About
A clump-forming hardy annual with green, coarsely toothed foliage and strong, tall purple-speckled stems. Large, bicoloured, pollen-free vanilla yellow and coffee brown flowers with crimson red-brown centres are produced from summer through until the autumn.
About the genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Needs a long hot summer to flower well. May need support. See staking perennials
PruningCut back after flowering or leave flower heads for birds and other wildlife
PropagationPropagate by seed or division. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to both increase plants and retain vigour. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases