Like every plant, sunflowers grow under certain gardening conditions, making it hard for them to grow anywhere. But if you live opposite these growing conditions, don’t worry because it’s not the end of your sunflower dream.
We’ve found 28 sunflower lookalikes you can plant in your garden to achieve that sunflower aesthetic sans the sunflower commitment. So, read on and explore these flowering plants and let the garden makeover begin!
1. Leliani Coneflower (Echinacea ‘Leliani’)
Scientific Name | Echinacea ‘Leliani’ |
Common Name | ‘Leliani’ Coneflower |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, loamy soil |
Blooming Season | Summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 2-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Leilani coneflower boasts bright yellow petals around a greenish-bronze cone, which grows along a sturdy stem that reaches 40 inches tall. This plant is indigenous to the United States and is a hybrid of all the best features of coneflower species.
It attracts butterflies and other pollinators and boasts medicinal benefits. Leilani is an excellent choice for borders, meadows, and sunny windowsills, whether planted solo or in clusters, brightening any landscape or home.
2. Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria)
Scientific Name | Anthemis tinctoria |
Common Name | Golden Marguerite, Dyer’s Chamomile |
Origin | Europe and Asia |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-9 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Golden Marguerite is a perennial plant with bright yellow blooms throughout summer. It originated from Europe and Asia and has small flowerheads with yellow centers surrounded by radiating petals.
They make a valuable addition to gardens since they’re drought-tolerant and attract pollinators. Indoors, their compact size is perfect for sunny rooms, while outdoors, they’re great stunning border plants to meadows and wildflower gardens.
3. Giggling SmileyZ Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia ‘Giggling SmileyZ’)
Scientific Name | Rudbeckia ‘Giggling SmileyZ’ |
Common Name | ‘Giggling SmileyZ’ Black-Eyed Susan |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 2-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Giggling SmileyZ Black-Eyed Susan is a hybrid plant that produces flowers with a double row of golden petals adorned with mahogany brushstrokes. It’s a vigorous grower that thrives in full sun or partial shade with a long blooming season.
This sunflower lookalike can be enjoyed for its compact size and upright growth habit as a container or border plant. They also attract butterflies and pollinators, leaving a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
4. False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
Scientific Name | Heliopsis helianthoides |
Common Name | False Sunflower |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 3-5 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The False Sunflower is a low-maintenance plant with sunny yellow petals surrounding a prominent, dark brown central cone, thus earning its name. It’s native to North America, tolerant of drought, and resistant to common pests and diseases.
This versatile plant grows well in borders, meadows, or even containers. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make them valuable in cut flower arrangements.
5. Mexican Marigold (Tagetes lemmonii)
Scientific Name | Tagetes lemmonii |
Common Name | Mexican Marigold |
Origin | Mexico |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 7-11 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Mexican marigold boasts vibrant orange and yellow petals resembling miniature suns. It’s native to Mexico and is commonly used in their Day of the Dead celebrations.
They also possess natural pest-repellent properties, making them beneficial companion plants in your garden’s borders, flowerbeds and containers. They’re also compact, so you can keep them on a windowsill or tabletop to brighten the room.
6. Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)
Scientific Name | Baileya multiradiata |
Common Name | Desert Marigold |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, dry soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Desert Marigold produces bright yellow ray florets surrounding dark central disks that can thrive in harsh desert conditions. They’re native to North America and can adapt to dry, sandy soils and scorching temperatures.
It also has leaves covered in silvery hairs that reflect sunlight and help conserve water, making it an ideal choice for low-water gardens and xeriscapes. They’re also nectar sources for pollinators and can be planted in borders, rock gardens, or containers.
7. Orange Elf Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Orange Elf’)
Scientific Name | Coreopsis ‘Orange Elf’ |
Common Name | ‘Orange Elf’ Tickseed |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
The Orange Elf Tickseed is a low-maintenance plant with orange-red daisy-like flowers adorned with golden centers and petal tips. They thrive in full sun, well-drained soil, drought tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases.
You can plant this sunflower look alike in borders, rock gardens, or containers. YOu can also take advantage of its low-growing nature to design your walkways or fill in sunny spaces.
8. Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa)
Scientific Name | Bidens aristosa |
Common Name | Tickseed Sunflower |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 3-6 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 7-10 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Tickseed sunflower grows bright yellow daisy-like blooms, with ray florets surrounding a central disc, evoking the image of a miniature sunflower. It attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in your home.
The Tickseed sunflower is a versatile plant that will thrive in borders, meadows, and wildflower gardens. Its compact size also makes it ideal for containers and sunny windowsills, bringing a touch of sunshine to your living space.
9. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Scientific Name | Tithonia rotundifolia |
Common Name | Mexican Sunflower |
Origin | Mexico and Central America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 5-8 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 8-11 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Mexican sunflower boasts a double row of fiery orange-red petals and its bright yellow central disc. It’s native to Mexico and Central America and has hairy foliage that helps deter pests.
You can plant it in borders, meadows, or even containers for a pop of color in your landscape. Its tall stature makes it perfect for adding height and drama to flowerbeds, while its long-lasting blooms are great for indoor arrangements.
10. Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius)
Scientific Name | Helianthus angustifolius |
Common Name | Swamp Sunflower |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Moist soil |
Blooming Season | Summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 4-8 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The swamp sunflower offers numerous flower heads, with golden rays surrounding a brown disc. It’s native to North America and thrives in moist areas, while its nectar-rich flowers provide valuable food sources for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
When planted outdoors, the swamp sunflower adds height and color to borders or meadows. You can also grow them in pots to add a touch of nature to patios, balconies or urban spaces.
11. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Scientific Name | Calendula officinalis |
Common Name | Pot Marigold, Calendula |
Origin | Mediterranean |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual or biennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-9 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Pot marigold is an annual plant that stands out for its vibrant yellow-colored edible flowers. It’s native to the Mediterranean region, where its edible flowers are used in salads, dishes, balms, and brews.
This plant blooms all year round and attracts beneficial insects, making them ideal companion plants for vegetable gardens. They’re also compact, so you can grow them in containers on patios or windowsills to brighten up your living space.
12. Sneezeweed (Helenium aurumnale)
Scientific Name | Helenium aurumnale |
Common Name | Sneezeweed, Helen’s Flower, False Sunflower |
Origin | Europe and Asia |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, moist soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 3-5 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Sneezeweed grows bright yellow ray flowers with a dark brown central disk, which is responsible for seed production and adds depth and dimension to the overall flower head.
As a focal point, you can display a sunny border or meadow with sneeze weeds as they bloom from late summer to fall. You can also plant them as a specimen plant in a mixed border or container.
13. Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea)
Scientific Name | Packera aurea |
Common Name | Golden Ragwort, Squaw-weed |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, average soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Golden Ragwort grows bright yellow flowers that look like tiny suns. It’s indigenous to North America and is an effective magnet for pollinators and plants for erosion control.
The Golden Ragwort makes a great low-maintenance ground cover. You can let its sunshine blooms dangle from a hanging planter to show off its golden glory indoors or outdoors.
14. Lanceleaf Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Scientific Name | Coreopsis lanceolata |
Common Name | Lanceleaf Tickseed, Lanceleaf Coreopsis |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, average soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 2-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic, |
The Lanceleaf Tickseed boasts cheerful yellow blooms with fringed petals, resembling happy little suns but thrives in poor soil. It’s native to North America and typically grows two feet tall, perfect for borders and rock gardens.
This drought-tolerant plant makes a vibrant ground cover in your garden. You can also create a sunny tapestry by planting it in hanging baskets and placing it near your windowsill to brighten your living space.
15. Cape Marigold (Dimosphotheca sinuata)
Scientific Name | Dimorphotheca sinuata |
Common Name | Cape Marigold, Osteospermum |
Origin | South Africa |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual or perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, sandy soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 7-10 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
Cape Marigold is popular for its daisy-like flowers with dark centers that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding life and beauty to any living space. It’s indigenous to South Africa, which is drought-tolerant and self-seeding.
It also attracts beneficial insects, making it a great companion plant for vegetable gardens. The compact size and long flowering period also make them perfect for adding color to containers on patios or windowsills.
16. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Scientific Name | Gerbera jamesonii |
Common Name | Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy |
Origin | South Africa |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 8-11 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Gerbera Daisy is known for its symmetrical flower head with a prominent central disk surrounded by colorful petals. This plant is indigenous to South Africa and is valued for its air-purifying qualities, contributing to healthier indoor spaces.
Its compact size makes it suitable for indoor cultivation, adding color to homes. They’re also low-growing, so they’re perfect for edging walkways or paths in your outdoor garden.
17. Bush Daisy (Erigeron speciosus)
Scientific Name | Erigeron speciosus |
Common Name | Bush Daisy, Showy Daisy |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 5-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic, |
The Bush Daisy grows a central disk surrounded by vibrant yellow petals, contributing to its sunflower-like appearance. It’s native to North America, and as a hardy perennial, it’s well-adapted to diverse climates and soil types.
The Bush Daisy has a compact and bushy growth that allows it to be cultivated in containers for indoor settings. It’s resistant to most pests and diseases, and you can use it to brighten up patios, balconies or decks outdoors.
18. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum sp.)
Scientific Name | Chrysanthemum sp. |
Common Name | Chrysanthemum, Mum |
Origin | Asia |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Summer to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 5-9 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Chrysanthemum is a pom-pom-shaped flower with a central disk surrounded by ray-like petals, creating a visual similarity to sunflowers. It’s indigenous to East Asia, particularly China and is cultivated for its therapeutic and air-purifying properties.
They make excellent potted plants and can be cultivated indoors to brighten living spaces. Chrysanthemums also have long-lasting blooms, making them ideal for arrangements for a vibrant and textured bouquet.
19. Yellow Daisy (Galinsoga parviflora)
Scientific Name | Galinsoga parviflora |
Common Name | Yellow Daisy, Gallant Soldier |
Origin | Central and South America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, average soil |
Blooming Season | Summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 2-9 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Yellow Daisy is popular for its small, vibrant yellow flowers with a radial arrangement of petals. It’s native to South America and has become a widespread weed and medicinal plant worldwide.
The Yellow Daisy can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in indoor and outdoor gardens. Its small size makes it suitable for containers and hanging baskets, while it can also be controlled and used as a ground cover in outdoor landscapes.
20. Carnation (Diantus carophyllus)
Scientific Name | Diantus carophyllus |
Common Name | Carnation, Grenadine |
Origin | Mediterranean |
Family | Caryophyllaceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, sandy soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 5-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Mildly toxic |
The Carnation is famous for its ruffled flowers, yellow, multi-petaled appearance, and distinct spicy-sweet fragrance. It’s indigenous to the Mediterranean region and symbolizes love and admiration.
With their compact growth habit, they’re suitable as border plants or in mixed flower beds or can also be grown in containers, keeping indoor spaces fragrant.
21. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Scientific Name | Zinnia elegans |
Common Name | Zinnia, Youth and Age |
Origin | Central America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 2-11 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Zinnia is unique for its vibrant, solitary flowerheads, which consist of a central disk surrounded by flat, petal-like ray florets, resembling a miniature sunflower. It’s native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
They can be cultivated in containers, adding color to balconies or patios. You can also create a summer display by planting zinnias in a sunny border or bed and adding a pop of color to your landscape.
22. Japanese Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
Scientific Name | Helianthus debilis |
Common Name | Japanese Sunflower, Sawtooth Sunflower |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 5-8 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-8 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Japanese sunflower is unique for its slender stems, lance-shaped leaves, and bright yellow flowers with a central disk that resembles miniature sunflowers. It’s native to North America and attracts pollinators to gardens.
Due to its vigorous growth, it can be used as a tall background plant or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden. It can also be grown in large containers on sunny balconies or patios, providing a touch of nature to urban spaces.
23. Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Scientific Name | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
Common Name | New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, average soil |
Blooming Season | Summer to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 3-5 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Fall Aster is known for its small, daisy-like flowers that share a similar disk-like center surrounded by ray florets, contributing to its sunflower-like appearance. It’s indigenous to North America and is a popular choice for fall gardens.
Due to its late-blooming nature, it can extend the visual interest of the garden into the fall months and can be used in indoor floral arrangements. They’re also great for mass planting as they can attract pollinators to your garden.
24. Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia)
Scientific Name | Brachyscome iberidifolia |
Common Name | Swan River Daisy, Australian Bluebell |
Origin | Australia |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, moist soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 8-10 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Swan River Daisy is famous for its delicate, fern-like foliage and tiny, daisy-like flowers creating a carpet of color. It’s native to Australia and thrives well in arid climates.
The Swan River Daisy makes an excellent ground cover as it prevents soil erosion and helps suppress weeds in outdoor gardens. Its low-growing habit also makes it suitable for edging, rock gardens, and containers.
25. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
Scientific Name | Leucanthemum vulgare |
Common Name | Oxeye Daisy, Shasta Daisy |
Origin | Europe and Asia |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to summer |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Oxeye Daisy has a daisy-like appearance with a yellow central disk surrounded by white ray-like petals. It’s native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated for its adaptability and ability to thrive in various soil types.
It’s often used as a low-maintenance ground cover in outdoor gardens and is suitable for naturalized areas and wildflower gardens. The cut stems of Oxeye Daisies can also be used in indoor floral arrangements.
26. Gaillardia (Gaillardia x grandiflora)
Scientific Name | Gaillardia x grandiflora |
Common Name | Blanket Flower, Firewheel |
Origin | North America |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, average soil |
Blooming Season | Summer and fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun |
Size | 2-3 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-8 |
Growth Rate | Moderate |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Gaillardia is known for its striking and vibrant flowers that feature a central disk surrounded by colorful ray-like yellow petals, contributing to its sunflower-like charm. It’s indigenous to North America and is known for its drought tolerance.
This plant is commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and as a colorful addition to wildflower meadows. Gaillardia can also be grown in large containers on sunny balconies or patios, brightening urban spaces.
27. Calendula ‘Orange King’ (Calendula officinalis ‘Orange King’)
Scientific Name | Calendula officinalis ‘Orange King’ |
Common Name | Pot Marigold, Calendula |
Origin | Mediterranean |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous annual or biennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 1-2 feet tall |
Hardiness | Zones 3-9 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Calendula ‘Orange King’ blooms vibrant flowers radiating from a central disk, creating a sunflowers-like appearance. It’s native to Southern Europe and is cultivated for centuries for its ornamental and medicinal properties.
This plant is suitable for borders, containers, and pollinator gardens. It can also be grown in containers indoors, providing a pop of color to window sills, tabletops or indoor spaces.
28. Florist’s Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Scientific Name | Bellis perennis |
Common Name | English Daisy, Common Daisy |
Origin | Europe |
Family | Asteraceae |
Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
Soil Requirements | Well-drained, fertile soil |
Blooming Season | Spring to fall |
Light Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
Size | 6-12 inches tall |
Hardiness | Zones 4-8 |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Toxicity | Non-toxic |
The Florist’s Daisy grows small, button-like flowers with a golden-yellow central disk. It’s a perennial plant indigenous to Western Asia and Europe and valued for its ability to tolerate mowing.
Because of its low-growing habit, the Florist’s Daisy can be used in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
It can also be grown in containers and brought indoors for short periods, adding a touch of whimsy to your rooms, windowsills or tabletops.