I recently had the opportunity to attend a gardening symposium in Louisiana. One of my favorite fall-flowering wildflowers, swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), was in full bloom all along the roadsides. Thankfully, I wasn’t driving, so I could enjoy the stunning display.
The roadsides in Louisiana were in full bloom with swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius).
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Swamp sunflower is a native plant in the aster family that is one of the latest blooming perennials to flower in the fall. It’s beneficial for various pollinating insects and a seed source for several songbird species. This beautiful plant is also a larval host for checkerspot butterflies (Chlosynes species).
Swamp sunflowers provide late fall-flowering pollen and nectar source for bumble bees and honey bees.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The golden yellow 2- to 2 ½-inch flowers grow on stems that can reach 6 to 8 feet tall. It’s best planted in full to filtered sun and prefers moist to occasionally wet sandy to organically rich soils. If grown in a dry area, it has to be irrigated on a regular basis. It will grow in all USDA planting zones in South Carolina from the mountains to the coast.
The golden yellow 2- to 2 ½-inch flowers grow on stems that can reach 6 to 8 feet tall.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Swamp sunflowers are best planted in full to filtered sun in evenly moist or occasionally wet areas.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Due to the height, swamp sunflower is best planted in the back of a border or naturalized areas along creeks or ponds. It mixes well with native grasses and other fall-flowering perennials, such as old-fashioned garden mums, ironweed, and goldenrod. After frost, leave the flower stems until spring before cutting them back.
Swamp sunflowers mix well with old-fashioned garden mums in a pollinator garden.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Due to the 6 to 8-foot height, swamp sunflowers are best planted in the back of a border or naturalized areas along creeks or ponds.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
