Heliopsis helianthoides (False Sunflowers)

Why Should I Grow False Sunflower?

Growing Heliopsis helianthoides offers numerous benefits for both your garden and the surrounding ecosystem:

• Easy to Grow: The False Sunflower is hardy and tolerates a wide range of conditions, including poor soil and drought, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Long Bloom Season: It produces vibrant yellow flowers from early summer to early fall, providing a long-lasting splash of color in your garden.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in your garden.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: While not entirely immune, Heliopsis helianthoides is less likely to be damaged by deer and rabbits, preserving its aesthetic appeal.
• Excellent Cut Flowers: The flowers of the False Sunflower are ideal for cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of natural beauty to your home.
• Versatile Use: These plants work well in a variety of garden styles, including native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, or perennial borders.
• Erosion Control: The plant’s deep and robust root system can help prevent soil erosion in certain areas.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a low-maintenance, hardy, and long-blooming perennial that contributes positively to the ecosystem, the False Sunflower is a strong contender.

Garden Design With False Sunflower

Designing a garden with False Sunflower can add long-lasting color and movement to your landscape. Here are some ideas for incorporating this vibrant perennial into your garden design:

• Mixed Border: Add False Sunflower to a mixed border along with other summer-blooming perennials such as coneflowers, phlox, and black-eyed Susans. The bright yellow flowers of the False Sunflower will provide an exciting contrast to the other colors in the bed.
• Native Garden: Include False Sunflower in a native plant garden. It’s a North American native that attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for an eco-friendly landscape.
• Cottage Garden: The bright flowers and relaxed growth habit of False Sunflower fit perfectly into a cottage garden design. Pair them with other easy-care, cottage-style plants like lavender, daisies, and hollyhocks.
• Cutting Garden: As False Sunflower makes excellent cut flowers, consider planting them in a designated cutting garden, along with other favorites like dahlias and zinnias.
• Wildlife Garden: If attracting wildlife is your aim, pair False Sunflower with other pollinator-friendly plants. Consider adding a water source or a bird feeder to provide a habitat for a variety of creatures.
• Backdrop Planting: Given its height, False Sunflower works well at the back of a border, where it can tower over shorter plants and offer a golden backdrop.

Companion Plants

When selecting companion plants for Heliopsis helianthoides, consider plants that bloom at the same time and enjoy similar growing conditions – full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some ideal companions for False Sunflower:

• Echinacea (Coneflower): With their pink, white, or purple flowers, they offer a beautiful contrast to the bright yellow of Heliopsis.
• Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): Sharing the same daisy-like form, these plants make a visually harmonious combination.
• Salvia: The spiky form and intense blue or purple flowers of some Salvia species can provide a striking contrast to Heliopsis.
• Grasses: Tall ornamental grasses, such as Panicum or Miscanthus, can provide a soft, feathery backdrop for Heliopsis, adding depth and interest to the garden.
• Phlox: The large clusters of Phlox flowers in white, pink, red, or lavender complement the daisy-like blooms of Heliopsis.
• Asclepias (Milkweed): As both are native to North America and attract butterflies, they can be paired to create a pollinator-friendly garden.
• Monarda (Bee Balm): The spiky, vibrant blooms of bee balm contrast nicely with the sunny flowers of Heliopsis.

Mixing these companion plants with False Sunflower can create a dynamic, diverse garden that offers multiple seasons of interest. Always consider your specific site conditions and the ultimate size of plants when choosing and placing companions.

Growing Tips

• Planting: Heliopsis helianthoides, also known as False Sunflower, should ideally be planted in well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade, although the plant might tend to flop and hence will require some support.
• Spacing: Ensure to space these plants properly, about 18 to 48 inches (45-120 cm) apart, to allow for growth and good air circulation, which will help prevent disease.
• Watering: While Heliopsis helianthoides is drought-tolerant once established, it appreciates consistent watering, particularly during the dry periods. Be careful to avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: False sunflower benefits from a slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
• Pruning: Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, will encourage a more prolonged flowering season. In early summer, you might consider cutting the plant back by one-third to one-half to control its size and promote a more bushy growth.
• Pest/Disease Management: This plant has few serious disease or pest problems. Watch for leaf spot or powdery mildew and treat if necessary. If pests such as aphids or leaf miners become a problem, use an appropriate pesticide or consider introducing beneficial insects.
• Winter care: In the fall, after the plant has finished blooming and the foliage has died back, cut it down to ground level. This will help keep your garden tidy and reduce overwintering pests and diseases.
• Propagation: False Sunflower can be propagated by seed or by division. If propagating by division, the best time to do this is in early spring before new growth begins or in the fall once the plant has finished blooming.