Heliopsis 'Sole Scuro' is a dramatic cultivar of false sunflower featuring deep green foliage and rich golden blooms with a dark red central eye. Its upright habit and long flowering period make it a standout in the summer garden providing months of color from early summer into fall. The sturdy stems rarely require staking and make excellent cut flowers while the dense growth provides structure to perennial borders.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to dry soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; once established, tolerates occasional drought
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Heliopsis helianthoides, a species native to eastern and central North America.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Silvery Checkerspots, drawn to its long blooming nectar rich flowers.
Bees
- Visited by native bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees for both nectar and pollen.
Moths
- Supports nectar feeding by nocturnal moths such as the White Lined Sphinx and attracts smaller day flying species like the Eight Spotted Forester.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other seed eating songbirds consume the ripe seedheads in late summer and fall.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow room for mature spread and airflow between upright stems.
Landscape Placement
- Effective in sunny borders, wildlife gardens, meadow plantings, and as a colorful backbone to pollinator beds. Combines well with ornamental grasses and other tall drought tolerant perennials.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' (Tickseed) - Offers finely textured foliage and soft yellow flowers that echo the tone of Heliopsis while blooming in early to mid summer.
- Rudbeckia fulgida (Black Eyed Susan) - Matches the summer bloom window and offers a bold textural and color complement in massed plantings.
- Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot) - Brings lavender blooms and fragrant foliage that support pollinators and contrast with the bold gold of Heliopsis.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Provides a sturdy vertical accent with large blooms and a similar bloom season.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Adds vertical flower spikes and is highly attractive to butterflies and bees alongside Heliopsis.