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Canyon Sunflower

Venegasia carpesioides

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerant of a variety of garden soils as long as sufficient moisture is available.

Size

5–5ft tall

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Flowers

Prized

Native Range

San Diego County chaparral and coastal sage scrub in the Peninsular Ranges, below 2500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Canyon Sunflower in fall or winter when the Bay Area soil is moist. It tolerates full sun, part shade, or even deep shade, making it perfect for that difficult corner of your yard. The plant is highly adaptable to soil type - whether fast, medium, or slow draining - as long as it has access to moisture. Space plants about 5 feet apart since they grow to roughly 5 feet tall.

After Planting

Water regularly during the first year to establish the plant, then transition to low water once established, typically by year two. Canyon Sunflower blooms nearly year-round, so minimal pruning is needed beyond removing dead wood if desired. The #1 mistake is overwatering once the plant is mature; remember it thrives in both dry and damp conditions and actually prefers drier sites once established.

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