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Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)

Woodland Sunflower, Rough Sunflower, Helianthus divaricatus var. angustifolius

Helianthus divaricatus, Woodland Sunflower, Rough Sunflower, Helianthus divaricatus var. angustifolius, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower) is a showy rhizomatous perennial with sessile or short-stalked leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), and a profusion of yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), each adorn with up to 8-15 yellow rays and a darker yellow center disk. Blooming from early summer to fall, they are borne atop tall, smooth stems and are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Birds and small mammals love to eat the seeds directly from the seed heads. Perfect for adding summer and fall color in partly shaded borders and naturalized areas.

  • Typically grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm). Will spread vigorously by creeping rhizomes to form colonies.
  • Performs best in part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions. Drought tolerant.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for partially shaded borders, cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadowsCut flowers last well in bouquets.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Divide every 3-4 years to control spread and maintain vigor.
  • Native to the eastern United States, Canada.

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 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Woodland Sunflower, Sunflower
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles 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

Aquilegia canadensis (Canadian Columbine)
Coreopsis lanceolata (Lanceleaf Tickseed)
Geranium maculatum (Spotted Cranesbill)
Polygonatum multiflorum (Common Solomon’s Seal)

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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 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Woodland Sunflower, Sunflower
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles 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?
Compare Now

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