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Genus Heliopsis (Ox eye, False sunflower)

Heliopsis Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Asahi' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of White Flower Farm
hee-lee-OP-sis Common Name: Ox eye, False sunflower
This genus contains a dozen or so species of North American perennials from dry prairies and open woodland. On top of stiff stems bloom yellow (the most common color) sunflower-like flowers over a long time from summer to autumn. Grow in a border, meadow, or cutting garden.
Noteworthy characteristics: North American natives. Hardy and vigorous. Long-lasting cut flowers that resemble sunflowers.
Care: Grow in full sun and moderately fertile, humusy, moist but well-drained soil. Stake as needed, and divide every 2-3 years.
Propagation: Divide plants in spring or fall, or root basal cuttings in spring. To start from seed, sow in a cold frame in spring.
Problems: Powdery mildew, rust.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Heliopsis

Heliopsis helianthoides Heliopsis helianthoides
(False sunflower, Ox eye, Woodland sunflower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming perennial bears striking, sunflower-like yellow blooms on long stalks from midsummer to early autumn.

no image available Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Nights'
(False sunflower, Ox eye)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Summer Nights' has a clumping form, sturdy wine-purple stems, and bronze-tinted leaves. It bears striking deep golden-orange blooms with orange-red centers from June until August.