Also called oxeye sunflower, this native of eastern and central North American is a short-lived herbaceous perennial and member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The plants grow 18″-6′ tall from a rhizomatous root system and have erect branching stems bearing alternate, ovate, coarsely toothed leaves 3-6″ long. Single, semidouble, or double flower heads 2-3″ across appear from midsummer to early fall and consist of a center of yellow to brownish disc florets surrounded by yellow ray florets up to 1 1/2″ long. The flower heads are attract to butterflies and other pollinators and the seed are attractive to song birds. The flower heads are good in fresh arrangements. The species is generally too weedy for most gardens but many fine cultivars are available that vary most significantly in plant height, and flower color, fullness, and size. The plants are especially useful in informal gardens such as meadow, prairie, and cottage gardens. The genus name, Heliopsis, comes from the Greek words helios meaning the sun and opsis meaning resembling referring to to the yellow flower heads. The specific epithet, helianthoides, means helianthus-like, and refers to the resemblance of the flowerheads to those of true sunflowers.
Type: Short-lived herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Flower heads of yellow ray florets surrounding center of yellow to brownish disc florets from mid summer to early fall
Size: 18″-6′ H x 18″-4′ W
Light: Full sun (tolerates some shade but plants may become leggy)
Soil: Average to infertile, medium moist to dry, well-drained; drought tolerant
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Care: Deadhead to prolong bloom; cut back plants by 1/3-1/2 in spring to reduce ultimate height
Pests and Diseases: None of significance but aphids may visit
Propagation: Most cultivars must be propagated by division
Companion Plants: Liatris, feather reed grass, sneezeweed
Outstanding Selections:
‘Summer Sun’ (Orange, flower heads 3-4″ across, 2-3′ tall)
‘Golden Plume’ (Double, deep yellow flower heads 2.5″ across on 4′ stems)
‘Tuscan Sun’ (Yellow flower heads, compact plants up to 18″ tall)
Photo Credit: Alvesgaspar Wikipedia