Helianthus annuus
Common sunflower, Annual sunflower, Marigold of Peru
- Height × spread
- 2m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a stout annual that can grow well above 2m (7ft) height. The plant has huge, coarse looking, heart-shaped leaves that arch out from the stout upright stems. It has giant, golden heads of daisy flowers. Although the sunflower originated in the North America, it spread to South America where it was associated with the sun god of the ancient Peruvians. Charmingly, the sunflower keeps its face turned to the sun. When it reached Europe, its height was often exaggerated. It is said to have achieved as much as 12m (40ft) in Padua; a fishy tale indeed!
- Flower colour
- Orange, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bedding plant, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Protect from slugs & snails
Protect young plants and new growth from slugs; mature plants can withstand slugs though damage affects their appearance. Apply nematodes in Spring. Or sprinkle organic slug pellets thinly around plants. Barrier methods, eg copper tape, may help.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
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