Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke
A tall, herbaceous perennial reaching 2.5m tall or more, with coarse hairy foliage and small, yellow sunflower-like flowers in summer. It is cultivated for its knobbly, elongated pale-cream or sometimes purple-tinted tubers
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or ³§´Ç³Ü³Ù³ó–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Unresolved
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers in spring in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Plants may need support in exposed positions. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. For more advice follow jerusalem-artichoke cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by separating and replanting tubers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia disease
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