WATCH IT GROW
Beach sunflower happiest when dry
Posted on Sun, Dec. 23, 2007
By GEORGIA TASKER
Name: Beach sunflower
Botanical name: Helianthus debilis subspecies debilis
Description: A cheery and bright plant that graces our coastal areas, the beach sunflower performs well in many settings, provided the plants are fairly dry. It grows quickly. It spreads by underground runners, by seed and when a stem hits the ground. The leaves are deltoid shaped and toothed. The flowers are two or three inches across.
Height: 2 or 3 feet
Light: full sun
Culture: Choose a spot for this plant where you want a fairly thick ground cover. Don't plant too many because these things spread. Water them daily for a week, then every other day for a week, then reduce gradually. Once established, beach sunflower will need no extra irrigation. Too much water can adversely affect it.
Fertilize in the spring, and perhaps in the fall if you notice fewer flowers being produced. Keep an eye on where it spreads if you don't want to wake up one day and find it in the shrubbery. The runners are easily pulled up if they get out of hand. The plant also takes well to being pruned back in the spring.
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