Plant Name: Helianthus mollis
Common name: Ashy Sunflower, Hairy Sunflower, Downy Sunflower
Plant Type: Rhizomatous Perennial Sunflower
Plant Height: 2’ – 4’
Spread: 1’ – 3’
Bloom Time: July – September
Flower Color: Ray & Disk Flowers are Yellow.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Average, Sandy, Poor Rocky Soil that Drains Well.
Water Needs: Dry to Medium
Attributes: Attracts Birds & Butterflies; Tolerates Dry, Rocky Soil.
Note: Plants spread by rhizomes & self-seeding to form colonies; Caterpillars & Beetles often chew foliage.
Uses: Showy Flower for Arrangements; Naturalized Areas, Border Gardens, Wildflower & Native Plant Gardens.
Native to: Central & Eastern North America
Oregon Native: NO
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Tag Archives: Attracts Butterflies
Oregon Native: Monarda didyma (Scarlet Bee Balm)
Plant Name: Monarda didyma
Common name: Scarlet Bee Balm
Plant Type: Perennial
Plant Height: 2’ – 4’
Spread: 2’ – 3’
Bloom Time: May – October.
Flower Color: Scarlet Red
Exposure: Sun to Part Shade.
Soil Requirements: Rich, Moist, Acidic.
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Attracts Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies; Nectar Source, Deer Resistant; Good Cut Flower;
Note: Susceptible to Powdery Mildew; in the Mint Family; Deadhead Flowers to Prolong Summer Bloom.
Uses: Perennial Border; Cottage Garden; Native Plant Garden; Bird & Butterfly Garden.
Native to: Eastern North America & Oregon & Washington
Oregon Native: YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Report by: Viki Ashford, Master Gardener & AGC Member
Horticulture Report: Threadleaf Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’
Plant Name: Coreopsis verticullata ‘Zagreb’
Common name: Threadleaf Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Height: 18 – 24 inches
Spread: 12 – 18 inches
Bloom Time: May – June
Flower Color: Bright Yellow
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates Dry, Shallow, Rocky Soil;
Water Needs: Dry to Medium
Attributes: Showy Flower; Deer Tolerant; Drought Tolerant; No Serious Disease or Insect Problems; Attracts Butterflies
Note: Deadheading encourages additional bloom & prevents unwanted self-seeding. Plants may be sheared in mid to late summer to promote fall re-bloom & remove sprawling foliage. Can spread aggressively by rhizomes & self-seeding. Crown Rot may occur in poor draining soils.
Uses: Native Plant Gardens; Cottage Gardens; Borders; Containers; Cut Flowers; Naturalizing, Butterfly Gardens,
Native to: Eastern USA
Oregon Native: NO
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Report by: Viki Ashford
Globe Amaranth
In Hawaii, Gomphrena globosa is commonly used in long-lasting leis since it retains its shape and color after drying. In Nepal, these flowers are in garlands used for the last day of Tihar, a five-day-long Hindu festival when sisters adorn brothers with a garland. This day is called Bhai Tika – Worship of Brother.
Plant Name: Gomphrena globosa
Common name: Globe Amaranth
Plant Type: Annual
Plant Height: 1’ – 2’
Spread: .5’ – 1’
Bloom Time: June to Frost
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White, Yellow, Magenta.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates most soils.
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Showy Flower; Good Dried or Long-Lasting Cut Flower; Attracts Butterflies; Drought Tolerant; Tolerates Clay Soil.
Note: If sowing seeds, germination rate is low; pinch plants to promote bushiness.
Uses: Borders, Rock Gardens, Cutting Gardens, Containers.
Native to: Central America & northern South America
Oregon Native: NO
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2 – 11
Horticulture Report: Agastache hyssop
Plant Name: Agastache hyssop ‘Black Adder’ 
(A cross between A. foeniculum & A. rugosum
Common name: Black Adder Giant Anise Hyssop
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant Height: 2’ – 3’
Spread: 1.5’ – 2’
Bloom Time: June – Frost
Flower Color: Smokey Red Violet Flowers Emerge from Nearly Black Buds.
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil Requirements: Well-Drained
Water Needs: Medium
Attributes: Tolerates Deer; Fragrant; Attracts Bees, Hummingbirds, & Butterflies.
Note: Deadhead Spent Flowers to Promote Additional Bloom. Leave Leaf & Flower Stems for Protection Over Winter. Crown/Root Rot may occur in poor draining soils.
Uses: Long-Blooming for Summer Border; Butterfly or Cottage Gardens; Good Cut Flower.
Native to: North America
Oregon Native: NO
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 – 9
Submitted by: Viki Ashford
Douglas Asters
Botanical Name: Aster Symphyotrichum subspicatum
Common Name: Douglas Aster
Plant Type:Perennial
Height: Up to 4 ft
Spread: 3-4 ft
Flower Color: Yellow, Violet
Blooms: Summer into late Fall
Exposure: Full Sun – Part Shade
Soil: Moist &Rich, but will tolerate a variety of soils.
Water Needs: Medium
Wildlife: Host for 7 Butterfly & Moths species!
Habitat: Moist lowlands
Uses:Attracts Butterflies, Pollinator Gardens, Perennial Gardens, Native Gardens, and along Stream banks.
Native: Northwest USA
USDA Zones: 6a-9b
Photo from: https://klamathsiskiyouseeds.com/product/symphyotrichum-subspicatum-douglas-aster/