Helianthus (Sunflower)
at Digging Dog

Including Helianthus angustifolius, Helianthus laetiflorus, & Helianthus maximiliana

Helianthus

Sunflower

The sunflower was once an emblem of the Sun God of the Incas. This well-loved genus is 150 species strong and includes not only sprightly garden plants but commercially important food and oil crops.

Our easy-to-grow selections tolerate a wide range of garden soils, attract bees, and make great cut flowers.

View a slideshow of plant images from this genus

Helianthus angustifolius ‘Gold Lace’    

Swamp Sunflower

Rugged, slender and deep green, ‘Gold Lace’s fine textured leaves and strong stems frame a verdant lacy tower all season long. Magnificent, 2 in. wide golden yellow flowers burst open in such bold profusion that this undemanding U.S. native becomes the star of the late summer border, headlining an unbeatable grand finale. Adored by butterflies, gardeners and florists, ‘Gold Lace’ thwarts bunnies and dry conditions once established, doesn’t require staking or much fertilizer and looks absolutely sublime accompanying Asters and Molinias.

Blooms late September–October.

Size: 4'–5' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 6.

Helianthus angustifolius ‘Gold Lace’ (P-1698)
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Helianthus angustifolius ‘Matanzas Creek’  

Originally discovered as a chance seedling at Matanzas Creek Winery in northern California and visible from literally ½ mile away, abundant pale yellow flowers cover the upper third of this extravagant perennial. Ours bask in their glory near the pond, along with other late bloomers like Salvia corrugata and Miscanthus ‘Adagio’.

Blooms September–early November.

Size: 7' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 6.

Helianthus angustifolius ‘Matanzas Creek’ (P-0534)
Each $7.75
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Helianthus giganteus ‘Shelia’s Sunshine’  

Giant Pale Yellow Sunflower

Late blooming pastel yellow flowers gaze down at onlookers from atop lofty, sturdy stems. Combine with Buddleja ‘Ellen’s Blue’, Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ and tall, late Asters in the rear of the border.

Blooms early August – October

Size: 6'–10' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 6.

Helianthus giganteus ‘Shelia’s Sunshine’ (p-0461)
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Helianthus hirsutus    

Woodland Sunflower

A celebrated American denizen often found in open woodlands, prairies and along roadsides, this Sunflower’s ebullient yellow face belies its resilient nature. The dense colony of upright wine-hued stems and rough lanceolate leaves can handle neglect, drought, and sun or shade.

Enticing to bees, butterflies, and gardeners alike, yellow 2 in. wide, broad-petaled and brown-centered blooms burst forth from round, spiky-looking green buds. Even though the long lasting jaunty display signals summer’s end, the good-sized chocolate-colored seed heads keep the birds happy and our interest sparked.

Blooms August–October.

Size: 5'–6' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 3.

Helianthus hirsutus (P-1383)
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Helianthus laetiflorus ‘Lemon Queen’  

‘Lemon Queen’s cloud of citrus yellow daisies will quench your thirst for color and cheer, while robust columns of deep green foliage make a strong architectural statement in the border or meadow planting.

Blooms August–October.

Size: 7' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Helianthus laetiflorus ‘Lemon Queen’ (p-0535)
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Helianthus maximiliana ‘Santa Fe’  

As summer fades into fall, this native New Mexican sunflower bursts into abundant bloom with gorgeous large, golden yellow flowers. Dark green, long and narrow pointed leaves create an eye catching colonnade several months before the top half of each red-tinged, sturdy stem gives way to the closely arranged, fulgent daisies.

Putting on one of the latest and unequivocally finest autumn displays, regal ‘Santa Fe’ stands in sharp relief to the violet-hued Aconitums in our border.

Blooms September–October.

Size: 6'–8' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Helianthus maximiliana ‘Santa Fe’ (P-1213)
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Helianthus x multiflorus ‘Capenoch Star’  

Touted as one of the best late flowering perennials and considered a shining star amongst other Helianthus, ‘Capenoch Star’ headlines big-centered, large lemon- yellow blooms borne in cheerful abundance. Tidy forest green leaves bolster the sunny display, which bears some semblance to its annual cousin and looks positively radiant with a sweep of frothy white Persicaria polymorpha and Salvia ‘Blue Ensign’ in Great Dixter’s long border.

Blooms August – October.

Size: 4'–5' high x 2'–3' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Helianthus x multiflorus ‘Capenoch Star’ (P-1526)
Each $7.75
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