The Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia)
When planting a garden, consider the Mexican Sunflower as a lovely addition that brings color and vibrancy to any landscape. It adds a splash of personality to any space - while adding character and motion as it sways in the wind on blustery summer days - yet despite this is strong enough to be independent of any staking. Truly this plant is an unheralded independent beauty!
This annual, oddly assumes the name of sunflower, yet does not resemble one at all; in fact the petals are more akin to a daisy. There is no argument however, that it is strikingly beautiful and of tremendous benefit for the gardener. The bright orange flowers are beyond attractive and add a splash of color to any landscape; additionally it will attract hummingbirds as well!
This annual, oddly assumes the name of sunflower, yet does not resemble one at all; in fact the petals are more akin to a daisy. There is no argument however, that it is strikingly beautiful and of tremendous benefit for the gardener. The bright orange flowers are beyond attractive and add a splash of color to any landscape; additionally it will attract hummingbirds as well!
Our Experience
In the flower world, you will be hard pressed to find a better pollinator attracter than the Mexican Sunflower. Not a day goes by when it is not covered in solitary, honey and bumble bees; moreover if you like butterflies, then this plant is for you. Besides attracting the beautiful Monarch butterfly, it also attracts the Giant Swallowtail butterfly, which when approaching appears to be the size of a small bird!
When planting the Mexican Sunflower, consider that it will need full sun and plenty of space! Perhaps the largest value this plant beholds is when placed near a vegetable garden, as mentioned above; it brings in a wide array of pollinators. This in turn will attract all these tiny creatures into the vegetable garden and thus pollinate many of the flowers on the vegetables to bring a bountiful harvest!
Plant Details
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Days to Germination: 7 to 10 days
Sun or Shade: Full Sun
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Sow: After danger of frost
Start Indoors: 4 to 6 weeks before last frost
Blooms: early summer into fall
Conclusion
Regardless of being planted at the back of a garden to enhance smaller annuals and/or perennials, or situated strategically beside a vegetable garden, the Mexican Sunflower is a smart and showy addition to any landscape that will bring delight to any yard.
In the flower world, you will be hard pressed to find a better pollinator attracter than the Mexican Sunflower. Not a day goes by when it is not covered in solitary, honey and bumble bees; moreover if you like butterflies, then this plant is for you. Besides attracting the beautiful Monarch butterfly, it also attracts the Giant Swallowtail butterfly, which when approaching appears to be the size of a small bird!
When planting the Mexican Sunflower, consider that it will need full sun and plenty of space! Perhaps the largest value this plant beholds is when placed near a vegetable garden, as mentioned above; it brings in a wide array of pollinators. This in turn will attract all these tiny creatures into the vegetable garden and thus pollinate many of the flowers on the vegetables to bring a bountiful harvest!
Plant Details
Type: Annual
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Days to Germination: 7 to 10 days
Sun or Shade: Full Sun
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Sow: After danger of frost
Start Indoors: 4 to 6 weeks before last frost
Blooms: early summer into fall
Conclusion
Regardless of being planted at the back of a garden to enhance smaller annuals and/or perennials, or situated strategically beside a vegetable garden, the Mexican Sunflower is a smart and showy addition to any landscape that will bring delight to any yard.
