Re: helianthus maximiliani??

> << helianthus maximus >>
> is it maximiliani you are referring to?  I had a similar
> experience with this plant--puny and weak when I put it in the
> ground.  Shot up to 6-7 feet in a good sized clump with many
> stems in one season and bloomed with small sunflower-like
> flowers in profusion on each stem.  I actually ordered a second
> one when I thought the first wouldn't survive.  So this year I
> needed to get rid of one of the giants and it broke up some
> when I pried it out of the ground.  I took the loose stems and
> potted them up too and after a few days with regular watering
> they stood up straight.  I suspect this plant is very hardy and
> tough.  Mine has not spread seedlings.  YET.
> 
> Bill Lee

Uh oh.  Look out.  good-sized clump?  Bill, you may win a prize 
for the understatement of the year**.  Hardy & tough is mild.  I 
began with a very small clump.  After ripping & tearing out huge 
hunks of the stuff to stop it from taking over the world, I now 
(3 years later) have a patch that is approximately 6 x 8'.  You 
will find that it spreads by very tough runners.  Do not feel 
guilty for ruthlessly tearing the stuff out.  Find friends who 
need some ... now (plan ahead).  Unless you have vast plains to 
fill, do not plant those stems you rooted.  :)

I do love them but they are major thugs.  

re: support.  I use bamboo stakes and jute to construct a sort 
of web.  It works pretty well.  One thing for sure is that you 
needn't be concerned with the any stake showing.  

Jaime

** the prize for understatement of the year is Helianthus 
maximilliani, of course.  <G>
jknoble@warwick.net
Z6/5, NW NJ
"I have no particular talent. I am merely inquisitive."
 A. Einstein


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