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Description
Helianthus Atrorubens, commonly known as the Purpledisk Sunflower or Oconee Sunflower, is a native herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a spread of 2-3 feet. The plant produces a single stem that is covered in long, rough hairs and is topped with a large flower head that can measure up to 4 inches across.The flower head consists of 10-20 purple disk florets surrounded by 15-20 yellow ray florets. The plant blooms from July to September and attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
Appearance
The Helianthus Atrorubens plant has a tall and upright habit with long, rough hairs covering its stem. The large flower head at the top of the stem is composed of purple disk florets surrounded by yellow ray florets. The leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, and can grow up to 10 inches long and 5 inches wide. The plant produces many branches from the main stem, and each branch can produce a flower head.
Care Guide
Helianthus Atrorubens is generally easy to care for, but it requires specific growing conditions to thrive.Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so it is essential to water it regularly. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to let the soil dry out slightly between watering.Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer applied once in the spring is enough to support growth.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect the quality and size of the flower head.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Helianthus Atrorubens is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. It can also attract aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Regularly inspecting the plant and treating any pests or diseases immediately can prevent severe damage.
Habitat
Helianthus Atrorubens is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in wetlands, meadows, and along the edges of woods. It prefers moist soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Helianthus Atrorubens an invasive plant?
A: No, Helianthus Atrorubens is not considered an invasive plant.Q: Can Helianthus Atrorubens grow in containers?
A: Yes, Helianthus Atrorubens can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and growing needs.Q: How often should I fertilize Helianthus Atrorubens?
A: Helianthus Atrorubens only requires one slow-release fertilizer application in the spring.Q: Does Helianthus Atrorubens attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Helianthus Atrorubens attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Helianthus Atrorubens:
- Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower)
- Helianthus divaricatus (Woodland Sunflower)
- Helianthus giganteus (Giant Sunflower)
- Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower)
References
- NatureServe. (2021). Helianthus atrorubens. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.141893/Helianthus_atrorubens
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Helianthus atrorubens. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b982
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). PLANTS Profile for Helianthus atrorubens. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=heat6
