Hairy Sunflower

Year-round

Hairy sunflower is a tough perennial native to the Atlanta area that spreads fast by underground rhizomes, so give it room to roam rather than a tidy border spot. It is not on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so it fits a yard with pets.

• Plant in full sun in dry to average soil, including clay, with decent drainage
• Give it a large bed or naturalized area since it spreads by rhizomes and self-seeds
• Rough, hairy leaves and stems are normal for this species, not a pest problem
• Divide or thin the clump every year or two to keep it from crowding out neighbors

Its fast rhizome spread can look messy along a front walk or property line unless you edge the bed yearly, so it fits better in a backyard pollinator bed than a formal front planting.

Fall

Hairy sunflower blooms from late summer into fall, usually August through October in the Atlanta area, and the seed heads bring in finches.

• Expect yellow blooms from August through October
• Leave some seed heads standing after bloom so finches and other birds can feed
• Deadhead spent blooms instead if you want a tidier look
• This is a good late-season nectar source for bees and other pollinators

Winter

Like other native sunflowers, hairy sunflower dies back to the ground after frost and regrows from its roots each spring.

• Cut old stems down to about a foot once they turn brown and brittle, or leave them standing for winter interest and nesting bees
• No winter protection is needed for the roots in the Atlanta area
• Good time to plan where to dig and share divisions before spring growth starts

Spring

New shoots come up from the rhizomes in spring, and this is the easiest time to dig and thin the clump before it gets tall.

• Watch for new stems popping up beyond where you planted it, that is the rhizomes spreading
• Thin or transplant unwanted shoots while the soil is still soft
• No need to fertilize in average Atlanta clay, this plant grows well without it
• A light mulch layer helps hold moisture while new shoots establish

Summer

Once established, hairy sunflower handles Atlanta's hot, humid summers and dry spells well, but tall stems can flop in open, windy spots.

• Water new plants during their first summer while roots establish, then expect drought tolerance
• Pinch stems back in early summer if you want a shorter, bushier plant
• Stake tall stems in open or windy spots if they start to lean
• Keep an eye on how far it has spread and pull unwanted rhizome shoots