3 Benefits to Growing Dune Sunflowers
I love Dune Sunflowers. So much so that I named my Central Florida Native plant nursery after the flower. The dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis) is an amazing Florida Native that brightens up any dry, sandy, coastal area in Florida and beyond. Read my other article on some of its basic landscaping benefits.
My very unscientific survey of random people and customers makes me think that most people are unaware of dune sunflowers, or know very little about them. If you fit into this category, let me share with you three benefits I have discovered while researching and growing this plant.
Benefit #1 - Dune Sunflowers Lower Surface Temperature Near Buildings
I first encountered dune sunflowers when I was researching about how to transform a southern facing, very warm side of my home. I discovered through research and experiment that dune sunflowers can lower the surface temperature of the ground, and possibly the temperature of a building, by reducing ground infrared radiation towards a house.
Simple Experiment with Infrared Thermometer
In March of 2025 I conducted a simple experiment measuring the temperature of mulch and the temperature of nearby dune sunflowers. The ambient air temperature was around 81 degrees Fahrenheit. The difference in measured temperature between mulch and dune sunflowers was a staggering 30 degrees Fahrenheit. I hypothesize the use of these plants near buildings could have a measurable beneficial cooling effect on the building. However, I have not tested this hypothesis yet. [As an aside, I have a background as an Atmospheric Scientist.]
Benefit #2 - Dune Sunflowers Look Nice in Landscaping!
Dune sunflowers grow well in dry sandy areas and they spread fairly rapidly. If you have an area where a sprawling ground cover would look good, dune sunflowers are a good candidate. They are sensitive to overwatering and occasional mildew die off, but they can persist through propagation, re-seeding, or replanting.
Benefit #3 - Dune Sunflowers Make Nice Additions to Flower Arrangements
Ok, really this is just another nerdy hypothesis! I am not really a florist. I gave these flowers to my mother-in-law. The dune sunflower cuttings did last a few days in a water-only solution. I hope to work with some local florists to see if dune sunflowers could truly make an addition to flower arrangements. More to follow on this!
The demand for dune sunflowers is growing, so order your dune sunflowers from our online store today! If we are out of stock, email me at natives@dunesunflower.com to get on a waiting list!