The Russian Sunflower (Sometimes called Swamp Sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius) is a very valuable plant for the garden because it blooms in the fall. It mixes well with ornamental grasses because it likes full sun and tolerates poor soil and dryness.

The grasses are Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

The flowers are like small daisies in large clusters at the top of a 6′ – 8′ plant so it is good for a background in the perennial garden or growing among grasses.

Helianthus angustifolius ‘Mellow Yellow’ is a lighter colored variety

At the end of November when it is finished blooming and the foliage is browning, we cut back the plant clear down to the soil.

After the plants are cut back the grasses become more visible for the winter.

This plant is over 10′ tall because it is growing in good compost enriched soil.

The plants can be cut back in July to keep them from getting this tall and falling over in the rain.