Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ (Common Sunflower)

Sunflower ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’: An In-depth Look

Helianthus annuus ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ is a popular variety of sunflower cherished for its vibrant and showy appearance. It is a part of the ‘Sunrich’ series of sunflowers, which are celebrated for their vivid colors, large flower heads, and suitability for cut flower production.

Native: ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ is a cultivar of the common sunflower, Helianthus annuus, indigenous to the United States.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an annual flowering plant with an upright and robust growth habit. This variety typically forms a strong, singular stem that supports its large, showy flower head.

Size: Plants are 48-60 inches (120-150 cm) in height.

Flowers: The flowers are particularly notable for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance. Each flower, 5-6 inches wide (12-15 cm) features bright golden-yellow petals that radiate around a large, dark brown central disc. The blooms are large and uniform, typically facing upward, which adds to their visual appeal. These flowers are pollen-free, making them ideal for indoor arrangements as they don’t shed pollen and create a mess.

Bloom Time: This sunflower blooms as early as 60 to 65 days after planting – typically from mid-summer to early fall.

Foliage: The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and rough-textured, with a vibrant green color. They are arranged alternately along the stem.

Uses: With its bright golden-yellow petals and tall stature, it adds dramatic height and vibrant color to garden landscapes. It’s perfect for creating visual interest in borders or as a standalone focal point. Thanks to its large, uniform, and pollen-free blooms, ‘Sunrich Summer Provence’ is also ideal for cut flower arrangements. Its long vase life and minimal pollen shedding make it a favorite in the floral industry.

Hardiness: As an annual, it does not have a USDA hardiness rating. It’s planted each year and grows best in warm conditions after the threat of frost has passed.

Toxicity: sunflowers are not known to be toxic and are safe around pets and humans.

Wildlife: Sunflowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly finches, who feed on the seeds.

Deer and Rabbit: Sunflowers, in general, are somewhat resistant to deer and rabbits, but they may still nibble on the leaves and young plants.

Drought: While they prefer regular watering, sunflowers can tolerate short periods of drought. They are quite resilient once established.

Invasiveness: This variety is not invasive.

Sunflower Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun, requiring a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Site in a sheltered location, as the wind may catch the heavy heads.

Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Tolerates a variety of soil types but thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Watering: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering and ensure soil drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. Excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning: Remove spent flowers if self-seeding is a concern.

Propagation: Easily propagated by seeds. Plant seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.

Pests and Diseases: Sunflowers can attract pests like aphids and caterpillars, and are prone to diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and downy mildew.  Preventive measures include proper spacing for air circulation, avoiding wet foliage, and prompt removal of affected parts to maintain healthy sunflower plants.