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Perennial Sunflower

Helianthus x laetiflorus

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Asteraceae (Daisy)
Also in this family:
Alpine Blue Sow-thistle, Alpine Cotula, Alpine Fleabane, Alpine Saw-wort, Annual Ragweed, Annual Sunflower, Argentine Fleabane, Autumn Hawkbit, Autumn Oxeye, Beaked Hawksbeard, Beggarticks, Bilbao Fleabane, Black Knapweed, Black-eyed Susan, Blanketflower, Blue Fleabane, Blue Globe-thistle, Bristly Oxtongue, Broad-leaved Cudweed, Broad-leaved Ragwort, Brown Knapweed, Butterbur, Buttonweed, Cabbage Thistle, Canadian Fleabane, Canadian Goldenrod, Carline Thistle, Chalk Knapweed, Chamois Ragwort, Changing Michaelmas Daisy, Chicory, Chinese Mugwort, Chinese Ragwort, Coltsfoot, Common Blue Sow-thistle, Common Cat's-ear, Common Cudweed, Common Daisy, Common Dandelion, Common Fleabane, Common Goldenrod, Common Groundsel, Common Michaelmas Daisy, Common Mugwort, Common Ragwort, Common Wormwood, Coneflower, Confused Michaelmas Daisy, Corn Chamomile, Corn Marigold, Cornflower, Cotton Thistle, Cottonweed, Creeping Thistle, Daisy Bush, Dwarf Cudweed, Dwarf Thistle, Early Goldenrod, Eastern Groundsel, Eastern Leopardsbane, Elecampane, English Hawkweed, Fen Ragwort, Feverfew, Field Fleawort, Field Wormwood, Fox and Cubs, French Tarragon, Gallant Soldier, Garden Lettuce, Giant Butterbur, Glabrous-headed Hawkweed, Glandular Globe-thistle, Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy, Globe Artichoke, Globe-thistle, Goat's Beard, Golden Ragwort, Golden Samphire, Goldilocks Aster, Grass-leaved Goldenrod, Great Lettuce, Greater Burdock, Greater Knapweed, Grey-headed Hawkweed, Guernsey Fleabane, Hairless Blue Sow-thistle, Hairless Leptinella, Hairy Michaelmas Daisy, Harpur Crewe's Leopardsbane, Hawkweed Oxtongue, Heath Cudweed, Heath Groundsel, Hemp Agrimony, Highland Cudweed, Hoary Mugwort, Hoary Ragwort, Hybrid Knapweed, Intermediate Burdock, Irish Fleabane, Jersey Cudweed, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lance-leaved Hawkweed, Lavender-cotton, Leafless Hawksbeard, Least Lettuce, Leopardplant, Leopardsbane, Leptinella, Lesser Burdock, Lesser Hawkbit, Lesser Sunflower, London Bur-marigold, Magellan Ragwort, Marsh Cudweed, Marsh Hawksbeard, Marsh Ragwort, Marsh Sow-thistle, Marsh Thistle, Meadow Thistle, Melancholy Thistle, Mexican Fleabane, Milk Thistle, Mountain Everlasting, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Musk Thistle, Narrow-leaved Cudweed, Narrow-leaved Hawkweed, Narrow-leaved Michaelmas Daisy, Narrow-leaved Ragwort, New England Hawkweed, New Zealand Holly, Nipplewort, Nodding Bur-marigold, Northern Hawksbeard, Norwegian Mugwort, Oxeye Daisy, Oxford Ragwort, Pearly Everlasting, Perennial Cornflower, Perennial Ragweed, Perennial Sow-thistle, Pineapple Mayweed, Plantain-leaved Leopardsbane, Ploughman's Spikenard, Plymouth Thistle, Pontic Blue Sow-thistle, Pot Marigold, Prickly Lettuce, Prickly Sow-thistle, Purple Coltsfoot, Rayed Tansy, Red Star Thistle, Red-seeded Dandelion, Red-tipped Cudweed, Robin's Plantain, Roman Chamomile, Rough Cocklebur, Rough Hawkbit, Rough Hawksbeard, Russian Lettuce, Safflower, Salsify, Saw-wort, Scented Mayweed, Scentless Mayweed, Sea Aster, Sea Mayweed, Sea Wormwood, Seaside Daisy, Shaggy Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shaggy Soldier, Shasta Daisy, Shetland Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Shrub Ragwort, Sicilian Chamomile, Silver Ragwort, Slender Mugwort, Slender Thistle, Small Cudweed, Small Fleabane, Smooth Cat's-ear, Smooth Hawksbeard, Smooth Sow-thistle, Sneezeweed, Sneezewort, Spear Thistle, Spotted Cat's-ear, Spotted Hawkweed, Sticky Groundsel, Stinking Chamomile, Stinking Hawksbeard, Tall Fleabane, Tall Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Tansy, Thin-leaved Sunflower, Treasureflower, Trifid Bur-marigold, Tuberous Thistle, Tyneside Leopardplant, Viper's Grass, Wall Lettuce, Welsh Groundsel, Welted Thistle, White African Daisy, White Butterbur, White Buttons, Willdenow's Leopardsbane, Winter Heliotrope, Wood Burdock, Wood Ragwort, Woody Fleabane, Woolly Thistle, Yarrow, Yellow Chamomile, Yellow Fox and Cubs, Yellow Oxeye, Yellow Star Thistle, Yellow Thistle, York Groundsel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
180 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, roadsides, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, many petals
 
The bright yellow flowers are 10 to 12cm across with dark brownish-purple centres. The flower bracts are tightly appressed.
Fruit:
The fruit is an achene which is a type of dry, one-seeded fruit.
Leaves:
A patch-forming perennial with broad lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The leaves are rough to the touch and scarcely toothed. The stem is erect. Leaves alternate up the stem.
Other Names:
Late-flowering Sunflower, Pale-leaved Sunflower, Prairie Sunflower, Rough-leaved Sunflower, Showy Sunflower, Stiff Sunflower.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Helianthus x laetiflorus, also known as the Late-Flowering Sunflower, is a hybrid perennial herbaceous plant that is a cross between Helianthus annuus (common sunflower) and Helianthus petiolaris (prairie sunflower). It is known for its large, yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall, and its rough, hairy leaves. The plant can grow up to 5-6 feet tall and spread up to 2-3 feet. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Helianthus x laetiflorus is a relatively rare plant, as it is a natural hybrid, and not often found in cultivation.

Blog

Perennial sunflowers are an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance plant that will produce colorful blooms year after year. Among the many species of perennial sunflowers, Helianthus x laetiflorus stands out as a particularly attractive and hardy variety.

Helianthus x laetiflorus, commonly known as the "pale-leaved sunflower" or "late-flowering sunflower", is a hybrid species that is native to North America. It is a tall, upright plant that can reach heights of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters). The plant has attractive, pale green leaves that give it a soft, delicate appearance. In late summer and early fall, the plant produces numerous bright yellow blooms that are up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter.

One of the benefits of Helianthus x laetiflorus is its adaptability. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is also resistant to many common garden pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners who don't want to spend a lot of time tending to their plants.

Another benefit of Helianthus x laetiflorus is its role in supporting pollinators. The plant produces large quantities of nectar, which attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

To grow Helianthus x laetiflorus, it's best to start with young plants rather than seeds. You can purchase plants from a nursery or garden center, or propagate your own by taking stem cuttings. The plant should be planted in well-draining soil and given regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods. In the first year, the plant may not produce many blooms, but in subsequent years it should produce abundant flowers.

Helianthus x laetiflorus is an excellent choice for gardeners who want a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly plant that produces bright, cheerful blooms. Its adaptability and resistance to pests and diseases make it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. With a little care and attention, this beautiful plant will provide years of enjoyment and beauty in your garden.

One interesting fact about Helianthus x laetiflorus is that it is a hybrid species, meaning that it was created by crossing two different species of sunflowers. The exact parentage of this hybrid is not known, but it is believed to be a cross between Helianthus pauciflorus and Helianthus tuberosus.

Helianthus x laetiflorus is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used by indigenous peoples in North America for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The root of the plant is said to have pain-relieving properties and has been used to treat toothaches and other types of pain. The leaves of the plant have been used as a poultice to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Another benefit of Helianthus x laetiflorus is its ability to attract birds to your garden. The plant produces large quantities of seeds, which are a favorite food of many bird species, including finches and sparrows. By planting Helianthus x laetiflorus in your garden, you can create a food source for birds and help support local wildlife.

In terms of maintenance, Helianthus x laetiflorus is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It does not require a lot of fertilization or pruning, and it is resistant to many common garden pests and diseases. However, it is important to keep an eye out for powdery mildew, which can sometimes affect the leaves of the plant. If you notice signs of powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide or simply remove the affected leaves.

Helianthus x laetiflorus is a beautiful and versatile plant that can bring color and life to your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this plant is a great choice for its adaptability, resistance to pests and diseases, and attractive blooms.

One of the unique features of Helianthus x laetiflorus is its late-blooming flowers. While many sunflower species bloom in the summer, Helianthus x laetiflorus typically begins to flower in late August or early September, and can continue blooming well into the fall. This makes it a great choice for gardeners who want to extend the blooming season in their gardens.

Helianthus x laetiflorus is also a great choice for cut flower arrangements. The plant produces long stems with large, bright yellow flowers that can add a burst of color to any bouquet. To use Helianthus x laetiflorus in a cut flower arrangement, simply cut the stems at an angle and place them in a vase with fresh water.

Another benefit of Helianthus x laetiflorus is its ability to grow in a variety of climates. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, which means it can survive temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) in the winter. This makes it a great choice for gardeners in colder climates who want to add some color and life to their gardens.

Finally, Helianthus x laetiflorus is a great plant for attracting beneficial insects to your garden. In addition to attracting bees and butterflies, the plant also attracts ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators of many common garden pests. By planting Helianthus x laetiflorus in your garden, you can help support a healthy ecosystem and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

In summary, Helianthus x laetiflorus is a beautiful and versatile plant that can bring color, life, and ecological benefits to your garden. With its late-blooming flowers, adaptability, and ability to attract beneficial insects and wildlife, it is a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.