Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is an Artisan Grown powerhouse and a towering testament to the resilience of the Edwards Plateau. This isn't your average floppy garden-variety annual; it is a perennial structural marvel field-forged to stand tall against late-summer heat and October gusts. Known for its vertical cherry sprays of brilliant golden-yellow blooms, it provides a critical "golden hour" for the Hill Country landscape just as other plants begin to fade.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
Maximilian Sunflowers are built for the struggle of the open prairie. We sow these wild-harvested seeds directly into our outdoor silica sand propagation beds, allowing nature to decide who thrives. This "roots-first" approach forces the plant to immediately prioritize a deep-diving, vertical root system. Only after they have proven their resilience and established a robust anchor in the sand are they carefully transitioned into our deep, air-pruning pots.
As the strongest survivors transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A tall, narrow perennial that provides massive late-season color and unmatched ecological value.
Autumn Spectacle: In late September and October, these sunflowers erupt in dense sprays of small 2-3” blooms along the upper half of their stems, creating a dramatic vertical focal point.
Wildlife Anchor: A vital resource for the local ecosystem; they provide critical late-season pollen and nectar for migrating Monarchs and local pollinators and nutrient-dense seeds for songbirds in the winter.
The Living Screen: Reaching heights of up to 10 feet, they are the perfect solution for creating a seasonal privacy hedge or a high-impact backdrop for shorter perennials.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial icon returns with more vigor year after year.
Maximilian Sunflowers are the ultimate "fill the space" superstars. Plant in full, unapologetic Texas sun. They will thrive where nothing else wants to and are remarkably adaptable to heavy clay, caliche, and rocky limestone soils. Give them room to stretch—over time, they will spread via rhizomes to create a dense, beautiful, golden colony that anchors your autumn garden.
For a high-impact, low-maintenance "Pollinator Hedgerow," plant these as a backdrop to our Texas Globe Amaranth. The deep reds and purples of the Gomphrena and the brilliant golds of the Maximilian create a high-contrast visual feast that serves as a 24/7 buffet for native bees and butterflies from summer through frost.
Lineage: Wild-Harvested Texas Native | Soil: Organic Heritage Mineral Blend
Our Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) is an Artisan Grown powerhouse and a towering testament to the resilience of the Edwards Plateau. This isn't your average floppy garden-variety annual; it is a perennial structural marvel field-forged to stand tall against late-summer heat and October gusts. Known for its vertical cherry sprays of brilliant golden-yellow blooms, it provides a critical "golden hour" for the Hill Country landscape just as other plants begin to fade.
We begin with our surroundings. Every seed we grow is hand-harvested from vigorous, wild-growing mature plants found on our ranch or within a strict 10-mile radius. This ensures our plants carry the specific site-adapted genetics required to handle the unique mineral profile and erratic weather of the Dripping Springs and Austin corridor.
Maximilian Sunflowers are built for the struggle of the open prairie. We sow these wild-harvested seeds directly into our outdoor silica sand propagation beds, allowing nature to decide who thrives. This "roots-first" approach forces the plant to immediately prioritize a deep-diving, vertical root system. Only after they have proven their resilience and established a robust anchor in the sand are they carefully transitioned into our deep, air-pruning pots.
As the strongest survivors transition into their final phase, they are potted into deep, air-pruning pots. This critical step uses the dry Texas air to naturally prune root tips, forcing the plant to develop a massive, hyper-fibrous root system without circling. Once potted, they “rest” under the dappled shade of our Texas Live Oak trees, acclimating to our hilltop winds and heavy spring rains. For the final two weeks, they field-harden in unapologetic full sun. This multi-phase approach ensures every plant leaving our ranch has been "performance-tested" and is biologically prepared for a resilient, irrigation-free Hill Country life once established.
A tall, narrow perennial that provides massive late-season color and unmatched ecological value.
Autumn Spectacle: In late September and October, these sunflowers erupt in dense sprays of small 2-3” blooms along the upper half of their stems, creating a dramatic vertical focal point.
Wildlife Anchor: A vital resource for the local ecosystem; they provide critical late-season pollen and nectar for migrating Monarchs and local pollinators and nutrient-dense seeds for songbirds in the winter.
The Living Screen: Reaching heights of up to 10 feet, they are the perfect solution for creating a seasonal privacy hedge or a high-impact backdrop for shorter perennials.
Field-grown, sun-hardened, and air-pruned. Delivered in a 4.5” Deep Square Pot with a vertical 5”, robust root system designed to anchor deep into our rocky Hill Country soil, ensuring this perennial icon returns with more vigor year after year.
Maximilian Sunflowers are the ultimate "fill the space" superstars. Plant in full, unapologetic Texas sun. They will thrive where nothing else wants to and are remarkably adaptable to heavy clay, caliche, and rocky limestone soils. Give them room to stretch—over time, they will spread via rhizomes to create a dense, beautiful, golden colony that anchors your autumn garden.
For a high-impact, low-maintenance "Pollinator Hedgerow," plant these as a backdrop to our Texas Globe Amaranth. The deep reds and purples of the Gomphrena and the brilliant golds of the Maximilian create a high-contrast visual feast that serves as a 24/7 buffet for native bees and butterflies from summer through frost.
Our plants are intentionally cultivated to be site-adapted and focus their energy on growing larger, faster, and healthier below ground so they can take-off above ground once planted. All plants are grown to prioritize dense, downward-oriented root systems that allow rapid establishment in non-irrigated, deer-pressured landscapes.
Water and cage until established. Even for deer resistant plants, expect browsing, especially during drought — survival comes from the roots.
