Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mexican sunflower on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Mexican sunflower
Tithonia diversifolia, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower, is a fast-growing perennial herb that produces large, bright orange, daisy-like flowers. Its leaves are lobed and deep green, forming a dense and lush foliage. It is ideal for garden backdrops, living screens, or for attracting pollinators due to its vibrant color and imposing size.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and well-drained soil, though it tolerates a variety of soil conditions. Watering should be regular, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging. It is advisable to prune it after flowering to encourage a more compact growth and a second flush of blooms. A common mistake is not pruning it, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
How to save a dying Mexican sunflower
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or brown leaves, wilted and limp. Lack of flowering or dry flowers.
- First aid
- Move to partial shade if in intense sun. Check soil moisture: water if dry, improve drainage if waterlogged.
- What kills it
- Overwatering with poor drainage rots its roots. Also prolonged drought and extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's very resilient. Act quickly by correcting watering and exposure. Prune severely damaged parts.