Adding a splash of sunflower sunshine is a whole lot easier with this dwarf hybrid. It is a perfect fit mixed into large borders or showcased in tight spaces. A winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Merit, ‘Happy Days’ is an easygoing perennial that has cheery yellow flowers featuring anemone-like double centers on strong, well-branched stems. It plays well with other late-season perennials such as sedums (Hylotelephium spp. and cvs., Zones 3–11) and ornamental grasses. ‘Happy Days’ also brightens up the indoors as a cut flower in a vase.

‘Happy Days’ sunflower

Helianthus ‘Happy Days’

Zones: 5–9

Size: 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide

Conditions: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil

Native range: North America, Central America, South America

Sources

• Breck’s Bulbs, Lawrenceburg, IN; 513-354-1511; brecks.com
• Rare Roots, Mechanicsville, VA; 804-296-6592; rareroots.com