False sunflowers (Heliopsis) are beautiful and versatile plants that add a burst of sunny color to any garden. At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, we’re excited to share insights into three popular varieties of false sunflowers: Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower, Sunburst False Sunflower, and Sunstruck False Sunflower. Learn about their unique features and discover how to care for these stunning plants.
Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Bleeding Hearts’)
- Description: Bleeding Hearts False Sunflower features striking, reddish stems and vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers with a touch of red at the base, resembling bleeding hearts.
- Growth Habit: This variety grows in clumps and can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet, making it an excellent choice for mid to back borders.
- Care Tips:
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for best flowering.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is preferred; tolerates a range of soil types.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Sunburst False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Sunburst’)
- Description: Sunburst False Sunflower features bright golden-yellow flowers with a dark center, resembling miniature suns.
- Growth Habit: Compact and bushy, reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet, ideal for smaller garden spaces or containers.
- Care Tips:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for healthy growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first growing season.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote flowering.
Sunstruck False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Sunstruck’)
- Description: Sunstruck False Sunflower stands out with variegated foliage featuring green leaves with striking creamy yellow edges.
- Growth Habit: Compact and bushy, growing up to 2 to 3 feet tall, perfect for borders or mixed perennial beds.
- Care Tips:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to part shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil is preferred.
- Pruning: Trim back foliage in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plant.
Bringing False Sunflowers to Your Garden
- Planting: Choose a location with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season. Once established, false sunflowers are moderately drought-tolerant.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and optionally again in midsummer.
- Pest and Disease Control: False sunflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases but watch for aphids or powdery mildew during humid weather.
At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply, we offer a selection of false sunflowers and expert advice to help you create a vibrant and thriving garden. Visit us to explore these varieties and more!