Alphabetical Plant Listing

Helianthus debilis (Beach Sunflower)

Beach Sunflower, Dune Sunflower, Cucumber-leaf Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower


A cheerful sight in the landscape, Helianthus debilis (Beach Sunflower) is a fast-growing perennial groundcover forming a lush mound of semi-evergreen, dark green, deltoid leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm), that are irregularly lobed and toothed. They offer a perfect backdrop for the small, sunflower-like flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm). Blooming from spring to fall, continuously in frost-free areas, each charming flower is adorned with 10-20 yellow rays that surround a purplish-brown disk. They are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Beach Sunflower spreads quickly by runners, making it a terrific groundcover. In areas with freezing winter temperatures, it may die back to the ground. However, Beach Sunflower is a prolific self-seeder and many new plants will appear in the spring. Undemanding, salt and drought tolerant, this attractive wildflower is a plant of choice for beachside locations. It is also useful in mass plantings, edging, cascading down a wall or container. Beach Sunflower helps stabilize dunes and sandy soils thanks to its taproot and numerous lateral roots. Florists enjoy its lovely cut flowers.

  • Typically grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 24-48 in. wide (60-120 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in acidic, sandy, well-drained soils. Drought and salt tolerant once established. Be careful not to over-water this plant.
  • Fertilize once a year - in spring and late summer until the plant is established.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens or coastal gardens. Great for cascading down a wall or containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Prune in spring. Cut back to promote new full growth.
  • Propagate by non stratified seed in late fall or after the last frost in northern areas. Can be propagated by softwood cuttings
  • Native to the coastal areas from North Carolina to Florida and Texas.

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.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Helianthus - Sunflowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Michigan, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helianthus - Sunflowers

Guides with Helianthus - Sunflowers


By Bob Peterson, Flickr, JulI V, Shutterstock

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Helianthus - Sunflowers
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Michigan, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Helianthus - Sunflowers

Guides with Helianthus - Sunflowers

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