You might have guessed by the name, but full sunlight is a must for this perennial.
While not quite as large as its annual cousin, the perennial sunflower(Helianthusspp.)
makes up for what it lacks in size with tons of blooms in late summer and fall.
Credit: David Speer
The foliage differs among many of the sunflower species.
These plants don’t branch except at the flowering tips, creating an extremely soft and airy texture.
They are well-adapted to a variety of conditions.
Credit: David Speer
Where to Plant Perennial Sunflower
Plant perennial sunflowers in an area that receives full sun.
The soil needs to be well-draining.
Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil to at least 1 foot deep and addingcompost and organic matter.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Make 1-inch-deep holes spaced 12-18 inches apart, and drop a seed in each hole.
Seeds sown in spring might bloom by fall, but possibly not until the following spring.
Then, fill small pots with moist seed-starting mix and putone seed in each pot.
Credit: Ed Gohlich
Place the pots in bright light in a warm, dry location until germination occurs.
When the soil warms in late spring, harden off the seedlings and plant them outside.
Plant a few seeds every two weeks through spring and summer to enjoy continuous bloom.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Perennial Sunflower Care Tips
Light
To prevent legginess,plant perennial sunflowers in full sun.
This encourages the most blossoms possible on the most compact habit.
Soil and Water
Perennial sunflowersgrow best in well-drained soilwith average moisture.
Credit: Jim Krantz
Some perennial sunflowers do well in average to poor soil, while some like soil rich in nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity
Perennial sunflowers tolerate heat, drought, and high humidity.
They thrive in sun and heat but can grow in slightly chilly weather as long as it is sunny.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
(Nitrogen encourages foliage, not flowers.)
Dig it into the soil 6 inches away from the plant stem, following the product directions.
Pruning
Perennial sunflowers don’t require much pruning.
Cut the plants back by two-thirds and remove any debris or damaged foliage in early spring.
Choose alarge containerso the plant never needs to be repotted.
Pests and Problems
Aphidsare known to frequent perennial sunflowers in spring and early summer.
They can be controlled by a blast of water or applications ofneem oilor insecticidal soap.
Perennial sunflowers that grow in less than full sun are likely to encounter fungal diseases.
How to Propagate Perennial Sunflower
Propagate perennial sunflower by division or seed.
Division:Perennial sunflowers have rhizomes that spread.
Plant the division in a prepared bed in the garden immediately or in pots filled with good-quality potting soil.
Rinse the seeds in a colander and remove any excess bits and pieces that aren’t seeds.
Store them in a container until planting time.
Its single, light yellow flowers are produced in abundance from midsummer to fall.
Staking may be necessary if the soil is rich.
It requires no staking and blooms from midsummer to fall.
It grows 8-10 feet.
Zones 4-9
Perennial Sunflower Companion Plants
Dahlia
Nothingbeats a dahlia for summer color.
Growing these varied, spiky flowers is like having a box of garden crayons.
Several different flower categories, from petite mignonettes to gigantic dinner-plate dahlias, offer possibilities for any space.
Yet they look so delicate, producing glorious trumpet-shaped blooms in myriad colors.
The flowers are borne on leafless stems.
The strappy foliage may be evergreen or deciduous.
Salvia
Few gardens don’t haveat least one salvia growing in them.
Most salvias don’t like cool weather, so plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Enjoy the best of both worlds by tying small paper bags over some blooms while deadheading others.
Then when winter comes, remove the bags and watch the local bird population enjoy the seeds.
