Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Bulbs General => Topic started by: mark smyth on September 25, 2008, 02:12:10 PM

Title: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: mark smyth on September 25, 2008, 02:12:10 PM

This is one of the tuberous perennial Helianthus. It grows from a spinning top shaped tuber. It amazing that in one season it can grow to 3m or more in height. While growing it looks like to will never flower but when late September comes flowering stems erupt like a fire work display from the top. The wall in the photos is 1.5m high

Title: Re: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: Stephenb on September 11, 2012, 09:34:38 AM

I know this is an old post, Mark, but I wondered if you still have this plant and if you have a picture of the tubers? Do you know what the parent species are?

Title: Re: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: mark smyth on September 11, 2012, 09:42:12 AM

sorry, no to both.

The tubers are like a bunch of baby carrots. Over the winter I can get you a photo.

For the first time in years the wind hasnt knocked the plants flat. They are in great need of fresh soil because they no longer get to the height they used to.

Title: Re: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: Stephenb on September 11, 2012, 10:16:16 AM

Thanks, Mark!

Title: Re: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: Afloden on September 11, 2012, 12:54:38 PM

kellermanii is a hybrid between salicifolius and maximillianii. I have several of my own unintentional cross in the garden as well as this hybridized with vertcillatus. The variation in leaf width and flower color of the different clones is great. Sadly, they are sunflowers and like to sprawl without blazing full sun.

Title: Re: Helianthus x kellermanii
Post by: mark smyth on September 11, 2012, 04:39:29 PM

the wind and rain today knocked some of mine over