Helianthus salicifolius (Willow-Leaved Sunflower)
Willow-Leaved Sunflower, Column Flower, Graceful Sunflower, Willowleaf Sunflower, Swamp Sunflower, Narrow Leaved Sunflower, Helianthus filiformis, Helianthus orgyalis
Very floriferous, Helianthus salicifolius (Willow-Leaved Sunflower) is a vigorous clump-forming perennial boasting upright stems clothed with narrow, arching, willow-like leaves, 5-7 in. long (12-17 cm). Blooming from late summer to late fall, showy sprays of brilliant yellow daisies, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), adorned with a dark chocolate center disk can be enjoyed. The cheerful blossoms are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Grown for its particularly handsome foliage and profuse late season flowering, Willow-Leaved Sunflower is a terrific addition to the landscape and is suitable for a traditional perennial border. Excellent for cutting too!
- Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 1-3 ft. wide (30-90 cm). Spreads over time by creeping rhizomes to form large colonies.
- Performs best in full sun in moderately fertile, medium moisture, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Ideal plant for poor, rocky sites in scorching heat where it will be smaller.
- Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for beds and borders where the dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. Great for coastal gardens, cottage gardens, prairies and meadows.
- Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter.
- Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in the spring. Basal cuttings may be rooted in the spring. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to increase plants and retain vigor.
- Native to the south-central United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Native Plants | Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Midwest, Missouri, New York, Northeast, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States, Wisconsin |
| Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Compositae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height |
8' - 10' (240cm - 3m) |
| Spread |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Native Plants | Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Midwest, Missouri, New York, Northeast, Oklahoma, Southwest, Texas, United States, Wisconsin |
| Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
