Introducing...
Helianthus
Common name: Sunflowers
Sunflowers (Helianthus), with their large, daisy-like flowers, are easy and fun to grow. They are great for wildlife, with plentiful pollen and nectar for bees and nutritious seeds for birds. They come in all sizes, from towering giants to knee-high dwarfs, with flowers in various colours, ideal for sunny summer borders or even containers.
Looks
Sunflowers are typically tall, with big daisy-like yellow flowers. But there are many other choices too, reaching various heights, with a single stout stem, branching stems or even forming large clumps. The flowers also come in all sizes and an array of sunny or fiery hues.
Likes
They love full sun and will grow in any soil as long as it’s well drained. Adding garden compost to the soil before planting will boost their growth. A sheltered spot and a cane support will help taller types to stay upright.
Dislikes
They don’t grow well in wet or poorly drained soils. They dislike shade, and in windy locations the tall stems may topple.
Did you know?
Most people only grow short-lived annual sunflowers, which die off in autumn. But there are perennial types too that will come up year after year, so why not give them a try?
Growing guide
How to grow Helianthus
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for Helianthus in your garden.
Helianthus we recommend
Helianthus annuus 'Sunsation Yellow' (Sunsation Series)
sunflower 'Sunsation Yellow'
Helianthus × laetiflorus
showy sunflower
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Helianthus salicifolius
willow-leaved sunflower
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Helianthus annuus 'Sunsation Yellow' (Sunsation Series)
sunflower 'Sunsation Yellow'
Helianthus × laetiflorus
showy sunflower
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 1–1.5 metres
Helianthus salicifolius
willow-leaved sunflower
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Butterflies in your garden
Hardy annuals: sowing in spring
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Prairie planting: creation and maintenance
Wildlife in gardens
Wildlife: helping through winter
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.