Ode to the Mexican Sunflower Tithonia Rotundifolia Torch

It’s mid-October and the Ruby-throated hummingbirds have migrated from our New York area. Monarch butterflies are frequent visitors now. Floating gently through the air but always returning to these florescent beacons.

Tithonia rotundiflora is a flower powerhouse. Over and over it blooms. Like the classical mythological Hydra creature, it grows seemingly endless flower heads yet deadheading isn’t necessary. I’ve already clipped several seed pods off for next year. You never have to buy them again once you’ve grown one. All you need to do is remember to harvest some seeds. This is an annual plant in our zone but easily replanted and regrown from seed. This plant grew 5 feet tall, rather bushy and endured somewhat formidable winds without breakage. It’s constantly blooming and setting seed.