This perennial produces tons of bright yellow flowers in summer.
False sunflower is more compact (so less likely to flop) than the real deal.
Many varieties grow 3-5 feet tall, while some smaller varieties are less than 2 feet tall.
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
In most specimens, each flower comprises a single row of golden petals around a darker yellow center eye.
(That’s why this plant is often called ox eye.)
Some varieties bear double flowers that include an extra set of petals for a fuller look.
Credit: Andreas Trauttmansdorff
For additional interest, check out variegated varieties with foliage in different green, white, and pink mixtures.
They are excellent additions to a cottage garden bed or cutting garden, and they grow well in containers.
Plan to have the seedlings ready to transplant in early August or before the last spring frost.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
False Sunflower Care Tips
Light
False sunflowers grow best in full sun.
With variegated varieties, full sun brings out the most stunning colorations in the foliage.
Growing false sunflower in lean soil acts as a natural growth regulator, helping prevent the plant from flopping.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
However, fungal diseases like powdery mildew may increase in damp areas.
Fertilizer
False sunflower doesn’t require anysupplementary fertilization.
After the plants finish blooming, cut them back to 2-3 inches for the winter.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Deadhead spent blossomsto improve the plant’s appearance, encourage reblooming, and reduce or prevent self-seeding.
Potting and Repotting False Sunflower
Shorter varieties of false sunflower make excellent container plants.
Choose a large clay pot with drainage holes andfill it with potting soil.
Credit: Tim Murphy
Place the container outside near a patio or other sitting area.
It needs full sun and protection from strong winds.
While this condition is unsightly, it will not likely cause long-term damage.
Credit: Eric Roth
The best control is prevention.
If your plantsexperienced powdery mildewthe previous season, clean up last year’s debris in the spring.
Planting false sunflower in full sun keeps foliage drier, another option for preventing mildew.
Plants that are damaged or weakenedmight attract aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap orneem oil.
Replant the divisions immediately in a prepared garden bed.
Seed:Harvesting seed from a false sunflower is another way to propagate it.
Place the bag in a warm, dry place.
Use a kitchen strainer to separate the tiny seeds from the rest of the material.
Store the seeds in a dry place until planting season.
After it develops a robust root system, it can be transplanted outdoors or to a larger container.
This short plant grows less than 2 feet tall.
Plant in zones 4-9.
It grows 2 to 2.5 feet tall.
Plant it in zones 4-9.
It stands 3 feet tall and is very long-blooming.
Plant it in zones 3-9.
Not all asters arefall bloomers.
Extend the season by growing some of the summer bloomers, as well.
Yarrow
Yarrowis one of those plants that gives a wildflower look to any garden.
It is a native plant and easy to care for.
Its colorful, flat-top blooms rise above clusters of ferny foliage.
If deadheaded after its first flush of blooms fade, yarrow will rebloom.
If left to dry on the plant, flower clusters of some types provide winter interest.
Flowers of yarrow are excellent in fresh ordried arrangements.
Its mound of grassy gray-blue leaves arches gracefully throughout the season.
In fall, panicles of brownish spikelets reach for the sky well above the foliage.
The sunny blooms attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and other pollinating insects.
False sunflower has very deep roots, which can prevent erosion.
False sunflower can also be a source of food for birds during winter months.
