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Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Image of Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

James H. Schutte

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Plant Common Name

Perennial Sunflower

General Description

Bright lemon yellow daisies cover this vigorous perennial sunflower from midsummer to early fall. Though tall, it has strong, upright stems that rarely flop. It is thought to be a hybrid between the two hardy North American species, Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and stiff sunflower (Helianthus pauciflorus ssp. subrhomboideus). It forms a substantial clump and spreads by rhizomes, so be sure to offer ‘Lemon Queen’ lots of space.

The tall plants have broad, lance-shaped leaves that are flat and dark green. These are scratchy to the touch and opposite to one another along the stems. Flowering may occur from midsummer to fall, depending on the region where planted. Its pale, lemon yellow daisies are borne in profusion and attract bees and butterflies. Finches and other seed-eating birds flock to the dry seedheads that follow.

Full to partial sun is required for good health and flowering, but this tough, adaptable plant tolerates a wide variety of well-drained soil types. Established specimens will even withstand periods of drought. More compact, floriferous plants can be obtained if stems are cut back by one quarter in late spring or early summer.

Place this substantial perennial in large, sunny garden spaces where it can shine. It is also ideal for roadside plantings and wildflower gardens. The flowers are great for cutting and have a long vase-life. 'Lemon Queen' gently self-sows, so plan to share it with friends.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Lemon Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Cutflower, Mixed Border, Wildflower

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes