Sunstruck False Sunflower

With its big yellow flowers, the Sunstruck False Sunflower makes a bold statement wherever it is grown. Botanically named Heliopsis helianthoides 'Sunstruck', this plant is often better known as an ox-eye daisy. Sunstruck develops variegated silver-and-green foliage upon which its glorious yellow blooms shine above. This perennial is a great value, as not only is its foliage attractive enough on its own but it can bloom from early summer for months on end. 

With its compact and upright form, the Sunstruck False Sunflower is ideal for growing in the front of a bed or border, or for lining a path. Being pollinator friendly, this heliopsis will attract bees and butterflies into the garden and is thankfully usually ignored by deer. Apart from some deadheading and an annual prune, this perennial is easy to grow and care for. Sunstruck False Sunflower is great for adding some impact to the garden or for using as a cut flower to brighten the indoors.

Sunstruck False Sunflower Care

This Sunstruck False Sunflower is happiest when grown in full sun, although it will also tolerate some partial shade. An unfussy plant, it prefers free-draining soil but will tolerate most conditions and soil types. Frequent watering is needed to help this plant become established, and in hot and dry spells thereafter. Extra fertilization is rarely required unless the soil it is grown on is exceptionally poor. 

To encourage the Sunstruck False Sunflower to keep blooming all summer long, its faded blooms should be removed. In late winter or early spring, the spent foliage can be cut down to 2-3 inches above soil level to make way for the new season’s growth. If grown in partial shade, this plant may flop and require a support to remain upright. 

Sunstruck False Sunflower Spacing

In the right growing conditions, this false sunflower can grow to a height of 14-16 inches and a spread of 20-24 inches. To create a mass of color, Sunstruck False Sunflower can be planted out in a group with a spacing of 18-24 inches between plants.