Photo: Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
False sunflower: when and how to prune
Heliopsis helianthoides
False sunflower is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees, butterflies and birds |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
False sunflower: when to prune it?
Cut the old stems back in March, just before the new shoots appear. Leave them standing over winter for birds and insects.
What else to prune in those months? March
False sunflower: how to prune it?
- Cut all dead stems down to 5–10 cm above the ground.
- In summer, cut faded flowers back to just above a leaf or side bud.
- Want a shorter, sturdier plant? In late May, shorten half of the stems by a third: they branch and flower a little later.
- Remove thin, weak stems at the base.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- False sunflower flowers in July–September, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
Caution: Do not cut back in autumn: the seed heads are winter food for goldfinches and insects overwinter in the hollow stems.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: False sunflower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.