False sunflower tolerates drier soils than perennial sunflower and requires little in the way of fertilizing. Plants require staking unless they’re cut back to half their height in mid-June. Regular deadheading increases the number of blooms and decreases the number of volunteer seedlings. The only other required care is to cut the plants to the ground after frost has ended their blooming season.
This North American native perennial closely resembles perennial sunflower and produces a fine show of 3- to 4-inch yellow or yellowish orange daisies for most of the summer. The blossoms of false sunflower are either single, semidouble (with petals surrounding the dark centers), or fully double (completely concealing the center). This plant has found a well-deserved home in perennial borders around the world because it is so free flowering and trouble-free. As a cut flower, it is long lasting and always perky. ‘Summer Sun’ is shown here.
ZONES: 4–9
BLOOM TIME: Midsummer to fall
LIGHT: Full sun
HEIGHT: 48–60 Inches
INTEREST: Prolific, relatively large golden or yellow blossoms
False sunflower is a tidy, well-behaved plant that fits into any perennial or mixed border. It can be used as a specimen plant among shorter perennials or amid taller neighbors such as ornamental grasses or shrubs. It is superb when cut for use in summer and fall floral arrangements.