The botanical name of hairy desert
sunflowers is Geraea canescens. The plant has been actually tagged with a
rather unappealing name; however the yellow, daisy-like blooms with bright
orange centers are anything but dull. The plant is actually named for the
hairy, greenish grey leaves. Continue reading to learn more about hairy desert
sunflowers.
Hairy Desert Sunflower Plant Info
Actually the hairy desert sunflowers
are common across much of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The
hairy desert sunflowers are happiest in sandy or gravelly desert conditions. The
hairy desert sunflower is also known as desert gold, desert sunflower plants and
they generally bloom in January and February, with sporadic reappearances in
October and November. The hairy desert sunflowers are among the very first
annual wildflowers to bloom in spring.
As the name actually suggests, the hairy
desert sunflower plant is a close cousin to the tall garden sunflower that we
all know and love. The hairy desert sunflowers can reach a height of about thirty
inches. The hairy desert sunflower is an important pollinator. The plant also
attracts one specific type of bee that depends solely on desert sunflower
plants for pollen. The bee actually leaves the protection of its underground
burrow just in time to take advantage of the blooms in early spring.
Growing Hairy Desert Sunflowers
Growing hairy desert sunflowers is
not too difficult. Just plant the hairy desert sunflowers seeds and then keep
the soil moist until they germinate. Late fall is the best time for planting the
hairy desert sunflower seeds. The plant actually requires full sun and, as
mentioned above, they also prefer poor, dry, gravelly or sandy soil. Once the
plant is established, the plant care is minimal, as they needs very little
water, but does benefit from an occasional watering during the heat of summer. The
hairy desert sunflower plants require no fertilizer. Most wildflowers don’t often
survive in overly rich soil. Like most wildflowers, the hairy desert sunflower
plants generally reseed themselves if conditions are right.
Post a Comment