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.