Helianthus Species, Ashy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower

Helianthusmollis

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Helianthus (hee-lee-AN-thus)
Species
mollis (MAW-liss)
Synonym
Helianthus mollis var. cordata
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Succulent
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Richmond, California

Saint Paul, Minnesota(2 reports)

Clarksburg, New Jersey

Frenchtown, New Jersey

Patchogue, New York

Seaford, New York

Loveland, Ohio

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Menasha, Wisconsin

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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K
Saint Paul, MN (Zone 4b) | October 2011 | positive

Mine has been growing up a foot taller every year, now 8ft? Branching. I rarely water or maintain it. It has not spread much, just vertic...Read More

B
Lakemont, GA (Zone 8a) | March 2007 | neutral

Offered by SSE with the following description: "This robust sunflower spreads slowly by rhizomes. An abundance of butter-yellow flowers a...Read More

B
Appleton, WI (Zone 5a) | December 2005 | positive

Plant is touted as a native prairie plant. Looks more fragile than it is. It does spread with some runners - so give it room.

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