Helianthus hirsutus — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Helianthus hirsutus is a bushy, clump forming annual biennial in the genus Helianthus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Helianthus hirsutus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants.

About

Helianthus hirsutus is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name hairy sunflower. It is widespread across south-central Canada, the eastern and central United States, and northeastern Mexico. It ranges from Ontario south to Florida, Coahuila, and Nuevo León, and west as far as Minnesota, Nebraska, and Texas. Helianthus hirsutus is a perennial sometimes as much as 200 cm (almost 7 feet) tall, spreading by means of underground rhizomes. It is native to North America, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware and other regions. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden and patio and container plants. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helianthus hirsutus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Helianthus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2

Plant details

Helianthus hirsutus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helianthus hirsutus

Propagation: Propagate 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 resistance: May be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Helianthus hirsutus?

Helianthus hirsutus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Helianthus hirsutus need?

Helianthus hirsutus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Helianthus hirsutus hardy in the UK?

Helianthus hirsutus has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.

How do I propagate Helianthus hirsutus?

Propagate 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.

More in the Helianthus genus

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