About

This upright, herbaceous perennial to around 120cm in height with a spreading habit and pointed, dark green leaves. Bright, golden yellow, fully double pompon-like flowers appear from summer through to 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 hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCut back after flowering or leave flower heads for birds to eat seed
PropagationPropagate by seed (sown indoors) between April and May and keep in a sunny location, planting out in late spring or early summer when the risk of frost has passed. Also propagate by seed (sown outdoors) when the risk of frost has passed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases