Tithonia rotundifolia - Mexican Sunflower

Tithonia rotundifolia reminds me of a really big marigold. At one time the Mexican Sunflower was included in the marigold (tagetes) genus. Tithonia rotundifolia does best in sunny gardens but will still bloom sparsely in moderate shade. The Mexican Sunflower grows to 6 feet tall and wide. The 3" orange to red flowers are often hosting a butterfly or two including: Monarch Butterfly, Painted Lady, Gray Hairstreak, Great Purple Hairstreak, Skipper, White Checkered Skipper, Northern White Skipper, Mormon Metalmark, Giant Swallowtail, and Checkerspot. Tithonia rotundifolia is an annual in most gardens but will persist as a perennial in frost free or nearly frost free gardens. The Mexican Sunflower looks best if the dead flowers are regularly trimmed off, though you might wish to allow some to mature enough for seed for next year. Tithonia rotundifolia blooms from mid summer through hard frost.