False Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sonnenglut'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Sonnenglut' is a particularly striking cultivar that boasts a display of vibrant daisy-like flowers. The blooms are characterized by a rich, deep golden-orange color, with a central cone that's usually brownish to dark in appearance. Each flower consists of multiple layers of petals radiating outwards, giving it a full and lush look. The foliage of 'Sonnenglut' is equally attractive, with leaves that are rough to the touch and a deep green hue that provides a lovely contrast against the vivid flowers. This plant typically blooms throughout the summer months and into early fall, offering a long-lasting splash of color in garden spaces. Its robust and sturdy stems hold the flowers well above the foliage, creating an eye-catching display that's sure to draw attention. The overall impression of 'Sonnenglut' is one of brightness and cheer, adding a warm, sunny aspect to any setting in which it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
False Sunflower, Rough Heliopsis, Summer Sun, Sunstruck, Smooth Oxeye, Hardy Zonnebloem.
Common names
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sonnenglut'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as False Sunflower is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented reports of poisoning or harmful effects from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and it's generally advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants without certainty of their edibility and safety.
To pets
False Sunflower is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to pets such as dogs and cats. It is generally considered to be non-toxic to animals, and there are no significant reports of pet poisoning from ingesting this plant. Nonetheless, pet owners should always monitor their pets to prevent the ingestion of plants, as individual animals may have different reactions or sensitivities, and excessive consumption of any non-food item can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or other health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange-red
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'Sonnenglut' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought resistant, needing minimal watering in dry conditions.
- Low Maintenance: This variety of false sunflower requires little care beyond basic needs, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Long Blooming: It produces bright flowers continuously from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Wildlife Friendly: It serves as a food source for wildlife, offering nectar and habitat for various species.
- Cut Flower Use: With its sturdy stems and vibrant blooms, 'Sonnenglut' is suitable for use in fresh bouquets and arrangements.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The deep red flowers and upright form add visual interest and contrast to mixed borders and gardens.
- Hardy Plant: It is winter hardy in many regions, capable of surviving cold winters with proper care.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a range of soil conditions, from clay to loam, as long as the site has good drainage.
- Sun Tolerance: It thrives in full sun, making it a good choice for sunny spots where other plants might struggle.
- Deer Resistance: It is not preferred by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heliopsis helianthoides 'Sonnenglut', commonly known as False Sunflower, can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding colors from its petals and other plant parts.
- The stems of the False Sunflower are strong and can be used in basket weaving or as natural supports for other plants in the garden.
- The seeds of the False Sunflower serve as food for birds, especially finches, making it a valuable plant for wildlife gardens.
- The dense growth of the False Sunflower can be utilized for creating privacy screens or living fences in landscaping.
- Because of its vibrant color and long-lasting blooms, the False Sunflower is an excellent choice for dried flower arrangements.
- The plant can be used in educational settings, such as school gardens, to teach pollination biology since it attracts a variety of pollinators.
- The False Sunflower can be included in perennial meadows or prairie restorations to help recreate native habitats.
- Its roots help reduce soil erosion, making it a practical choice for planting on slopes or areas prone to loss of topsoil.
- The tall and showy nature of the False Sunflower can be used as a backdrop for theatrical performances or photo shoots when outdoor settings are appropriate.
- The dense foliage serves as shelter for small wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in a garden or natural setting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe False Sunflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe False Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: The Heliopsis helianthoides, commonly known as "False Sunflower", is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persevere through challenges.
- Optimism: With bright, sun-like flowers, False Sunflowers can represent positivity and a sunny disposition, reflecting an optimistic outlook on life.
- Adoration: The resemblance of its blooms to the sun often associates this plant with adoration and admiration, much like the way sunflowers are often related to worship and loyalty.
- Longevity: Due to its long blooming season, the False Sunflower may symbolize a long life full of happiness and good health.
WaterFalse Sunflower, known scientifically as Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sonnenglut', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be overly wet. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Decrease watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightFalse Sunflower thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for this plant is in an area where it can receive unobstructed daylight, away from taller plants that might shade it. However, in regions with intense summer heat, some afternoon shade may help protect the plant and prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe False Sunflower is hardy and adaptable to a range of temperature conditions. It thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F but can tolerate temperatures down to about -30°F once established. Avoid planting in spots prone to frequent temperature fluctuations that could stress the plant.
PruningDeadheading the False Sunflower regularly encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from self-seeding too profusely. Prune to shape the plant and maintain a desirable size, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. In addition, cut back the plants by about one-third in late spring to promote bushier growth and prevent them from getting too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse Sunflower 'Sonneglut' thrives best in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand to facilitate good root growth. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral. Amend the soil with organic matter to provide nutrients and improve soil structure.
RepottingFalse Sunflowers 'Sonnenglut' are perennial in nature and do not typically require repotting as they are usually grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, they may be repotted every couple of years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFalse Sunflower 'Sonnenglut' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. They are adaptable to the humidity levels typically found in their outdoor growing environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure ample light and room to grow.
Outdoor
Provide full sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Sonnenglut' False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sonnenglut') begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil, usually in early spring or after the last frost. Germination occurs with adequate warmth and moisture, leading to the emergence of seedlings which then develop true leaves and strong root systems. As the plant matures, it develops a sturdy stem and lush foliage, entering a vegetative growth phase during the late spring to early summer. The plant reaches the flowering stage in midsummer, displaying vibrant reddish-orange blooms that attract pollinators and may continue blooming until early autumn. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that mature by late summer or fall, completing the reproductive cycle. With the onset of winter, the plant becomes dormant, with the above-ground parts dying back, but the root system remains viable to regenerate the next spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the False Sunflower, Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sonnenglut', is by division. This process is best undertaken in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge, when the soil has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the entire clump of the plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots. The clump can then be gently pulled apart into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions should be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to provide adequate space for growth. Adequate watering is necessary to ensure the transplants establish well in their new locations.
