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Annual Biennial

Tithonia 'Torchlight'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Mexican sunflower 'Torchlight'

A large and robust half-hardy annual to 1.2m tall, producing a series of bright orange-red, daisy-like flowerheads from late summer to early autumn. The flowers last well when cut, and are also particularly attractive to pollinating insects

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Red Green
Autumn Orange Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Tithonia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple or lobed leaves and long-stemmed, solitary, daisy-like flower-heads in late summer and autumn

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant out after the last frosts in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Plants may require staking

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Bedding
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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