Sunflowers have been forever immortalised by Van Gogh, the majestic sunflower is one of the most instantly recognisable flowers in the world.
With their sunny yellow petals and cheerful demeanour a sunflower embodies all that is summer and makes the perfect uplifting gift. No matter how you choose to display them these gorgeous flowers are sure to steal the show.
The sunflower originates from North America and was first cultivated back in 3,500 BC by American-Indian tribes. In the late 16th century Spanish explorers brought the sunflower to Europe where it was widely cultivated for its oil and striking beauty, making it a popular flower for decoration in homes and gardens, which it still is today.
Scientific Name: Helianthus
Family: Asteraceae
Availability: May-October with limited availability during the rest of the year
Easy and fun to grow with outstanding garden performance as well as being an attractive cut flower variety with an excellent vase life. Rich bicolour blooms stand aloft tall strong stems, shinning out like a beacon, adding height and interest to borders.
Whenever Little Miss Sunshine wants to cheer people up, she gives them a packet of sunflower seeds. She shows them how to plant them, one to a pot, or in the ground and how to water them.
Early-flowering, dwarf and bushy, this eye-catching sunflower boasts a distinctive bronze 'halo' and chocolatecoloured, pollen-free centre. Looks impressive in a patio pot, or can be grown as an attractive and unusual annual hedge
Irresistible, biciolour flowers that rise around 1. 8m (6?) tall! Sunflower 'Magic Roundabout' is a sunny blend of harmonious colour combinations.
The latest addition to the acclaimed SunBelievable™ range is just as spectacular as its sister-plant, Sunflower 'Brown Eyed Girl?. This compact, bushy, multi-branching cultivar is smothered with cheery clear-yellow blooms with contrasting dark centres.
A hybrid form of 'Russian Giant' offering improved vigour. If it's a record breaker you are after, this is the one to grow in 2015! Reaching 4m (13ft) with no special care, 'Tall Timbers' also produces impressive flowers with rich chocolatey centres - the archetypal sunflower.
Great blend of bicoloured flowers in a mix of colours. This long flowering variety is perfect in borders and is also great for cutting. Height: 210cm (83). Spread: 60cm (24).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
Red and copper-toned flowers are borne on stems that rise to 5ft. A well-branched habit ensures that several blooms come from each plant. Great for children. Height: 150cm (59). Spread: 50cm (20).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
A dwarf variety of dazzling sunflowers in golden colours. These strong-growing plants are well-branched and bear several flowers per plant. Height: 270cm (6). Spread: 60cm (24).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
With long-lasting blooms as round and fluffy as a teddy bear, this variety is great for children and very easy-to-grow. Ideal in containers or the border. Height: 120cm (47). Spread: 60cm (24).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
The giant of all sunflowers. Huge yellow flowers will appear from late summer and birds will enjoy feasting on the seeds during autumn. Height: 304cm (120). Spread: 60cm (24).Culinary information: Some parts of these flowers are edible. Click here for more details about edible flowers.
Sunflower Topolino is unique in producing numerous bright yellow flowers with a distinctive dark centre, on dwarf plants with a branching habit. Fun and easy to grow, Sunflower Topolino provides a colourful display in containers or flower borders, and is a sure-fire winner with adults and children alike!