Species ox eye
yellow, daisy-like flowers with yellow stamens, green stems, and toothed green leaves

ox eye

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra

Ox Eye is a North American native plant species and member of the Asteraceae family. It contains beautiful, yellow-orange daisy-like blooms with rusty-brown spots, appearing from midsummer to early fall. It grows around 3 feet tall and blooms June through August. It’s a great pollinator attractor growing best in sunny locations, in moist, well-drained, and average soils. Ox Eye is a long-lasting perennial and perfect for use in sunny border areas, wildflower gardens, and for butterfly garden as a nectar source. However, it is considered an aggressive grower and can become invasive.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow orange rays and brownish yellow center Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Ox eye plants should be watered approximately once a week, using enough water to saturate the soil to the root level. Take care to not overwater, or the plant can become susceptible to root rot. Instead, water until it pools slightly and allow the soil to dry to the touch before watering again. In hot weather or in drier climates, this may require watering every 4 or 5 days. In more humid environments, watering could be extended a little. Root level watering with a watering can or soaker hose is best for these plants.

sunlight

Ox eye flowers prefer full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. When grown in areas with cooler temperatures, the plant may need additional time in the sun, up to 8 hours per day. In hot and dry climates, the sun exposure should be reduced to 4 to 6 hours per day.

pruning

Ox eye should be pruned in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing any dead wood, as well as removing any straggly growth that may detract from the shape of the plant. When pruning, it is best to keep a natural form. Removal of the flowering stem is also recommended to extend the flowering season. The amount of pruning will depend on the individual plant. Some plants may require very little pruning, while others may require more. Pruning should never be done excessively, as this can cause irreparable damage to the plant.

Season

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

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map