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Helianthus argophyllus (Silverleaf Sunflower)

Silverleaf Sunflower

Helianthus argophyllus, Silverleaf Sunflower, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials, Silver Foliage, Perennial Sunflower

Majestic, Helianthus argophyllus (Silverleaf sunflower) is a tall, multi-branching annual with a magnificent foliage of silvery felted leaves and a profusion of sunny yellow flowers, up to 4 in. wide (10 cm), each adorned with a chocolate center. One plant can produce up to 1-5 flower heads. Extremely long blooming from mid-summer until the first frost, the blossoms are particularly attractive to goldfinches as they love to eat the seeds directly from the seedheads. Easy to grow, this wild sunflower reseeds freely and grows quickly during warm weather.

  • Typically grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies, meadows, or coastal gardens.
  • Native to the coastal regions of Texas and naturalized in Florida and North Carolina.
  • Explore 50 stunning wildflowers to enrich your fall garden.

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 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, North Carolina, Florida, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
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)

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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 2 - 11
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Southwest, North Carolina, Florida, Texas
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
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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