Also known as False Sunflower · 967 saves
Heliopsis
Heliopsis, the genus most gardeners know as false sunflower. We track 13 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 13 most-saved Heliopsis varieties
Species of Heliopsis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Heliopsis in Sow
Save the Heliopsis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Heliopsis
Whats common across all Heliopsis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 13 most-grown of them.
The Heliopsis year
- DeadheadJuly–October100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the bloom period
- DivideApril and October92% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupMarch85% of varieties
Cut back old stems to the ground before new growth starts
- Pinch TipsMay and June46% of varieties
Pinch back tips in spring to encourage bushier growth and prevent flopping
- PlantApril, May, October and November46% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t forget to prune after flowering
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
What goes wrong with Heliopsis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Japanese Beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick beetles or use organic beetle traps |
| Deer and rabbits | Chewed stems and foliage, particularly on tender new spring growth. | Protect young plants with physical barriers or apply scent-based repellents. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage, and plant collapse despite moist soil. | Ensure sharp soil drainage and avoid planting in low-lying, waterlogged areas. |
Making more Heliopsis
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Replant immediately at same depth
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist soil
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 7-14 days
Heliopsis questions
How many types of Heliopsis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 13 distinct Heliopsis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 967 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Heliopsis grow in?
Across its varieties, Heliopsis covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Heliopsis bloom?
Most Heliopsis varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, mid-summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Heliopsis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.