Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower)

Helianthus annuus (Common Sunflower) is a tall, fast-growing annual with broad, oval to heart-shaped, roughly hairy leaves. It produces huge, brilliant flowers in summer, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), with yellow petals surrounding a dark chocolate central disk. Borne on stiff upright stalks, the flower heads follow the sun from morning to night. Attractive to bees, their central disk gives way to sunflower seeds that provide food for birds in fall and winter. These showstoppers make outstanding cut flowers and are valuable additions to beds and borders. Loved by the artist Van Gogh and generations of children, Sunflowers are fun, easy to grow, and require little care.

Extensive hybridizing has resulted in a great number of cultivars providing a wide range of colors (yellow, red, orange, creamy-white and bicolor), flower shapes (short or long rays, frilled or double), and sizes (dwarf to giant).

• Typically grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 18-36 in. wide (45-90 cm). May need support
• Prefers full sun and enjoys moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates poor soils. Taller varieties should be sited in locations sheltered from strong winds.
• Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for the back of perennial borders, where dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme. Perfectly suited to the cutting garden or cottage gardens.
• Attractive to birds, butterflies, and bees, it is deer resistant.
• Harvest seed for use the following year. However, be aware that some cultivar seeds may not produce plants with the same characteristic as the parental plant.
• Native to the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico