Helianthus x kellermanii

[mark smyth]

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

[Stephenb]

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?

[mark smyth]

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.

[Stephenb]

Thanks, Mark!

[Afloden]

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.

[mark smyth]

the wind and rain today knocked some of mine over