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Herbaceous Perennial

Helianthus maximiliani
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Maximilian sunflower

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial with green hairy stems, long lance-shaped leaves and fragrant, yellow daisy-like flowers borne all the way up the length of each stem

Synonyms
Coreopsis maximiliani
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

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