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Helianthus mollis (Ashy Sunflower)

Ashy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower

Helianthus mollis, Ashy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Helianthus mollis (Ashy Sunflower) is an upright perennial with pubescent leaves and stems (covered with hair) giving them an ash-like gray color, hence the common name. The stems are clad with sharply toothed, broad oval leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), and are branched in their upper part. From early summer to early fall, they are topped with a profusion of yellow flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), each adorn with up to 15-30 yellow rays and a yellow center disk. The blossoms are particularly attractive to birds as they love to eat the seeds directly from the seedheads. Ashy Sunflower spreads in the landscape by rhizomes and self-seeding to form colonies. It is perfect for adding long-lasting summer color in naturalized areas.

  • Typically grows up to 2-4 ft. tall (60-120 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions, excluding clay soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • Keep an eye out for rust, leaf fungal spots, powdery mildew, caterpillars and beetles.
  • Native to central and 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.


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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Helianthus decapetalus, Thinleaf Sunflower, Ten-Petaled Sunflower, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Pale Sunflower, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus pauciflorus, Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Perennial Sunflower, Perennial Helianthus, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus nuttallii, Nuttall's Sunflower, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus angustifolius, Swamp Sunflower, Narrowleaf Sunflower, Narrow-leaved Sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius var. planifolius, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus debilis, Beach Sunflower, Dune Sunflower, Cucumber-leaf Sunflower, Cucumberleaf Sunflower, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Annuals, Beach Flower
Helianthus divaricatus, Woodland Sunflower, Rough Sunflower, Helianthus divaricatus var. angustifolius, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
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 4 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 4'
(60cm - 120cm)
Spread 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northeast, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Southeast, Southwest, Tennessee, Texas, United States, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Helianthus
Guides with
Helianthus
Not sure which Helianthus to pick?
Compare Now

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    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

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