About
A vigorous, upright annual that can reach up to 4m high, with large, oval to heart-shaped, hairy, toothed green leaves. Branching stems bear bright yellow flowers up to 18cm across in summer.
About the genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Sunflowers generally need a long hot summer to flower well. May need support. This is a pollen-free cultivar, so good for cut flowers, though other cultivars may be better for pollinators
PruningCut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or division. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to both increase plants and retain vigour. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases