Helianthus debilis 'Vanilla Ice'
beach sunflower 'Vanilla Ice'
A branching, prolifically flowering sunflower with small pale creamy-yellow blooms with darker centres and deep green bristly leaves on tall stems of 1.2m. A super cut flower or for long summer displays in the garden
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Cream Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Cream Brown | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Sow in spring with 60cm between plants, and grow in full sun in any fertile, well-drained, neutral, or preferably calcareous, soil. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and Sclerotinia diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.