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Annual Biennial

Helianthus annuus 'Munchkin'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sunflower 'Munchkin'

A compact, branching annual, to 60cm tall and wide, with toothed, hairy, oval to heart-shaped leaves. Yellow flowers, with green centres, to 10cm in diameter are borne from summer into autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Yellow Green
Autumn Green Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in any fertile, well-drained, neutral, or preferably calcareous, soil. Ideal for growing in containers. The flowers attract bees and other insects, and the edible seeds provide food for birds, especially finches

Propagation

Propagate 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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

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