Also known as False Sunflower · 816 gardener saves
Heliopsis: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Heliopsis, the genus most gardeners know as false sunflower. We track 14 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Heliopsis varieties
Of 14 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFalse Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides
#2 most savedTuscan Gold False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Tuscan Gold'
#3 most savedSunburst False Sunflower
Heliopsis heliopsis 'Sunburst'
Summer Sun False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'
False Sunflower Bleeding Hearts
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bleeding Hearts'
Burning Hearts False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Burning Hearts'
Asahi false sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Asahi'
false sunflower
Heliopsis heliopsis
Luna Roja False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Luna Roja'
Sunstruck False Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Sunstruck'
Tuscan Sun Heliopsis
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Tuscan Sun'
Prairie Sunflower
Heliopsis helianthoides 'Prairie Sunset'
Browse all 14 Heliopsis varieties →
How to grow Heliopsis
What the Heliopsis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 14 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Heliopsis year
- DeadheadJune–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to prolong the bloom period
- DivideMarch and September93% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Spring CleanupFebruary86% of varieties
Cut back old stems to the ground before new growth starts
- Pinch TipsApril and May57% of varieties
Pinch back tips in spring to encourage bushier growth and prevent flopping
- PlantMarch, April, September and October43% 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 ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from heavy fertilizing late in the season
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
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 |
| 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 |
| 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, blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Heliopsis
Seed
- Tuck seeds 1/2 inch deep in moist soil
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 7-14 days
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Replant immediately at same depth
Heliopsis questions
How many types of Heliopsis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 14 distinct Heliopsis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 816 real gardener saves — 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, mid-summer to fall, 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.
Keep exploring
Heliopsis shows up in
Design with Heliopsis in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
