Exclusive. Dakota Sunshine is an August blooming selection of the native Maximilian’s Sunflower. Chosen from South Dakota collected seed, this cultivar is especially useful in short season climates to avoid flower damage from early frosts. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric). A High Country Gardens introduction.

Description

5-6′ tall x 3-5′ wide (cutting propagated). Gardeners in cold, short growing season areas can now enjoy the spectacular beauty of Maximilian’s Sunflower. High Country Gardens, working with Scott and Lauren Springer Ogden is introducing this newly selected, early blooming cultivar of Maximilian’s Sunflower, ‘Dakota Sunshine’ While most Maximilian Sunflowers begin blooming in mid-September through early October, ‘Dakota Sunshine’ comes into flower in mid-August and avoids the hard, early frost common to short season climates. Adaptable to growing in any soil (including clay), this perennial sunflower is a big, easy-to-grow native prairie plant that is perfect for planting in hedges and in front of blank fences and walls where its ornamental foliage will add interest and texture to the landscape. Cut back old stems to 2-3″ above ground-level in mid-spring.