About
A tall, herbaceous perennial reaching 2.5m tall or more, with coarse hairy foliage and small, yellow sunflower-like flowers in summer. It is cultivated for its knobbly, elongated pale-cream or sometimes purple-tinted tubers.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toN America
Care notes
CultivationPlant tubers in spring in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Plants may need support in exposed positions. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. For more advice follow jerusalem-artichoke cultivation
PruningCut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter
PropagationPropagate by separating and replanting tubers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to snails and slugs damage when young
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia disease