PLANT OF THE WEEK: MEXICAN SUNFLOWER (Tithonia Torch)

​I don’t get to see a lot of strong orange-red flowers, since it’s not a common/popular color. Take a quick look at my slide show to see why it’s so critical to have this color in the garden. Butterflies love to feed on them religiously every day. Their meal time is late morning when is sunny and super-hot. I have these visitors for lunch daily and I can’t get enough of them. I have gotten as close to a foot to photograph them, however, since their meal is so good, they don’t seem to be bothered, smile.
 
Plant Stats:
 
Annual /Perennial: No
Hardiness: It will die soon in the fall when the temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Deer Resistant: Deer avoid these flowers.
Full Sun: Yes
Partial Sun:  Full sun is recommended.
Shade: It will not flower in the shade.    
Bloom Time: Hot summer months.       
Color: Bright orange.
Size:  It can grow as tall as 6 feet.
Water Needs: Though it tolerates drought, is best to water it at least every other day.
Good Companion Plants: Other colorful and low grow plants like
 
Final Facts: Attracts birds, is a magnet for butterflies, is drought resistant, its height provides privacy to your property, can be planted in pot, and finally, they are great as cutting flowers.