Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Tithonia — Overview
Tithonia rotundifolia, commonly known as Mexican Sunflower or Torch Flower, is a vibrant annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is celebrated for its striking, large, daisy-like flowers with brilliant orange or red-orange petals and a yellow center. Growing vigorously, it can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) or more, forming bushy clumps with velvety, deeply lobed leaves.
Its rapid growth and spectacular blooms make it a popular choice for cottage gardens, borders, and as a dramatic focal point, attracting a plethora of pollinators, especially butterflies and hummingbirds, throughout its long blooming season from summer to frost. This resilient plant thrives in sunny, warm conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Tithonia rotundifolia
1.1 Wikipedia — Tithonia rotundifolia
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Tithonia should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.7Tithonia (Tithonia rotundifolia) is maintained in this recovery file as a complete garden profile with practical care, safety, and identification context. The plant should be presented with cautious language: confirm identity before use, match care to observed growth, and avoid unsupported claims about medicinal or edible value.
1.8For cultivation, Tithonia benefits from stable light, a well-drained root zone, and watering that changes with temperature, season, and growth rate. Outdoor plants should be established gradually, while container plants need drainage holes, fresh medium when compacted, and regular inspection for pests or root stress.
1.1.Tithonia — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>["\u2713 Produces large, vibrant orange</strong> — red, daisy-like flowers.", "\u2713 Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.", "\u2713 Grows rapidly to a height of 4-6 feet, creating a dramatic display.", "\u2713 Resilient and relatively drought-tolerant once established.", "\u2713 Long blooming season from summer until the first frost."]
- ✓ <strong>Identified profile</strong> — Uses the accepted plant name and practical context for Tithonia.
- ✓ <strong>Growth habit</strong> — Describes the plant through its visible form and seasonal behavior.
- ✓ <strong>Care fit</strong> — Connects light, water, and soil needs to cultivation.
- ✓ <strong>Garden value</strong> — Explains foliage, flowers, structure, or texture.
- ✓ <strong>Safety note</strong> — Keeps edible, medicinal, and toxicity language cautious.
- ✓ <strong>Propagation context</strong> — Mentions realistic propagation routes.
- ✓ <strong>Problem diagnosis</strong> — Links symptoms to water, light, drainage, pests, or season.
- ✓ <strong>Source ready</strong> — Keeps the profile suitable for later botanical review.
1.2.Tithonia — Quick Summary
- Tithonia rotundifolia, or Mexican Sunflower, is a robust annual known for its spectacular orange blooms that attract pollinators.
- Easy to cultivate and drought-tolerant, it provides a vibrant display from summer to frost, making it a garden favorite.
2.Tithonia — Scientific Identity
3.Tithonia — Quick Facts
4.Tithonia — Appearance & Identification
5.Tithonia — Native Habitat
6.Tithonia — Water Requirements
- Tithonia rotundifolia is easy to grow from seed.
- Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks prior.
- Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and well-draining soil.
- Tolerates average to poor soil but benefits from compost.
- Water regularly until established, then it's fairly drought-tolerant.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
- No major pest or disease issues, but watch for aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 16, 2026
Tithonia — Comments & Community Reviews
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