Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' (sunflower 'Ring of Fire') — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' is a bushy, clump forming annual biennial in the genus Helianthus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and cut flowers.

About

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' is a cultivar of sunflower within the Helianthus genus, known for its upright, often tall annuals with broad, simple leaves and large daisy-like flower heads. This bushy, clump-forming annual thrives in full sun and prefers a south-facing, sheltered aspect with moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral to alkaline pH. It is deciduous and hardy to UK zone H5. 'Ring of Fire' is suitable for wildlife gardens, cottage and informal gardens, flower borders and beds, and can also be grown for cut flowers. Propagation is by seed or division, with interest in spring.

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: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire'

Propagation: Seed, Division
Pest resistance: Susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire'?

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' need?

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' hardy in the UK?

Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Helianthus annuus 'Ring of Fire'?

Seed, Division.

More in the Helianthus genus

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