Mexican Sunflower

A Fiery Bloom for Pollinators and Permaculture

With its vivid orange-red blossoms and towering stems, the Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia) is a spectacular addition to any garden, drawing in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds with its rich nectar supply. Native to Mexico and Central America, this fast-growing annual thrives in hot, sunny climates, producing an abundance of orange daisy-like flowers that bloom from midsummer until frost.

A Pollinator’s Paradise

Few plants match the Mexican sunflower’s ability to attract pollinators. It is particularly beloved by monarch butterflies, making it an essential plant for butterfly-friendly gardens. The blossoms also lure swallowtails, skippers, and native bees, ensuring a lively, buzzing habitat throughout the growing season.

Benefits in Permaculture & Sustainable Gardening

Beyond its ornamental beauty, Mexican sunflower serves as a dynamic accumulator, drawing up nutrients from the soil and enriching compost piles. Its rapid growth and lush foliage make it an excellent chop-and-drop mulch in regenerative gardening, providing natural green manure that decomposes quickly to enhance soil fertility.

How to Grow Mexican Sunflower

• Sun & Soil: Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, though it tolerates poor soils and drought.

• Watering: Once established, it is highly drought-resistant and requires minimal watering.

• Planting: Easily grown from seeds, sown after the last frost. Germination is quick, and plants can reach 4 to 6 feet tall in a single season.

• Maintenance: Requires no deadheading, though occasional trimming can encourage bushier growth.

A Garden Jewel with Endless Benefits

Whether grown for pollinators, soil improvement, or sheer visual impact, Mexican sunflower is a must-have for any biodiverse garden. Its flaming orange blooms, coupled with its low-maintenance, high-reward nature, make it a standout in both pollinator gardens and permaculture landscapes.