About
A herbaceous perennial making a clump to 1.5m tall, with rough, ovate leaves to 20cm long and flower-heads with bright yellow semi-double ray-florets and large deep yellow disks.
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 typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Bushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, 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
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