Helianthus atrorubens
dark red sunflower
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
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and cut back to ground level as foliage starts to yellow and die back in autumn
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases
Get involved
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