATURE ZONES 4 to 10
When nights stay above 40 degrees, place your plants
outside and leave them there. They can withstand winter
temperatures to minus 20F.
LIGHTING
In the summer growing season, full sun is the absolute
best. Otherwise a half a day of sun is sufficient.
BLOOMING
Under correct conditions, blooming begins mid-summer
through Early fall.
WINTER DORMANCY
Leave last of old flower heads on the plant. Just let them
naturally die back. Remove any foliage that still remains the
following spring. This is usually very minimal.
AdditionAl reFerence
Mexican Hat
shipped as shown
Close-up flower
Naturalizing in field
Profuse flower all summer
self seeds readily
step
10-2013-R0
Mexican Hat M43087.indd 2
11/5/13 10:09 AM