Overview

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) is a bushy, clump forming annual biennial in the genus Helianthus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

The common sunflower is a large annual forb in the daisy family Asteraceae. The domesticated form of common sunflower is harvested for its edible seeds, which come in two types: oil and confectionary seeds.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Common sunflower

About the genus

Helianthus is a genus comprising around 50 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae commonly known as sunflowers. The species of Helianthus are native to North America. The best-known species is the common sunflower.

Wikipedia contributors, "Helianthus", CC BY-SA 4.0Helianthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Helianthus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Annual Biennial
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1 year
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed)

Propagation
Seed, Division
Pest resistance
Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance
Powdery mildews, Sclerotinia diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed)?

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) need?

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay and loam. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) grow?

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.

Is Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) hardy in the UK?

Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Helianthus annuus Autumn Beauty (mixed)?

Seed, Division.

More in the Helianthus genus

Browse all Helianthus