Species false sunflower
Yellow flower with orange center, yellow anthers, green leaves and stems.

false sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset'

False sunflower is an attractive native perennial with bright yellow daisy-like blooms. It can reach 6 feet in height and has a long blooming period, typically lasting from June to September. The 'Prairie Sunset' variety is even more colorful, with mottled yellow-orange petals surrounding a deep brown eye. It prefers moist soil and full sun or partial shade, and will attract a variety of pollinators. The colorful blooms can be used for cut flowers, while its extended blooming period will attract beneficial insects and birds. False sunflower is an excellent addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow rays with maroon basal petal ring Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

False sunflowers prefer moist conditions, and should be watered with 1 inch of water per week. If the weather is particularly hot or dry, however, more frequent light watering may be necessary. Water the plant slowly and deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding getting the leaves wet, as this may cause the foliage to become damaged. During warmer weather, it is important to check the soil daily to determine if it is dry and requires additional watering.

sunlight

False sunflower reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 ft and blooms from mid-summer to late fall. It prefers to grow in full sun and will tolerate some shade, so it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight each day in order to thrive. When planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, the plant will do best when receiving at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the sunflower is planted in an area that receives less than this, it is important to keep it well-watered, as it will become stressed in periods of drought.

pruning

False sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset') should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins, typically in March or April. Cut back the old flowering shoots to the base of the plant to stimulate new growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches. If the plant requires shaping or maintenance, pinch out the tops of young growth as it appears. Avoid pruning in the late summer as this may reduce flowering the following season.

Season

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

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset' typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map