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Herbaceous Perennial

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Summer Nights'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

false sunflower 'Summer Nights'

An erect, clump forming herbaceous plant with dark green-bronze leaves and dark red purple stems. Golden yellow flowers with a red-brown centre are produced from summer through until the autumn.

Synonyms
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sommernächte'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red Purple Brown Red Yellow Bronze Green
Autumn Red Purple Red Brown Yellow Green Bronze
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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 a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. May need support, see staking: perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division spring or autumn. Root basal cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back to ground level in the late autumn. Regularly dead head through the summer

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs when new growth starts

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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