{"product_id":"helianthus-first-light","title":"Helianthus 'First Light'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHelianthus 'First Light'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact perennial sunflower with cheerful golden yellow blooms that appear above a dense mound of deep green foliage from midsummer into fall. Its tidy habit, extended flowering period, and bright color make it an excellent choice for borders and pollinator gardens while providing reliable seasonal interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midsummer to fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil Preference:\u003c\/strong\u003e Average to well drained soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deer resistant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNative Status\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cultivar is a selected form of a North American native perennial sunflower. While 'First Light' itself is a cultivated variety, it retains the ecological benefits of the species including support for native pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which gather nectar and pollen from its open golden blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides a valuable nectar source for butterflies including Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and other late season visitors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBirds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces seeds that can provide food for songbirds when flowers fade and seed heads mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpacing \u0026amp; Landscape Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 18 - 24 in apart to allow room for its upright clumping habit and full floral display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for sunny borders, cottage gardens, native plantings, and pollinator gardens where its long bloom period adds bright seasonal color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompanion Plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds upright purple flower spikes that create contrast with the golden sunflower blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEchinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provides complementary summer color and strong pollinator value alongside First Light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSchizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Adds native grass texture and seasonal movement around the upright sunflower form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Brings airy lavender blooms that soften the bold yellow flowers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePanicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' (Switchgrass)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provides vertical structure and fall color while pairing well with sunny perennial plantings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":46790968836257,"sku":"HELIANTHUS FIRST LIGHT","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/helianthus-first-light","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}