Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower

Brighten up a fall landscape with the impressive floral display of the Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower, also known as Autumn Gold Willowleaf Sunflower (Helianthus salicifolius). This native perennial provides lush greenery during the spring and summer but also adds a burst of bold color to a landscape during the fall. Golden yellow flowers have long petals that come to a gentle point and surround dark centers. The brown central cone attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The narrow leaves are dark green and provide a stunning contrast against the flowers while giving the plant a full and bushy appearance. These beauties will bloom from last summer through fall. 

Plant the Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower in a bed or create a lush border. This is a tall, mounded plant, so feature it near the back of a mass planting or plant it in a container to introduce the greenery and flowers to a porch or patio.  The well-branched structure provides consistent greenery before the flowers engulf this plant during the fall. Trim the flowers to display in an autumn-inspired arrangement. Deer and other foraging animals typically leave this plant alone. Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower are gorgeous blooming perennials in USDA zones 5 through 10.

Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower Care

Plant this flowering perennial in full sun in average soil that is moist soil but well drained.  The Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower is drought tolerant once established, but water during a dry period to ensure the plant sets flowers. For the first few growing seasons, water weekly or when the top few inches of soil dry out. Container-grown plants need water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to support a healthy growing season.

This plant will continue to bloom until the weather turns cold, so wait until after the first frost to remove the dead growth.

Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower Spacing

The Autumn Gold Narrow-Leaved Sunflower has a mounded, upright growth habit and will reach 24 to 26 inches tall and 20 to 24 inches wide. Space plants 20 to 26 inches apart for a continuous display of foliage and flowers.