Mexican sunflower

Tithonia rotundifolia

AnnualAsteraceae

RHS Plants for Pollinators

Mexican sunflower
Deer-resistantDrought tolerant
USDA zones2 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size4 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
Growth rate
Rapid
Habit
Erect
Bloom season
Summer, autumn
Bloom color
Orange-red with yellow center disk
Foliage color
Green
Soil types
Sand, loam, clay
Soil pH
Acid, alkaline, neutral

Garden uses

BorderCut flowerLow maintenancePollinator gardenRock garden

Attracts

ButterfliesHummingbirdsBeesBirds

Notes

Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is an annual for borders, cut flowers, and pollinator gardens. It is not cold-hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures. This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows fast to 4 to 6 feet tall, with orange-red blooms around a yellow center disk. Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and birds visit the flowers. Deer tend to browse other plants first.

Pairs well with Zinnia, Lanceleaf coreopsis, and Montbretia.

Native range

North America, Central America, and Panamá.