Maximilian Sunflower For Sale
The Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) perennial is an extremely tall and luscious flower in the Aster family. This plant is native to the Great Plains of North America. Now naturalized across the USA, it is a common species found in prairie environments from the east to the west. It's beloved for its ability to withstand droughts or flooding and lives for decades while reseeding and producing new plants.
Given their tall stature, the Maximilian flowers will have you looking skyward, framing their vibrant yellow flowers and green leaves against a bright blue horizon; a scene inspiring serenity and peace.
The flowers themselves have showy, bright yellow petals with dark brown to green centers and expand 5 in in diameter. The stems support multiple beautiful blooms along the length of the top third of the stem. After flowering, the plant recedes to only its rhizome until the following year.
Maximilian Sunflower Details
Family: Asteraceae
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Light Requirement: Full sun
Water Needs: Low to moderate
Height: 3 to 10 ft
Spread: 2 to 4 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Bloom Time: August to September
Flower Color: Bright yellow with brown central disk
Wildlife Value: Attractive to pollinators
The Heliantum maximilian is a vigorous plant that can form large colonies. It is ideal for a large pollinator garden, ensuring it has room to spread. The plant's rhizome is edible and similar to Jerusalem artichoke in taste and texture; its vigorous growth ensures a hardy crop of its flavorful rhizomes.
These prolific flowers also develop significant seed stocks, making them attractive to wildlife. It is common to see little birds collecting seeds from the pollinated flowers of this productive herbaceous plant.
How to Grow
These robust plants tolerate a wide range of soil types and grow best when planted in full sun in dry, medium, well-drained soil. That said, they are tolerant of drought. They are vigorous growers and are most suitable in areas that give them room to spread.
These disease-resistant plants are not at risk of herbivory. However, Maximilian Sunflower does require staking if planted in a wind-prone area. Plant them next to a fence to reduce wind loading and provide extra privacy in the spring and summer months.
Why Choose the Heliantum Sunflower?
Produces food for wildlife, the rhizome is edible, and it has prolific flowering.
Maximilian Sunflower produces not only beautiful blooms and vibrant green stems but also a food source for wildlife and humans alike. Shop for the Maximillian Sunflower online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
Customer Reviews
I’m amazed at how well these did! They were packaged carefully, and within weeks they started to take off. Now they’re the highlight of my garden.
I ordered Maximilian Sunflowers and received an extra plant as promised. They’re growing beautifully and brighten up the entire yard. Excellent service!
The Maximilian Sunflowers from TN Nursery have been fantastic. They grew quickly and now my yard is full of bright yellow blooms. Couldn’t be happier!
I planted them along the fence line, and they’re growing tall and strong. Not quite as many flowers as I hoped, but still a great purchase.
I planted these about two months ago and they’re already showing buds. The plants look strong and I’m excited to see more flowers soon.
Do Maximilian sunflowers come back every year?
Yes, Maximilian Sunflowers are perennials that come back every year. Once established, they grow stronger and produce more blooms each season. Their tall, golden flowers return each fall, bringing vibrant color and attracting pollinators year after year.
Does Maximilian sunflower spread?
Yes, Maximilian Sunflower spreads naturally by roots and seeds, forming beautiful colonies over time. Its spreading habit makes it ideal for naturalizing meadows, borders, or pollinator gardens. With plenty of sunlight, it creates a stunning display of golden blooms each fall.
Where to plant Maximilian sunflowers?
Plant Maximilian Sunflowers in full sun with well-drained soil where they have plenty of room to grow tall. They thrive in open fields, garden borders, and naturalized areas. With sunlight and space, they create striking displays of golden blooms that return each year.
Exposure
Maximilian Sunflowers thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They flourish in bright, sunny locations, allowing their vibrant blooms to soak up the sunlight and contribute to their robust growth and flowering.
Height at Maturity
Over 12"
Usage
Pollinator Plant
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
USPS
Planting Zones
3-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs
Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.
Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.
