Summer Nights False Sunflower

Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Nights' is a tall false sunflower with wine-purple stems, bronze to reddish foliage, and golden-orange flowers with red centers. The cultivar was selected from prairie-derived material and can reach about six feet, with flowers that carry into autumn ([Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/heliopsis-helianthoides-var-scabra-summer-nights-false-sunflower); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heliopsis-helianthoides/common-name/heliopsis/)). ## Site and seasonal use Give this upright perennial a full-sun spot near the middle or back of a border, where its height will not shade smaller plants. Its golden flowers and dark stems bring a strong late-summer contrast, and the blooms provide butterfly interest. ## Growing conditions Leave space around the stems for air movement. The Chicago Botanic Garden reports that crowded, still sites can increase powdery mildew and rust, while very fertile soil can make stems lodge; avoid excess fertilizer and choose a site with open circulation. ## Maintenance If a shorter display is useful, cut the stems back by about half in June; otherwise let them grow to their natural height. Remove old stems after flowering or in late winter, and keep the crown clear of dense neighboring growth.