Helianthus salicifolius 'First Light' (Willow-Leaved Sunflower)
Willow-Leaved Sunflower 'First Light', Column Flower 'First Light', Graceful Sunflower 'First Light', Willowleaf Sunflower 'First Light', Swamp Sunflower 'First Light', Narrow Leaved Sunflower 'First Light'
Very floriferous, Helianthus salicifolius 'First Light' (Willow-Leaved Sunflower) is a vigorous perennial forming a compact clump of upright stems, with narrow, fuzzy leaves and large sprays of brilliant yellow daisies, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), adorned with a dark chocolate center disk. Blooming from late summer to mid-fall, the cheerful blossoms are produced in such quantities that they almost hide the foliage. Grown for its particularly handsome foliage and profuse late-season flowering, this well-behaved Willow-Leaved Sunflower is a terrific addition to the landscape. Excellent for cutting too!
- Grows up to 44 in. tall and wide (110 cm).
- Prefers full sun and enjoys average, medium moisture, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
- Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for beds and borders where dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme.
- Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter.
- Any seeds produced by this cultivar will reportedly be sterile. Divide every 3-4 years to control spread and maintain vigor.
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.Read More
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Requirements
| Hardiness | 5
– 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 | Helianthus - Sunflowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 40" (100cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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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.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5
– 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 | Helianthus - Sunflowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Late) Fall |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 40" (100cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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