Tithonia Species, Mexican Sunflower, Goldflower of the Incas, Mexican Marigold
Tithonia rotundifolia
Copyright Roger Raiche. Designer, Naturalist, Botanist and Licensed Contractor at Planet Horticulture Landscape Design & Construction from Guerneville, CA.
I have heard that Tithonia will bloom until frost. Does that suggest that the individual flowers are long blooming or do they continue to produce more flowers?
If they continue to bloom, then are they not perennial in the right conditions?
They branch freely throughout warm weather and produce multiple flowers in clusters. Individual flowers from each cluster open at different times. They eventually run out of steam after producing lots of seed and become bedraggled, or so large they fall over or succumb to frost. They do require a long season to mature and bloom but even in warm climates they are annuals. I'll take a picture when this rain shower moves through.
The plants that are still upright are behind the elephant ears. A few have gone over. They can be staked or even pruned to promote branching. I was trying to mask that tree stump.
I have always been one to impress my will onto plants and oft times with very interesting results. This is my first year growing this plant and it is surprisingly easy.
I grew them in a half-wine barrel. I wonder if I cut them back in the fall and bring it in for the winter, will they grow? I probably will have to see this for myself. I will post my results....
If they survive and bloom again next year it would mean that they are perennial.
