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Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower)

Sawtooth Sunflower, Helianthus grosseserratus ssp. maximus, Helianthus grosseserratus var. hypoleucus, Helianthus instabilis

Helianthus grosseserratus, Sawtooth Sunflower, Helianthus instabilis, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Helianthus grosseserratus (Sawtooth Sunflower) is a showy perennial with tall and sturdy, reddish or reddish-purple stems branching along the upper half of the plant. They are topped by a profusion of brilliant flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), held in loose clusters from late summer to late fall. They are attractive to honey bees and bumblebees but also to gamebirds or songbirds as they love to eat the seeds. Notwithstanding its common name, the lance-shaped leaves, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), are often toothless or slightly serrated. Sawtooth Sunflower spreads quickly via its rhizomatous root system. It is perfect for naturalized areas where it can form showy colonies.

  • Typically grows up to 5-10 ft. tall (150-300 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in acidic or neutral, richmoist, well-drained soils. May need staking, particularly if grown in exposed locations.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. It may be affected by powdery mildew if the soil is too wet.
  • Easily propagated from seed sowed outdoors in fall. It may also be propagated by root division in fall or basal cuttings in spring.
  • Native to eastern North America

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 Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 5' - 10'
(150cm - 3m)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Ohio, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
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

Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Asahi’ (False Sunflower)
Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot)
Echinacea paradoxa (Yellow Coneflower)
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)

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 3 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 5' - 10'
(150cm - 3m)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Ohio, Minnesota, North Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
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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