Overview
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' is a bushy, clump forming annual in the genus Helianthus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cut flower and garden border. It is native to Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Montana, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio and Rhode I..
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 4.0 — Common 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 4.0 — Helianthus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helianthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cut flower, Garden border
- Native to
- Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Montana, Maryland, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode I.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen'
- Cultivation
- Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering promotes growth.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Sclerotinia diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen'?
Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering promotes growth.
Where is the best place to plant Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen'?
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' need?
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
How big does Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' grow?
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' hardy in the UK?
Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Helianthus annuus 'Lemon Queen'?
Seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Helianthus genus
- Helianthus atrorubensdark red sunflower

- Helianthus decapetalusthin-leaf sunflower

- Helianthus salicifoliuswillow-leaved sunflower

- Helianthus tomentosusJerusalem artichoke

- Helianthus 'Carine'Sunflower
- Helianthus annuus Solano Orange Nr. 14 (Solano Series)Common Sunflower
- Helianthus orygalis
- Helianthus scaberrimusSunflower