Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sommersonne'

RHS Plant Profile

false sunflower 'Sommersonne'

Synonyms

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra Summer Sun

Herbaceous Perennial

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A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial to 1.2m tall, with ovate leaves. From late summer to early autumn it bears single, occasionally semi-double flowerheads, with deep golden yellow ray florets and brownish-yellow disc florets. A good plant to attract pollinating insects and also makes a long-lasting cut flower

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: Heliopsis are robust perennials with stiff, erect stems; opposite, lance-shaped leaves and showy rich yellow to orange flowers similar to sunflowers
Name Status: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. May require staking in exposed sites. See staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division, or basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Prairie planting
Wildlife gardens
Cut flowers
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back stems to ground level in early winter

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free