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Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower)

Swamp Sunflower, Narrowleaf Sunflower, Narrow-leaved Sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius var. planifolius, Coreopsis angustifolia

Helianthus angustifolius, Swamp Sunflower, Narrowleaf Sunflower, Narrow-leaved Sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius var. planifolius, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

The last sunflower to bloom, Helianthus angustifolius (Swamp Sunflower) is a showy perennial forming a clump of tall and sturdy, green to purplish pubescent stems. They boast a profusion of brilliant golden-yellow flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), from fall to frost. Each flower features 10-20 yellow narrow, pointed rays surrounding a purplish-brown disk. They are an important nectar source for fall migrating monarch butterflies and other pollinators. The seeds are favored by many songbirds and are produced into the fall. The narrow, willowy leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), are hairy and pointed at the tip. Swamp Sunflower grows from a branched, colonizing crown that spreads outward at a moderate rate. It is a good choice for a native or pollinator garden, a naturalized area. It is suitable for rain gardens or along streams and ponds. Use as a specimen plant or massed. Give it room to spread, and you will enjoy a profusion of late-season flowers when little else is blooming.

  • Typically grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
  • Prefers full sun in acidic to neutral, moist to occasionally wet, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade but best flower production occurs in full sun. Salt tolerant.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, coastal gardens, butterfly gardens, along ponds and streams.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for rust, leaf fungal spots, and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
  • Prune plants back in early summer to encourage branching.
  • Propagated by seed.
  • Native to the eastern United States.

Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Sunflowers


Cherished for their beauty, Sunflowers (Helianthus) are striking ornamental annuals or perennial plants grown for their colorful summer and fall blooms. Fast-growing, they can reward you with glamorous blooms between 55 and 100 days after planting. Here are some basic rules that need to be followed to enjoy their splendid flowers.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower, Swamp Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 5' - 8'
(150cm - 240cm)
Spread 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Midwest, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Helianthus annuus ProCut® White Nite (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ProCut® Red (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Gold’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Sunny Smile’ (Common Sunflower)
Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’ (Common Sunflower)

Recommended Companion Plants

Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (Aromatic Aster)
Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus)
Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow)
Vernonia noveboracensis (New York Ironweed)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

How to Choose the Perfect Sunflower for Your garden and Pots
10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Sunflowers in Your Garden
Companion Planting With Annuals
Edible Flowers: 16 Varieties to Beautify Your Garden and Plate
Best Annual Flowers For Your Vegetable Garden
Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Full Sun
Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Gorgeous Sunflowers
39 Most Beautiful Sunflower Types for Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower, Swamp Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Fall
Height 5' - 8'
(150cm - 240cm)
Spread 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" - 72"
(120cm - 180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Midwest, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Salt, Wet Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Helianthus (Sunflower)
Not sure which Helianthus (Sunflower) to pick?
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