Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun'

Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun': Golden Glow with Garden Grace
Compact, cheerful, and remarkably long-blooming, Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun' brings a burst of golden joy to sunny borders from early summer right through to fall. This tidy cultivar of the native false sunflower boasts bright, daisy-like blooms with golden-yellow petals and a rich golden-brown centre, held above lush, deep green foliage. With its manageable size, sturdy stems, and excellent flower power, Tuscan Sun offers the warmth of the prairie in a garden-friendly form—perfect for both formal plantings and wild, naturalistic settings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a compact, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Golden-yellow with a warm, golden-brown central cone
• Flowering Period: Early summer to early fall
• Foliage: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves with a bushy, mounded habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, loam, and drought once established

Uses and Benefits: Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun' is ideal for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and prairie-style plantings. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces or the front of mixed beds, where it adds months of colour and texture. Long-stemmed, long-lasting blooms are excellent for cutting, while the nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. With strong stems and a no-flop habit, it’s also perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.

Companion Plants: Pair Tuscan Sun with Echinacea 'Adobe Orange', whose rich, warm blooms complement the sunflower’s golden tones and add depth to the colour palette. Add Salvia 'Bumblesky', whose soft blue flowers create a cool contrast and attract pollinators throughout the season. Complete the combination with Panicum 'Blood Brothers', whose upright form and red-tinged blades offer height, movement, and autumn interest alongside Heliopsis’s sunny display.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season; once established, it tolerates drought and requires minimal care. Deadhead to extend blooming or leave seed heads for wildlife interest. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every 3–4 years in spring to refresh growth and maintain vigour.

History: Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun' is a refined selection of Heliopsis helianthoides, a native perennial found throughout eastern and central North America. Bred for its compact size, improved flowering, and sturdy form, Tuscan Sun retains the resilience of its prairie roots while fitting seamlessly into today’s modern gardens.

Final Thoughts: With its sunny disposition, manageable size, and months-long bloom, Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun' brings reliable colour and pollinator activity to any full-sun garden. Whether anchoring a cottage border or brightening a prairie planting, it delivers golden beauty with the ease of a true perennial classic. A little sunflower that shines all season long.