Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
Autumn | Yellow Brown | Green | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Does well in soils that don't dry out in summer. Ideal for the back of borders. 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
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering and cut back to ground level as foliage starts to yellow and die back in autumn
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.