In these last days of August, the proximity of the beginning of autumn is already becoming evident, and an important part of the species in our gardens has begun to falter in flowering and color after the profuse spring and summer blooms. Thus, in this post we will show you a species that will bring much life and color to the garden at this end-of-summer time.
This plant that begins its flowering in these pre-autumn dates, boasts striking flowers of intense yellow color, which not only gives us its late flowering at the moment when other flowerings begin to decline but also this range of colors suggests the arrival of the next season.
This plant is _[Helianthus salicifolius](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/helianthus-salicifolius-2)_, which is a perennial and rhizomatous herbaceous plant, native to the southern United States.
It has long stems with unique light and airy foliage, which will generate a very special effect in the garden and gives this plant much character even when it is not in bloom.
In full development its habit is upright and compact, formed by long stems, reaching a height of up to 120cm and a similar width.
The flowering season begins in late summer, in September, and lasts until early winter at the end of October. Its flowers, daisy-shaped, are intense yellow with a brown center and appear at the stem tips in the form of panicles.
The flowering may seem a bit frugal but given the time when it takes place and its characteristics, it is a very interesting species to give life and color to the garden at the end of summer.
Its cultivation does not present special difficulties, it has medium-fast growth and grows preferably in full sun. Although it can tolerate semi-shade, this causes it to grow taller than usual and some stems may fall over, as well as reduced flowering.
It withstands moderate frosts, down to -10ºC. It has a certain tolerance to drought but prefers a substrate with a certain humidity and well-drained; on the other hand it is not demanding regarding soil type.
If the shoots are pinched in early summer the plant will have a more compact habit and some stems will be prevented from falling over.
It has no tendency to suffer from significant pests or diseases, but it may be necessary to stake the clumps to prevent stems from falling over, especially if it grows in a shady area.
One of the particular characteristics of this species is that both the flowers and the unique foliage hold up very well as cut flowers.
In addition, the flowers of H. salicifolius are especially attractive to butterflies, so it will favor their presence in the garden.