Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower)
Mexican Sunflower, Goldflower of the Incas, Mexican Marigold, Tithonia Speciosa
Thriving in summer heat, Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is a warm weather annual featuring showy daisy
- Fairly pest-free and low maintenance, add this charming and graceful plant to the landscape and you will be rewarded with abundant happy butterflies and hummingbirds!
- Vigorously growing up to 4-6 ft. high (120-180 cm) and spreading up to 2-3ft. (60-90 cm), this bushy plant features large leaves, heart-shaped to lobed and covered with soft hair that deer ignore. Mexican Flower is an ideal addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens and cutting gardens, as it makes excellent fresh cut flowers.
- Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Dry and poor soils are tolerated, but rich, fertile soils should be avoided as the plant may develop excess foliage. Do not over fertilize as it will promote foliage more than flowers and may also cause the plants to topple. This plant is heat, drought tolerant.
- May be grown from seeds or live plants. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
- Pinching off dead blossoms will promote continuous blooming. Staking may be required.
- The most popular Mexican Sunflower varieties are:
Tithonia 'Fiesta del Sol' - dwarf cultivar reaching 2-3 ft. height (60-90 cm) with single, orange daisy flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm). Heat and humidity resistant. 2000 All America Selections Winner
Tithonia 'Torch' - cultivar reaching 3-4 ft. height (90-120 cm) with single, orange-scarlet daisy flowers,3-4 in. across (7-9 cm).
Buy Tithonia rotundifolia (Mexican Sunflower)
Requirements
Hardiness | 2
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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 | 2
– 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Annuals |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Cutting Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |