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Herbaceous Perennial

Helianthus tuberosus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Jerusalem artichoke

A tall, herbaceous perennial reaching 2.5m tall or more, with coarse hairy foliage and small, yellow sunflower-like flowers in summer. It is cultivated for its knobbly, elongated pale-cream or sometimes purple-tinted tubers

Other common names
Canada potato
earth apple
see moregirasole
sunchoke
Indian potato
pignut
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads

Name status

Unresolved

Plant range
N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant tubers in spring in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Plants may need support in exposed positions. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. For more advice follow jerusalem-artichoke cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by separating and replanting tubers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter

Pests

May be susceptible to snails and slugs damage when young

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia disease

Get involved

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