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Helianthus annuus and cvs. (Sunflower)

Helianthus annuus and cvs. Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Botanical Name: Helianthus annuus and cvs. hee-lee-AN-thus AN-yew-us Common Name: Sunflower Genus: Helianthus
Sunflowers are some of the easiest plants to start from seed. They are available in numerous cultivars which span the range of heights, flower colors, and form.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Cultivars include 'Giant Grey Stripe' and 'Russian Giant'; 4- to 5-foot-tall ‘Primrose Yellow’; pure yellow, black-centered ‘Sunrich Lemon’, a pollen-free cultivar ideal for cut flowers; ‘Valentine’, a 5-foot-tall, base-branching plant with pale yellow petals and a big brown middle; 6- to 8-foot-tall ‘Autumn Beauty’ and the similar ‘Inca Jewels’, with flowers in a mix of colors; ‘Music Box’, a 2-1/2 footer similar to ‘Autumn Beauty’; ‘Sunburst’, another mix of colors on 4-foot plants; ‘Taiyo’, a 6-foot version of the classic tall sunflower; ‘Sunbeam’, a green-hearted golden flower; and ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Orange Sun Double', doubles.
 Care: Tall cultivars may require support. Needs long, hot summers to flower well. Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil.
 Propagation: Sow seed in situ in spring or in pots in late winter.
 Problems: Common: downy mildew, powdery mildew, canker, rust, and many fungal leaf spots. Also susceptible to damage from caterpillars, cutworms, beetles, and weevils.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Annuals

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