oxeye sunflower

Oxeye Sunflowers need to be watered moderately and consistently. They prefer evenly moist soil that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Watering should be done once every 5-7 days, providing 1-2 inches of water per session. If the soil begins to look excessively dry, then increase the frequency of watering. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the time of year and the climate. During the hot summer months, more water might be needed.

Oxeye sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister') thrive when grown in a sunny spot with plenty of direct light. They need at least 8-10 hours of sunlight a day in order for the flowers to be a vibrant, firey red color. If planted in a spot with partial sun, the flowers may become less intensely-colored. Oxeye sunflowers prefer full sunlight and may become stressed or die if planted in too much shade or an area with insufficient light.

Oxeye sunflowers should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears. Trim out the dead and damaged stems, as well as any that are crossing. Cut the stems back to just above the ground or to a pair of healthy buds. Pinching or cutting off the terminal buds as new growth begins will encourage bushy, healthy plants. You should prune about 1-third of the stems off to thin out the plant and to keep it smaller. Pruning also encourages air circulation and can help to prevent disease.