Helianthus pumilus
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Helianthus pumilus

Dwarf sunflower · Little sunflower

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Temperature
5–32 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 4–8
Click count
71
Observations
13

Description

Source: leafsnap

Helianthus pumilus is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name little sunflower or bush sunflower. It is found in the western United States, primarily the Rocky Mountain region of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, with a few isolated populations in Utah and Idaho.Helianthus pumilus grows on dry rocky soil in the mountains and nearby plains. It is a perennial herb up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall. One plant usually produces 1-6 flower heads, each containing 8-13 yellow ray florets surrounding 30 or more yellow or brown disc florets.

🌳 Apart from its visual appeal and function as a food source, the common sunflower has historical importance as a supplier of rich dyes. In earlier times it was used to produce deep yellow and purple hues. These natural dyes from the common sunflower contributed not only to art but also to cultural practices, including the decoration of textiles and pottery and body painting for significant rituals. Its vivid colors serve as an artistic means of cultural expression.

🎭 Unspoken love, esteem, faithfulness, longevity, prosperity

Care Guide

💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun

The typical sunflower flourishes when it is exposed to plenty of light for the majority of the day. It can continue to bloom healthily even if there is a reduction in light for several hours. Accustomed to a surplus of sunlight in its natural, open setting, it can, however, experience less blooming if it gets too little sunlight, while an excess might result in the plant's color fading or wilting.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C

The common sunflower originates from climates where the average temperature typically fluctuates between 68 and 95℉ (20 to 35℃). These are the conditions in which it flourishes most. Altering the temperature to stay within this span, depending on the time of year, may potentially promote ideal growth.

Ideal temperature: 5–32.2°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Ideal: Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

When most of the blossoms on a Common sunflower have completely bloomed, it indicates it's the right time to resume fertilizing. Start the fertilizing process once again when the flowers are in their prime, typically once every three to four weeks depending on the weather conditions. Once the Common sunflower begins to produce fewer fresh blossoms, cease the fertilization as it becomes unnecessary when the plant is not capable of generating more blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot

For repotting the Common sunflower, choose a pot with a diameter 1-2 inches bigger, making sure it has excellent drainage. Opt for a potting mix that drains well, and think about integrating perlite for additional drainage. Carry out the repotting in the spring or early summer, water it thoroughly and place it in a moderately shaded area at first.

✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Helianthus
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
0.91 m to 3.05 m
Mature Spread
30 cm to 91 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Gold
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 30.48 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador

Tags (11)

Common Names (2)

en Dwarf sunflower
en Little sunflower