Helianthus, Mountain Sunflower, Narrow Leaved Swamp Sunflower, Willow Leaved Sunflower 'First Light'

This is a deer-resistant, compact form of Helianthus angustifolius. It flowers late September through October 2" bright yellow-orange daisies.

I was given one root of this plant by a friend, and within a few years it had spread through half the garden. It needs staking. Around he...Read Morere it blooms in mid-to-late autumn, providing a nice backdrop for chrysanthemums. This plant spreads vigorously underground, so if you don't want it overstepping a boundary you might want to plant it in a sunken bucket to keep it contained.

I have had this plant for 3 years now. Every year it gets bigger. The first year it was in a pot, and was only about 1.5 ft. tall. This y...Read Moreear it was about 6 feet tall, and probably 3 feet wide. Allow lots of room for this one. I had to stake it as well after a heavy rainstorm. Folks always ask me what this plant is when it's in full bloom, as it is a beautiful sight. So far I have not seen any birds going after the seedheads but I am leaving them on just in case. It tolerates high heat and humidity quite well, and seems to be somewhat drought-tolerant.

June 2011:This plant will self-sow a little. I have found a handful of seedlings around the garden this spring.

I got this plant from a monarch conservation event in Lawrence, and have recently planted it in a pot. It says it will grow in zones 6 or...Read More higher on the tag, so it is in a pot. Right now it has it's first flower and one singles stalk. Even so, it is very pretty. This will add some color during the summer months when most plants are done flowering.