About
A vigorously spreading herbaceous perennial making clumps, to 1.5m tall, with rough, ovate leaves to 30cm long and flower-heads with orange-yellow ray-florets and a purple-red eye.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained to well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Does best in soils that don't dry out in summer, but will tolerate dry soil once established. Tolerates some shade. May need support. See staking perennials
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering and cut back to ground level as foliage starts to yellow and die back in autumn
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