Arizona Sunflower (Helianthus arizonensis)

Photo: FabPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Arizona Sunflower Plant Care

Helianthus arizonensis R.C.Jacks.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Helianthus arizonensis is a North American species of sunflower known by the common name Arizona sunflower. It is native to the States of Arizona and New Mexico in the southwestern United States.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Arizona Sunflower?

Plant Arizona Sunflower in full sun (USDA zones 13b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Arizona Sunflower Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Arizona Sunflower?

Arizona Sunflower (Helianthus arizonensis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Helianthus genus. Arizona Sunflower is native to the states of Arizona and New Mexico in the southwestern United States. Arizona Sunflower is also known as Helianthus arizonensis.

Arizona Sunflower displays a tall, upright stems with large flower heads growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Arizona Sunflower produces large, yellow, daisy-like flower heads.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Arizona Sunflower?

Water a young or newly planted Arizona Sunflower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Arizona Sunflower Need?

Arizona Sunflower thrives in full sun.

Light Requirement

Full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Arizona Sunflower Prefer?

Helianthus arizonensis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Arizona Sunflower prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Arizona Sunflower?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Arizona Sunflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Arizona Sunflower?

Feed Arizona Sunflower every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Arizona Sunflower?

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arizona Sunflower is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Arizona Sunflower?

Arizona Sunflower can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Arizona Sunflower?

Prune Arizona Sunflower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Arizona Sunflower in Winter?

Arizona Sunflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Arizona Sunflower?

Arizona Sunflower can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to proceedings of the biological society of washington plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Arizona Sunflower Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Arizona Sunflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Arizona Sunflower?

Arizona Sunflower is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Arizona Sunflower Need?

Arizona Sunflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Arizona Sunflower is native to the states of Arizona and New Mexico in the southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Arizona Sunflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13b

Keep exploring plants

Arizona Sunflower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Helianthus genus — compare its care with other Helianthus species on PlantoScan.

Helianthus is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Arizona Sunflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Helianthus Species

Other Helianthus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Helianthus arizonensis R.C.Jacks., family Asteraceae (first published in Brittonia 15: 266 (1963)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Arizona Sunflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Fab, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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