Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Forged in Fire False Sunflower: Gold and Ember Behind Lavender
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Forged in Fire false sunflower carries semi-double, golden yellow daisies about 3 inches across, each with a wide eye zone that starts dark burgundy and lightens to burnt orange as the flower ages. With new and older flowers open together, the plant shows a whole range of ember tones at once. The extra petals help each flower last longer while leaving the center open for pollinators.
It forms a dense, bushy clump about 3 feet tall and wide, with glossy, dark green leaves that hold up well against powdery mildew. And it enjoys the same full sun and good drainage as lavender.
Forged in Fire at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Heliopsis helianthoides 'Forged in Fire' |
| Flowers | Semi-double golden yellow with a burgundy-to-orange eye |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks late July, six to eight weeks |
| Foliage | Glossy dark green, powdery mildew resistant |
| Size | 32 to 36 inches tall and wide |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to light part shade |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators; moderately deer resistant |
A bold backdrop for lavender
Gold and burnt orange are the opposite of lavender's cool purple, so planting Forged in Fire behind a lavender bed makes both look more intense. Its dense, dark-leaved habit forms a solid backdrop, and at about 3 feet it rises just above most lavenders without towering over them. Leave a few feet between the two so the lavender in front keeps its sun and air.
Its timing helps too. It starts in early July with the lavender and keeps going for six to eight weeks, carrying warm color well past harvest. As a native prairie type, it is very heat tolerant and keeps flowering through hot midsummer weather. Plan the layout in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Site: full sun gives the most flowers and sturdiest stems.
- Soil: average and well-drained. Established plants tolerate dry spells.
- Deadheading: remove spent flowers, or cut them for bouquets, to keep blooms coming.
- Air flow: mildew is more likely in crowded, still-air spots, even with good resistance.
- Winter: very hardy in Michigan with no special care. Cut back in late fall, or leave seed heads for birds and cut back in spring.
An excellent cut flower
Forged in Fire is rated excellent for cutting. Its sturdy, branched stems give plenty of flowers for a jar on the table, and cutting them keeps the plant blooming. Golden heliopsis with a few stems of lavender makes a cheerful, high-summer bouquet.
Plug tray or bare root
Forged in Fire is offered as a 72-cell plug tray for growers and mass plantings, and as a bare root plant for home gardens. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is false sunflower a true sunflower?
No. It is a perennial relative that returns each year, with smaller, more numerous flowers on a bushy plant.
Why do the flower centers change color?
The eye zone is darkest burgundy on new flowers and fades toward orange as they age, so you see several shades together.
Do pollinators visit it?
Yes. The semi-double flowers leave the center open, and bees and butterflies visit often.
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