False Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Spitzentänzerin'
ABOUT
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Spitzentänzerin', commonly known as rough oxeye 'Spitzentänzerin', is a flowering perennial with notable characteristics. This cultivar typically produces a robust, upright form with strong stems that support its flowering tops. The foliage of the rough oxeye 'Spitzentänzerin' consists of toothed leaves that have a slightly rough texture, which is a distinctive trait of this variety. The leaves are commonly a rich, deep green color that creates a striking backdrop for its blooms. It is during the flowering season that the rough oxeye 'Spitzentänzerin' truly shines. It bears daisy-like flowers with vibrant yellow petals surrounding a central cone that ranges in color from golden to darker orange-brown. The blooms are known for their long-lasting, showy appearance that can add a splash of brightness to any garden space. These flowers are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial plant for biodiversity in a garden setting. Overall, the rough oxeye 'Spitzentänzerin' presents a bold and cheerful aspect through its bright flowers and lush foliage, and it is often planted in groupings or borders for a striking visual impact.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
False Sunflower, Rough Oxeye, Summer Sunflower.
Common names
Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra.
ToxicityTo humans
False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Spitzentänzerin') is not known to be toxic to humans. However, consuming any plant material that is not typically regarded as edible can pose the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Spitzentänzerin') is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, similar to humans, ingestion of plant parts that are not intended for consumption may lead to digestive upset. If a pet ingests a large amount, or if it displays any signs of illness after ingestion, it is best to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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: The bright yellow flowers of false sunflower are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, which are beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Easy to grow: This hardy perennial is tolerant of a variety of soil types, making it easy for gardeners to grow and maintain.
- Drought-resistant: Once established, false sunflower is quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and care.
- Long blooming period: It has a prolonged blooming period, providing vibrant color in the garden from early summer through fall.
- Landscape aesthetics: False sunflower can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, wildflower gardens, and as a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Cut flowers: The stems of Heliopsis helianthoides are sturdy and long-lasting in bouquets, making them an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant provides food and habitat for wildlife, as various birds feed on the seeds in the fall and winter months.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fabric dyeing: The plant can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, providing hues ranging from yellow to green depending on the mordant used in the dyeing process.
- Photography: The vibrant flowers of false sunflower can be used as a subject or backdrop in botanical photography due to their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Educational tool: Botany educators may use false sunflower to teach students about plant biology and pollination as it attracts a variety of pollinators.
- Culinary decoration: The petals can be used as a natural, edible garnish to add color to salads and desserts, although they are not widely recognized for their taste.
- Artists' inspiration: The appearance of false sunflower can serve as inspiration for artists and craftspeople, leading to botanical illustrations or themed art pieces.
- Companion planting: The false sunflower can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract beneficial insects and improve pollination of garden plants.
- Flower arranging: Its long stems and attractive blooms make it ideal for inclusion in fresh or dried floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Natural pest control: When planted in the garden, false sunflower might help repel certain pests naturally due to the presence of pollinators.
- Playground landscapes: Due to their sturdiness and low maintenance, these plants can be used in playgrounds and schoolyards to create natural play areas.
- Biodegradable crafts: Dried stems and flowers can be used to create biodegradable craft items, such as wreaths and garlands.
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- Resilience - Heliopsis helianthoides, commonly known as false sunflower, is a tough, hardy plant that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist.
- Admiration and Loyalty - Similar to the sunflower, the false sunflower often represents admiration and loyalty due to its sun-facing blooms that follow the path of the sun across the sky.
- Energy and Vitality - With its vibrant yellow blossoms that resemble the sun, the false sunflower is associated with energy, warmth, and the life-giving force of sunlight, evoking a sense of vitality.
- Longevity - The plant is known for its long blooming period, which can symbolize long life and endurance.
- Happiness - The bright flowers of the false sunflower can evoke joy and happiness, making it a symbol of positivity.
- Growth and Nourishment - As a plant that stands tall and continues to grow throughout the season, the false sunflower can represent personal growth and the nourishment of one's soul.
WaterThe False Sunflower 'Spitzentänzerin' prefers moist soil and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry, which is approximately once a week during the growing season. It's vital to avoid overwatering, so ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Depending on the weather conditions, water requirements can increase, especially in hotter, drier periods. During these times, watering might be needed twice a week. For a plant established in the ground, use about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. In the fall and winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightFalse Sunflower 'Spitzentänzerin' thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform its best. It can tolerate some light shade but flowering will be more prolific in a sunnier spot. An ideal location would be in a garden area that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day.
TemperatureFalse Sunflower 'Spitzentänzerin' is hardy and can handle a range of temperatures. It prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -30°F and maximum temperatures well into the 90s°F. Ensuring proper winter mulching can help the plant survive colder temperatures.
PruningPruning the False Sunflower 'Spitzentänzerin' helps to maintain its shape, remove any dead or damaged stems, and encourage bushier growth with more flowers. Cut back the plant by about one third in early spring before new growth begins. Additional deadheading, or removing spent flowers, throughout the blooming season will encourage repeat blooming and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFalse sunflower requires well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFalse sunflower is typically grown as a perennial in gardens rather than a container plant, thus it rarely needs repotting. Dividing clumps every few years in the garden will rejuvenate the plant and maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingFalse sunflower is fairly adaptable and does not require specific humidity conditions; it thrives in average outdoor humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
False sunflower is best grown outdoors; not ideal for indoor growing.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, in well-draining soil; water and deadhead regularly.
Hardiness zone
False sunflower is suitable for USDA zones 3-9.
Life cycleHeliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Spitzentänzerin,' commonly known as rough oxeye 'Spitzentänzerin,' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. The young seedling establishes a rosette of leaves at ground level and develops a root system. As the plant matures, it forms a sturdy, upright stem with toothed leaves and begins to produce flower buds by early to mid-summer. The yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting pollinators which facilitate cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers develop into achenes (a type of fruit), which disperse to propagate the next generation of plants. Finally, the plant becomes dormant in the winter, storing energy in its roots to survive until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
One of the most popular methods for propagating False Sunflower 'Spitzentänzerin' is through division. This is best done in spring or early fall when the plant's growth is not at its peak, ensuring that both the parent plant and the divisions experience minimal stress. In division, the gardener would dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of the root system intact, and then carefully separate the plant into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the roots and several shoots or stems. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into a well-prepared soil that is rich in organic matter, ensuring that they are spaced at least 18 inches (approximately 45.72 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate room for growth. Regular watering after planting helps the new divisions to establish more quickly. This method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent and can quickly fill in a garden space with vibrant, daisy-like blooms.
