Helianthus salicifolius
(Willow-leaved sunflower)
Family - Asteraceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Central and Eastern USA
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn
Hardiness - H5
Height - 2.5m
Width - 90cm
Location - The Hot Garden
Description: A tall rhizomatous Perennial with a columnar habit. The upright stems hold arching, dark green, willow-like leaves that are linear to lanceolate in shape. Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with brown centres are produced from early to mid-autumn, and cause the stems to arch under the weight of the panicles. Helianthus salicifolius is often grown for the effect the foliage creates, but the flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and are excellent for use as cut flowers.
Synonym - Helianthus orgyalis
Flower:
Daisy-like flowerheads are composed of bright yellow ray florets (petals) surrounding a flat central cluster of brown disc florets. The flowers are produced on tall stems from September into October.
Flower colour: Yellow
Flower shape: Daisy-like flowers in panicles
Flowering time: September, October
Foliage:
Dark green, willow-like leaves are linear to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are held on tall, upright stems. 'Salicifolius' means willow-like foliage (based on the botanical genus name for willow - Salix).
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Linear to lanceolate
Propagation:
Cuttings, division, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in moisture retentive soil that is well drained.