Species willow-leaved sunflower
Yellow flowers with brown center, yellow anthers, green sepal, lime-green petiole and green leaves.

willow-leaved sunflower

Helianthus salicifolius 'Low Down'

Willow-Leaved Sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius 'Low Down') is a small, heat-tolerant variety of perennial sunflower that thrives in full sun. Its long, bright green, willow-like foliage is covered in 2 - 4 inch wide daisy-like yellow blooms with brown tips in late Summer through early Autumn. It grows best in well-drained, average soil, with regular watering to keep it looking its best. Deer tend to stay away from this plant, so it's an ideal choice for landscaping in areas prone to deer damage. It works great for adding a cheerful splash of color to garden beds and borders, and is also a great cut flower.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow rays with brown center disks Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

The willow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius 'Low Down') should be watered twice a week, approximately 1 inch of water at a time. Soil should be kept evenly moist but not soggy. During the summer months, when the plant is in active growth, water more frequently if necessary. The best way to check if your plant needs water is to check the moisture level in the soil. Stick your fingertip in the top inch of soil --

sunlight

The willow-leaved sunflower needs full sun exposure to thrive and produce the best blooms. It should be planted in an area with at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. The plant can handle some afternoon shade or partial shade for part of the day, but it should still get several hours of sunlight each day. In areas with hot summers, afternoon shade is recommended or the plant will be over exposed to the intense afternoon sun.

pruning

Willow-leaved sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius 'Low Down') should be pruned in late winter or early spring, just before or as new growth appears. Prune off any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, as well as any overly long shoots. To promote bushiness, prune the tallest stems down by 1-third of their length. This will also encourage more blooms. Finally, cut back any overcrowded shoots to open up the center of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Willow-leaved sunflower typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Willow-leaved sunflower typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map