Athena Gold False Sunflower

Athena Gold false sunflower holds to 18 to 24 inches, which puts it at the front of a sunny border rather than the back of one. This Proven Winners selection, Heliopsis helianthoides 'Inhelsogia', spreads 16 to 20 inches wide and is hardy from Zone 3 through Zone 9. It wants six or more hours of direct sun; part shade is workable, though flowering thins noticeably. Give it a season to settle, since most of the first year goes into roots.

The flowers are semi-double, several rows of golden yellow rays around a small center instead of the single ring the species carries. Each bloom holds for an unusually long stretch, so the display from midsummer into late summer stays dense rather than arriving in waves. The extra petals do not close off the center, and nectar and pollen stay reachable for bees and butterflies.

Foliage is deep green and triangular on a bushy frame that branches low to the ground. The stems carry the flowers without staking, which has more to do with the short height than with any particular stem strength. Cut stems last well in a small arrangement, and the seed heads that follow the bloom are a food source for songbirds.

Average to lean, well-drained soil suits it. Rich ground and steady moisture produce soft growth and a looser plant, so this is one to site where it will not be pampered. Once the roots are down it takes dry spells, and it handles the cold end of Zone 3 as readily as the heat at the warm end of its range.