Helianthus annuus
common sunflower
Flower Colors
Description
A tall, fast-growing annual with broad, oval to heart-shaped, roughly hairy leaves 10-40cm long. In summer it bears huge flowers up to 30cm across with bright yellow petals and dark brownish or purplish centres. The flowers attract bees and the seeds that follow provide food for finches
Mature Height
4m
Mature Spread
1m
Plant Characteristics
Foliage
Deciduous
Growth Habit
Upright
Growth Speed
Very Fast · 4.0 m/yr
Soil Texture
ChalkClayLoamSand
Soil pH
AlkalineNeutral
Soil Moisture
Moist but well-drained
Hardiness (RHS)
H4
Flowering Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Key Features
Wildlife gardensCottage and informal gardenFlower borders and bedsCut flowersWall side borders