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Annual BiennialBedding

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

sunflower 'Buttercream'

A bushy, branching annual to about 1.2m, with roughly hairy, heart-shaped leaves. From mid-summer to mid-autumn produces pollen-free, pale lemon yellow flowers with dark brown centres

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Brown Green
Autumn Brown Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, 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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will flower best in a long, hot summer. May need support. See staking: perennials

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
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

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