Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra 'Sommersonne' SUMMER SUN
Tried and True Recommended by 8 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: ox eye
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 9
Garden Location: Kemper Low Maintenance Garden
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Description: Yellow rays and orange-yellow center disks
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought
Uses: Cut Flower, Erosion Control

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought, but does better if regularly watered. Tolerates wide range of soils, including poor ones. Tolerates some light shade, but plants grown in too much shade tend to require support. Remove spent flowers to extend the blooming season. This cultivar comes true from seed.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This oxeye cultivar is a compact, clump-forming, upright perennial which typically grows 2-3' tall. Features single to double, daisy-like flowers (2-3" diameter) with golden yellow rays and deep orange-yellow center disks atop stiff stems that seldom need staking. Noted for its lengthy summer to early fall bloom period. Coarse, serrate, ovate to lanceolate, deep green foliage. Heliopsis is both similar in appearance to and closely related to Helianthus, the true sunflower. Good fresh cut flower.

Plant of Merit

A compact, clump-forming, sunflower-like perennial that typically grows 2-4 feet tall. Features 2-3 inch diameter single to double daisy-like flowers with yellow rays and orange-yellow center disks on stiff stems. Profuse and lengthy mid-to late-summer bloom will brighten up any border. Mass in borders or cutting gardens.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to aphids.

Garden Uses

Provides long summer bloom for the perennial border or cutting garden.