<em>Heliopsis</em> ‘Tuscan Sun’

‘Tuscan Sun’ always puts a smile on my face and reminds me of the vast sunflower fields that my husband and I passed on our journey from Rome to Florence — Tuscany’s regional capital — by Eurail. The trip combined two of my favorite things — Italy and horticulture.

‘Tuscan Sun’ Heliopsis is an American native and was introduced under the Proven Winners brand for 2009. It is the shortest member of the genus available today — reaching only 12 to 20 inches tall. Although sometimes called false sunflower, this variety is more daisy-like with yellow petals that shoot out from its golden, circular center. This classic beauty can handle a great deal of abuse, thriving in all conditions and standing straight and strong, not flopping over. Summer-long color can be achieved by deadheading. ‘Tuscan Sun’ will return year after year in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.

Stops traffic
This is one of those plants that is capable of stopping traffic with consumers. Plant it en masse in your demonstration garden or by the roadside for a great advertisement.

SPECIFICS

Name: Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Tuscan Sun’ Common name: False sunflower, ox-eye daisy Description: A breakthrough in Heliopsis breeding, ‘Tuscan Sun’ has a strong compact habit plus tremendous flower power. Rich, yellow blooms contrast with strikingly dark foliage and appear all summer long. Resistant to powdery mildew. Reaches a maximum height between 12 to 20 inches and does well in full sun. Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. Awards: 2008 Best of Breed for Winter, JC Raulston Arboretum; 2006 Best of Breed, JC Raultson Arboretum; 2006 Exciting Perennial, University of Minnesota; 2006 Top New Varieties, Penn State; 2006 Best Varieties, Colorado State University.

‘Tuscan Sun’ has a fierce, sunny color that complements cool tones of blue and purple or hot colors such as red and orange. Pairing it with varieties like Supertunia Royal Velvet petunia or Superbena Dark Blue verbena would make both colors pop while showcasing purple tones. Mixing it with Luscious Citrus Blend lantana would create a super heat-tolerant planting with an almost tropical feel.

‘Tuscan Sun’ takes the gold in containers, rock gardens, beds and borders with season-long color and very little to no maintenance.

Growing tips
I’ve learned from John Gaydos — the voice of Proven Winners — that bullet-pointing growing information is most helpful, so here it goes:

• Requires high light for optimal growth.
• Needs 150-200 ppm fertilizer for optimal growth.
• No PGRs necessary. Pinch once for increased branching for smaller pots. Pinch once or twice for larger pots.
   

For more: Proven Winners, www.pwcertified.com/grower/plants/culture.cfm.