Helianthus atrorubens Monarch

Helianthus atrorubens 'Monarch' is a vigorous perennial sunflower cultivar, even in partial shade, bearing very large golden yellow daisy-like flowers with a deep purple-brown central disk. This rhizomatous perennial spreads quite rapidly into a large, densely branched and wide bush. Its basal clump consists of long, somewhat rough, medium-green leaves. In spring, it produces erect, pubescent, purple-green stems that are adorned with small, bright sunflowers in August to October, arranged in terminal clusters. Provide a location in ordinary soil in full sun or partial shade for this very easy perennial. It will work wonders planted against dark-leaved shrubs or in the background of a wildflower bed.

Helianthus atrorubens belongs to the Asteraceae family. This tall perennial is native to Central America and distinguishes itself from other perennial sunflowers by its 'Monarch' variety which reaches a height of 1.8m (6ft) with a spread of 1.2m (4ft). The overall form is a bouquet of sturdy, smooth stems at the base, bristly and rough towards the tips, and branched. The flowering occurs from September to November. The flower heads appear in large numbers at the top of the stems, resembling simple daisies with a diameter of 5 to 10cm (2 to 4in). The deciduous leaves are medium green, oval, lanceolate, hairy, measure 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) long, and have a toothed, crenate margin. They are distributed up to the top of the stems.

The great appeal of perennial sunflowers lies in their late flowering, high hardiness, and ease of cultivation in normal soil. Helianthus atrorubens 'Monarch' is an excellent long-lasting perennial. Very vigorous, it is perfectly suited for the back of a border or even for mixed borders in partial shade. It is a plant with a rustic appearance that blends well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside cosmos, sainfoin, tall scabious, and pendulous Liatris, for example. Another idea for a combination, with equally easy plants: Vernonia noveboracensis, Eupatorium fistulosum, Andropogon virginicus, Muhlenbergia capillaris. Its tall stature allows it to be placed in front of shrubs (deciduous euonymus, spireas, Hydrangea quercifolia, cotinus..) that will act as natural supports while blending their autumn colours with its radiant flowering.