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Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset'

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Kemper Code:  B232

Common Name: false sunflower
Zone: 3 to 9
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: June - September  
Bloom Color: Yellow rays with maroon basal petal ring
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low


Plant Culture and Characteristics

Sources for this plant

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  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought, but does best if regularly watered. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor, infertile ones. Tolerates some light shade, but plants are less vigorous and stems need support in heavier shade. Remove spent flowers to extend bloom season. Plant stems may be cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in late May to reduce overall plant height.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

‘Prairie Sunset’ is an oxeye cultivar that is noted for its purple stems, purple-veined foliage and reddish-maroon basal petal ring. Typically grows 3-5’ tall. Features daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and darker yellow-brown center disks. Maroon tinting at the base of the ray flowers forms a distinctive ring around the center disk. Flowers bloom from early summer to early fall atop stiff stems that seldom need staking. Serrate, ovate, dark green leaves (to 5” long) have purple veining. Heliopsis is both similar in appearance to and closely related to Helianthus, the true sunflower, and is sometimes commonly called false sunflower. Good fresh cut flower. U.S. Plant Patent PP13,779 issued May 6, 2003.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Red aphids are occasional visitors.

Uses:

Borders. Cottage gardens. Cutting gardens.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010


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