Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America (MO, TX, S. Canada)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Prairie planting
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.