Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun' - smooth oxeye
DESCRIPTION
smooth oxeye
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'
This local native sunflower happily naturalizes in moist or dry conditions. Upright and clump forming with bright yellow flowers June through August. This selection is shorter than the species making it a better fit for today's urban gardens. Tough and easy to grow, staking is rarely necessary thanks to the strong, sturdy stems. Very attractive to nectar seekers. Great for cut flowers.
Benefits
- Much more compact than the species reaching just 2-3’
- Daisy-like flowers bloom from summer right into fall
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies like painted ladies
- Ground feeding birds will relish the seeds in autumn
- Low maintenance, easy to grow, great cut flower
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Often found on sandy soil but is quite adaptable.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
This plant looks like and is closely related to the true sunflowers and is sometimes called a false sunflower. It's name comes from Greek and means resembling the sun.
GROWING TIPS
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun, but may tolerate drought. Propagate by seed, cuttings or division every 2-3 years. Deadhead to extend the blooming season. Low maintenance. Best utilized in the back of a border garden to accent lower growing, brightly colored perennials, as well as wildflower and cutting gardens.
Mature Size: 2-3'T x 2-3' W
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Sun Exposure: Full sun
VIDEO
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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download