Punto Russo False Sunflower

Punto Russo False Sunflower (Heliopsis hybrid 'Punto Russo') is a bold, richly colored perennial that commands the summer border with large, semi-double to double golden-yellow sunflower-like blooms centered with dramatically dark, nearly black centers — a deep, jewel-toned contrast that gives this cultivar an unusually sophisticated and striking appearance. Strong, upright stems support the abundant flower heads from midsummer through early fall, creating a long, dependable season of warm-toned color that anchors the late-season garden with confidence and vigor.

Grown from Professional Grade root systems, Punto Russo Heliopsis delivers the reliable, carefree performance characteristic of the genus — sturdy, self-supporting stems, exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established, and a vigorous clumping habit that grows more floriferous and impressive with each passing year. Its bold golden blooms pair magnificently with deep purple Salvia, blue Agastache, ornamental grasses, and rich burgundy-toned companions in high-contrast late-summer border compositions. Bees, butterflies, and goldfinches are drawn to its flowers and seed heads throughout the season.

Why You'll Love It

• Dramatic Dark-Centered Golden Blooms: Large, semi-double golden-yellow sunflower-like blooms with striking near-black centers deliver a bold, sophisticated color contrast that elevates the late-summer border far beyond ordinary yellow-flowered perennials.
• Exceptionally Long Bloom Season: Flowers prolifically from midsummer through early fall, providing sustained warm-toned floral color and wildlife energy through the peak and tail of the summer garden season.
• Sturdy, Self-Supporting Habit: Strong, upright stems support heavy bloom loads without staking, and the vigorous clumping habit grows more floriferous and impressive as the root system matures over successive seasons.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant Prairie Native: Related to native North American sunflowers, Heliopsis thrives in full sun and handles heat, humidity, and dry periods with impressive resilience once its root system is established.
• Pollinator & Wildlife Magnet: Nectar-rich golden blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects through summer, while persistent seed heads draw goldfinches and songbirds as the season transitions into fall.

These 4" healthy live plants thrive in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily — in average to moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Tolerates a range of soil types including clay and loam. Water regularly during the first season to establish roots, then reduce to moderate, infrequent irrigation. Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9. Mature height: 24–36 inches; spread: 18–24 inches. Blooms midsummer through early fall. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering, or allow seed heads to develop for late-season songbird foraging. Divide established clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigor.