Product Description
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'
Common Name: Sunflower, Sunflower Heliopsis.
Zones 3 to 9, except for the southeast lowlands;
Full Sun to part shade.
Mature size 36 inch height, spreads 24 to 30 inches;
clump forming with spreading habit.
Semi-double, 2 to 3 inch wide, bright gold flowers bloom all summer long atop strong stems; great cut flowers. 'Summer Sun' is very heat tolerant, and recommended for southern zones.
Missouri Botanical Garden Emeritus Plants of Merit
Heliopsis tolerates a wide range of soils although it grows best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Drought tough, it prefers regular watering. Light shade is ok, especially in southern zones, but too much shade (or moist, rich soil) may require staking.
A tall, bushy form and glossy, deep green, triangular leaves makes this is an excellent choice for the back of the flower border. Deadhead to extend the blooming season and prevent self-seeding. Plant them in mass to enjoy great fresh cut flowers. Flower nectar attracts butterflies and birds eat the ripen seeds.
Oxeye sunflower or Heliopsis helianthoides is a clump-forming, upright, 3 to 6 foot tall, native perennial found throughout the eastern US and into Canada. Heliopsis is both similar in appearance to and closely related to Helianthus, the true sunflower.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
