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Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower)

Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Helianthus rigidus, Helianthus laetiflorus

Helianthus pauciflorus, Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Perennial Sunflower, Perennial Helianthus, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus pauciflorus, Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Perennial Sunflower, Perennial Helianthus, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials
Helianthus pauciflorus, Stiff Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Perennial Sunflower, Perennial Helianthus, Yellow Flowers, Yellow Perennials

Helianthus pauciflorus (Stiff Sunflower) is an upright, rhizomatous perennial with rigid and hairy, green or reddish stems clad with lanceolate to ovate, grayish-green leaves, often folded lengthwise. A profusion of brilliant yellow flowers, 2-4 in. across (5-10 cm) are produced from early summer to fall. Each flower features up to 10-25 bright yellow rays surrounding a purplish brown central disk. In dry weather, the petals fold up lengthwise or become twisted. A valuable plant for bees, butterflies and birds, Stiff Sunflower can spread aggressively by rhizomes to form colonies. Found in dry or drying prairies, roadsides, and open woods, Stiff Sunflower is a delight in large perennial gardens and wildflower meadows. It is not suited to the small perennial border as it needs room to spread.

  • Typically grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm).
  • Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soilsDrought tolerant once established.
  • Excellent choice for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
  • Native to 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 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Midwest, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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 3 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Compositae
Genus Helianthus
Common names Sunflower
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Midwest, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Southeast, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Southwest, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Rocky Mountains, Montana, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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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