giant sunflower
Helianthus giganteus
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Sizeup to 12 feet tall
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
Notes
Giant sunflower (Helianthus giganteus) is a perennial for wildlife gardens, moist meadows, and back borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and moist to wet soil. Its branched, purplish stem can reach 12 feet tall and ends in light yellow flowers. The flower heads are fairly small, and the name refers to the plant's height. Blooms open from mid to late summer into early autumn, and birds visit the seed heads.
Pairs well with Tussock sedge, Lizard's tail, and Interrupted fern.
Native range
CT, DC, DE, GA, and 24 more places. See all 28
CT, DC, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV; MB, NS, ON, and SK.