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Perennial Sunflowers

Helianthus - Perennial Sunflowers
Mostly hardy zones 6 to 10 in sun to partial shade. The flowers on many attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Most love hot summers and are very easy to grow.
All Sunflowers prefer fertile, preferrably alkaline, moist soil and respond very well with vigor to frequent fertilizer application preferrably organic. They are easily grown from seed. Perennial species can be divided during autumn or early spring.
While everyone knows the Annual Sunflower, famous for its giant flowers and edible seeds, comparatively few are familiar with its often spectacular perennial relatives.
Indeed the Annual Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) is often planted as an agricultural crop often over very large acreage in eastern Europe, Russia and central North America.
Sunflower seeds are highly nutritious. They contain close to 40% fat ( much of it essential fatty acids ), as well as 20% carbs and protein. Sunflower seed also contains Vitamin A, many Bs, Vinamin E, many minerals and even Vitamin D which rarely occurs in plants and is often deficient in people living in climates with sparse sunshine. Sunflower oil can be used as both a skin lotion and massage oil. A single acre of Annual Sunflower can produce up to 100 gallons of Sunflower Oil.
Many birds also find Sunflowers to be very nutritious and Sunflower seed is often sold in large bags for birdfood. The Seeds of all other Helianthus can be used in the same way however the seeds of many other Helianthus are too small to be used commercially.
Perennial Sunflowers can be cut back during early summer for shorter later flowering plants. They are often cut back hard after flowering though sometimes left along until early winter since birds enjoy the seeds.
Propagation is from seed or division every 3 years during autumn or spring.

* photo of unknown internet source




Helianthus angustifolius ( Narrow-leaved Sunflower )
Also called Swamp Sunflower. A rapid spreading, clump-forming, very large perennial reaching up to 10 x 10 feet that is native from Iowa to Pennsylvania to Long Island; south to Texas to Florida. It is found in pinelands and bogs in the wild, they look great with Switch Grass in the natural landscape.
The bristly stems bear alternately arranged, sessile, narrow lance shape foliage up to 12 inches in length with rolled down edges.
The golden-yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne late summer into early autumn. The seed heads that follow are loved by birds.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil. Drought / clay tolerant, salt & deer resistant. Cut back hard during mid-summer for denser habit.

* photos taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.












Gold Lace
Reaches up to 6 x 5 feet with finely textured deep green foliage and profuse golden-yellow flowers borne during early autumn, earlier than the species.

Low Down
A miniature form, reaching a maximum size of only 20 inches x 3 feet.

* photos taken on Oct 6 2012 in Howard Co., MD
* photo taken on Sep 23 2013 in Burtonsville, MD


Matanzas Creek
Reaches up to 8 x 6 feet in 5 years, eventually broader, with strong sturdy stems bearing very large spikes of very abundant, showy light yellow flowers. The flowers are borne over a long season during mid to late autumn and it may not be suitable where early fall frost may cut the bloom season short.

Mellow Yellow
Reaches up to 10 feet with abundant pastel-yellow flowers; otherwise identical.

Helianthus atrorubens ( Dark Eyed Sunflower )
A perennial, reaching up to 8 x 6 ( rarely over 6 ) feet, that is native to open woodlands in the southeastern U.S. ( Louisiana to Virginia; south to Florida )
The toothed, oval leaves are up to 12 inches in length, The foliage is mid-green.
The deep golden orange-yellow ( with purplish-red center ) flowers, up to 4 ( rarely over 2 ) inches across, are borne during late summer into early autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Helianthus debilis ( Beach Sunflower )
A trailing to semi-upright perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 6 feet, that is native to sandy coastal plains in eastern North America ( from Texas to Florida and north to Maine ).
The either toothed or non-toothed leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are alternately-arranged and borne on long stalks.
The bright yellow flowers, up to 5 inches across, are borne early summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on sandy, well drained soil. It is extremely salt tolerant and makes an excellent groundcover in coastal areas.

Helianthus decapetalus ( Thinleaf Sunflowers )
A vigorously spreading, large perennial reaching up to 6.5 x 6.5 feet, that is native to the central and eastern U.S.
The rough, cordate, green leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The pale yellow ( with deeper yellow center ) flowers, up to 6 inches across, are borne during mid-summer into early autumn.
Hardy north to zone 3, in full sun. Powdery mildew may become a problem on plants under drought stress.

Capenoch Star
Full upright plant reaching up to 6 x 6.5 feet with creeping rhizomes that form a large patch.
The leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are deep green.
The large, single, light yellow flowers, up to 8 inches across, are borne mid summer into autumn.
Hardy north to zone 4

Plenus
Reaches up to 5 feet in height with large, bright yellow, double flowers from mid summer to early autumn.

Helianthus divaricatus ( Woodland Sunflower )
A perennial, reaching up to 7 x 4 feet, that is native to dry woodlands in eastern North America ( from Saskatchewan to Maine; south to Arkansas to Florida ).
The stemless, oppositely-arranged, lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 x 3 inches, are bright green.
The bright yellow flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne mid-summer to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in partial shade on well drained soil.

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Chartreuse Butterflies

* see external link
http://www.chicagolandgrows.org/perennials/butterflies.php

Helianthus giganteus ( Tall Sunflower )
A very large perennial reaching up to 15 x 6 feet that is native to swamps and wet meadows from Minnesota to Ontario & Nova Scotia; south to Mississippi to Georgia.
The lance shaped leaves are slender and up to 8 inches in length.
The branched flower stems bear golden-yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, during early autumn.
The seeds are useful in the same way as Annual Sunflower.
The roots are also edible.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun.

* photo of unknown internet source


Sheilas Sunshine
Reaches up to 10 x 6 feet, with pale yellow flowers during early autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 9.

Helianthus hirsutus ( Hairy Sunflower )
A dense colony-forming perennial, up to 6 x 3 feet with 3 inch light-yellow flowers borne late summer to mid autumn. The lance-shaped leaves are rough and mid-green. Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ Grand Bend, Ontario


Helianthus laetiflorus var rigidus ( Showy Sunflower )
A rapid rhizomatous spreader reaching up to 8 feet with upright stems. It is native to open woodlands from Saskatchewan to Quebec; south to New Mexico to Georgia.
The rough, shiny green narrow ovate leaves are up to 11 inches in length. The profuse flowers, up to 4 inches across, are dark centered, single, bright yellow daisies borne mid July to late September.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 preferring moist soil but is very drought / clay tolerant. Over fertilizing may encourage top heavy plants that flop over.

Lemon Queen
A fast growing to invasive, sturdy, upright perennial to 8 x 6 feet with light yellow single flowers up to 3 inches across borne mid-summer well into autumn. A 1 gallon size plant may clump out to 4 feet in just one season.
The foliage is luxuriant deep green.
Hardy zones 3 to 9

* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD




* photos taken on Sep 15 2013 in Howard Co., MD

* photos taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD


Helianthus maximilianii ( Maximilians Sunflower )
A very aggressive growing large perennial reaching up to 12 x 6 feet. It is native from British Columbia to Maine; south into the U.S found anywhere from prairies to swamps. It grows from a thick edible rhizome. Great for use against a fence and even as a perennial hedge, it is among the most spectacular of all fall blooming perennials.
The thick, smooth-edged or shallow-toothed, lance-shaped leaves are up to 12 inches in length, are blue-green. The foliage is rough textured.
The flowers, up to 6 inches in width, are bright golden-yellow, single daisies born September into November. The flowers attract butterflies. Taller later blooming seed source may not have time to bloom in the north before autumn frosts arrive.
The seeds are useful in the same way as Annual Sunflower, they are often left on the plants to attract birds. It has potential as a perennial seed crop.
The roots are also edible in the same way as Helianthus tuberosus and the natives used it as a food source who roasted and boiled it.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 ( use shorter northern seed source for northern regions ) in full sun on well drained soil. Very heat, drought and clay tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Propagation is easy from seed and self sowing often occurs. Division is also easily done during autumn immediately after cutting back after the stalks die back. The stalks are cut back to the ground during the winter to make room for new growth in the spring.

* photo of unknown internet source


Dakota Sunshine
Similar but exceptionally cold hardy, still north to zone 3 but thriving even where the growing seasons are very short such as in the high plains.
It reaches up to 6 x 5 feet, and has the typical attractive luxuriant green foliage and showy golden-yellow daisies.

Lemon Yellow
Similar but reaches up to 6 x 3 feet, bearing lemon-yellow flowers rather than the typical deeper golden-yellow.

Santa Fe
A clone, reaching up to 8 x 4 feet, that is offered by High Country Gardens.
The attractive foliage is deep green and the stunning, large, golden-yellow flowers are borne during mid autumn.

Helianthus microcephalus
A perennial, reaching up to 13 ( rarely over 6 ) x 4 feet, that is native to the central U.S.
The bright yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne over a long season during late summer into early autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on moist soil. Clay tolerant.

Helianthus mollis ( Downy Sunflower )
A long-lived perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.8 x 7.2 ( rarely over 4.5 ) feet, that is native to eastern North America ( Wisconsin to Massachusetts; south to Oklahoma to Texas to northern Georgia ).
The foliage appears gray-green as it is covered in downy white hairs.
The abundant, large, deep yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun. Tolerant of poor soils and severe drought.
Easy to grow.

Helianthus x multiflorus
Perennials, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 3 feet. They are hybrids between the annual sunflower Helianthus annuus and the perennial Helianthus decapetalus.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 8 inches in length. The foliage is coarsely hairy.
The flowers, up to 5 inches across, are borne late summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on consistently moist, well drained soil.
Propagation is from vegetative stem cuttings with intermittent mist and bottom heat.

Sunshine Daydream
Originated as a branch sport of Capenoch Star, reaching up to 6 x 4 feet, with very dense foliage that is lush even in extreme summer heat.
The very profuse, fully double, golden-yellow, Dahlia-like blooms are borne continuously from early to late summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8. The foliage is mildew resistant.

Heliantus nuttallii ( Nuttalls Sunflower )
Similar to Helianthus tuberosus but much smaller ( up to 7 feet, very rarely as much as 13 feet ) and less vigorous. It is native to moist meadows in the Rocky Mountains ( southeast British Columbia to Saskatchewan; south to Oregon to Nevado to New Mexico )
The narrow leaves are mid-green.
The deep yellow flowers, up to 4 inches across, have an orange ring around the center which is also deep yellow. They are borne during early fall.
Hardy zones 5+ in full sun.

Helianthus occidentalis
A perennial, reaching up to 6.5 x 2.5 feet, that is native to the central U.S.
The abundant, deep yellow flowers, up to 2.5 inches across, are borne late summer into early autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun.

Helianthus petiolaris ( Prairie Sunflower )

Helianthus salicifolius ( Willow-leafed Sunflower )
A large, upright, perennial reaching up to 10 x 7 feet that is native from Colorado to Nebraska and western Missouri; south to northern Texas & Oklahoma. It can be invasive as the long rhizomes form large clumps. This plant is an excellent companion plant for larger Asters and Echinacea.
The tropical looking drooping foliage, up to 12 inches in length, is willow-like and deep green turning bright yellow late in autumn. Masses of 3 inch, bright yellow daisies with dark centers are borne late summer to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 9, prefers moist fertile soil but is tolerant of dry soil and likes lime. Cutting plants back in mid June will make them shorter but more strong and compact.

* photos taken on Sep 24 2013 in Howard Co., MD


Bitter Chocolate
Shorter, rarely exceeding 6 feet in height, bearing large flowers, up to 3 inches across, earlier in the season.

First Light
A dwarf form only reaching up to 4 x 4 feet with very abundant, golden-yellow flowers with brown eyes borne in mid autumn. Very sturdy in habit, it does not need staking.
Hardy zones 5 to 9

* photo taken on October 14 2010 in Crownsville, MD

* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD


Helianthus simulans ( Muck Sunflower )
A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 10 ( rarely over 10 ) feet, that is native to wet sites in the southeastern U.S. ( Arkansas to Tennessee; south to Louisiana to Florida ).
Very attractive even when not in bloom, the plants resemble some species of Bamboo in appearance.
The narrow, lance-shaped leaves, up to 9 x 1.3 inches, are luxuriant mid-green.
The foliage is similar to that of H. angustifolia.
The abundant, golden-yellow ( with purple-red center ) flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne mid autumn until the first hard freeze, even it that is in late November.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in full sun on moist to wet soil. Cut back by 1/3 during June to encourage bushiness.

* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD



Helianthus strumosus ( Paleleaf Woodland Sunflower )
A fast spreading ( sometimes invasive ) perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 3 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to eastern North America ( from Minnesota to Ontario to Maine; south to Texas to Florida ).
The large, yellow flowers, up to 4 inches wide, are borne for up to a month or more during mid summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in partial shade. Easy to grow.

Helianthus tuberosus ( Jerusalem Artichoke )
A very fast growing, large perennial, reaching up to 12 x 5 + feet, that is native to the Great Plains of North America ( Montana to Saskatchewan to Ontario; south to Colorado to north-central Texas to Georgia and naturalized further east ). It is usually found on floodplains and open woodlands in the wild.
The toothed, ovate leaves, up to 10 inches across, are mid-green. The leaves are alternately-arranged.
The abundant flowers, up to 4 inches across, are bright yellow and very attractive. They are borne late summer to mid-summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on fertile, moist soil. The Jerusalem Artichoke prefers climates with cool to cold winters. Heat and drought tolerant, they are not often bothered by insect pests or disease.
These plants rarely produce good seed but are easy to reproduce from tubers or even tuber fragments. You can often find these tubers in produce markets.
Jerusalem Artichoke is harvested during mid to late autumn after the foliage dies down by digging the tubers. Theyre flavor is enhanced after the first few hard frosts. Digging the tubers is rarely harmful to the Jerusalem Artichoke since some always get left behind and grow to form new plants the following spring. In fact ones you plant Jerusalem Artichoke in the garden, it is usually very difficult to get rid of. The tubers contain lots of minerals but only 75 calories per pound.
The tubers can be stored in moist sand but generally dont last long once they are dug. Therefore it is important to only dig what you can use. In fact you can repeatedly dig them all winter long as long as the soil isnt frozen solid.
The tubers contain insulin and taste much better after baking which converts the insulin into sugar, making them sweeter. They can be stir fried and even eaten fresh in salads. The tubers can even be grounded into flour for diet pasta, baking or soup thickening, after they have been dried.
The tubers of the Jerusalem Artichoke can be boiled as well but overcooking will make them mushy.
To prepare the tubers, clean out the crevices but you do not need to peel them. Cutting off and replanting the knobby parts is recommended since you never want a good plant to go to waste.
Up to 20 tons of tubers may be produced per acre and the plant can be used to manufacture fuel alcohol.
The tubers make excellent pig feed, and pigs are the best way to eliminate this plant when the crop is no longer needs.

* photo taken on Aug 4 2012 in Bayfield, Ontario

* photos taken on Sep 3 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on Sep 15 2013 in Howard Co., MD


Helianthus verticillatus ( Whorled Sunflower )
A very tall perennial reaching up to 12 feet that is native to Alabama where it is nearly extinct. The flowers are up to 3 inches across.
Hardy north to zone 5

* photo of unknown internet source