7.01.2010
Floriculture
By Thomas M. Blessington
David L. Clement
KEVIN G. WILLIAMS
Central Maryland REC
University of Maryland

Heliopsis helianthoides, or false sunflower, is a coarse perennial native to North America. Growing up to 5 feet tall, it has oval, dark green leaves with sandpapery surfaces and toothed margins. Its yellow, daisy-like blossoms are 2-inches in diameter and composed of 10 to 16 pointed ray flowers. The blooming season lasts up to 12 weeks.
Hardy in zones 2 to 9, heliopsis tolerates both severe winters and hot summers
It will grow in most any moderately fertile soil, preferring full sun but tolerating partial shade. New shoots are slow to emerge in spring. Dividing plants occasionally keeps them vigorous.
Helopsis is easily grown from seed. Sow them outdoors two weeks before the last frost. To produce transplants, sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Seeds germinate in one to two weeks at 68 to 70 degrees F. Keep young plants evenly moist. Cuttings can be taken from non-flowering shoots in the summer
Disorders include:
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum): A white coating forms on underside of leaves; leaves wilt, brown and drop. Treatment is to reduce humidity and remove infected plants.
Rust (Puccinia sp.): Brown pustules form on underside of leaves. Remove infected plants.
Consumer care
Heliopsis is adapted to prairie fires; it grows well in meadows maintained by prescribed burning. The flowers attract butterflies.
Consumers may wish to remove spent flowers to prevent plants from self-seeding and becoming weeds. Heliopsis is an excellent source of cut flowers.
Cultivars and species
Heliopsis helianthoides — ‘Ballerina’ (semi-double gold flowers) and ‘Prarie Sunset’ (yellow flowers with red centers).
Heliopsis scabra — ‘Summer Sun’ (golden flowers)
References
www.floridata.com/ref/H/heli_hel.cfm.
www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/garden/01700465.shtml.
Mention of trade names does not constitute an endorsement by the Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland, College Park, or University of Maryland, Eastern Shore