Swamp Sunflower 'First Light'

Helianthus angustifolius 'First Light'

Swamp Sunflower 'First Light' is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to full sun and clay, loam or moist ground, flowering Sep, Oct.

Where to use it in a border

At around 120 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 90 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 6a to 9b, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, clay soil, wet soil, pollinator-friendly plants, pet-safe plants.

Border Builder uses Swamp Sunflower 'First Light''s height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• It copes with ground that stays wet, which most border plants will not.
• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Allegheny Monkeyflowerto edge in front
• Betonyto edge in front
• Bird's-foot Trefoilto edge in front
• Blanket Flower 'Arizona Sun'to edge in front
• Blue Mistflowerto edge in front
• Blue-Eyed Grassto edge in front

Garden styles

Meadow Native Wildlife garden