I planted mine 2 springs ago. First year, it reached about 4 feet. Right now, it is almost 8 feet tall! I bought it at Hastings on Peachtree Road - but their pickings are probably slim this time of year. Also worth checking is Goodness Grows in Lexington, and Thyme after Thyme on the east side of Athens. Also available on the internet from Plant Delights in Raleigh.

Thanks so much for the tips, David. I'd love to see your 8' helianthus. Wonder if you'll be able to even count all the flowers when it blooms!

Plant Delights lists two dwarf varieties still available (I believe that's correct), But I don't want dwarf, rather monstrous gorgeous ones like yours.

Remember being at the old Hastings years ago for one of their Sunday seminars. They had many in full bloom.

If anyone has one they'll be dividing next spring, would love to buy or trade.

Rosie in Sugar Hill

I'm sure I can pot some up for you, I noticed some "escapees" in the back of the border. The one I bought originally came from Pick of the Crop in Alpharetta (now closed). We also rescue them on native plant rescues in the fall (dry sunny sites).

These things are thugs at my place. They must love where they are now, because I can't get rid of them. You are welcome to come dig as many as you want. I'm south of the ATL airport.