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Annual Biennial

Tithonia rotundifolia 'Torch'

Mexican sunflower 'Torch'

An erect, branching annual to 1.2m tall with rounded, lobed leaves. Bright orange or scarlet flowerheads, 7-9cm in diameter, are borne from midsummer into autumn

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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
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

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun with shelter from strong winds. Water freely in dry weather

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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