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
Attractive clusters of small flowers each with primrose-cream petals, surrounding an unusual lime-green centre disk. En-masse, this mouthwatering combination looks great in borders or as a cut flower
Fun and easy to grow from seed, this wonderfully rewarding sunflower is a joy to grow for children and adults alike.
Multiple flowers per stem coupled with a gorgeous chocolatey scent makes this perennial sunflower extra special. Ideal for the back or the middle of a border.
An exclusive bicoloured blend of richly coloured sunflowers including a very unusual rose pink shade. Long flowering, multi-headed stems of 15cm (6in) diameter, pollen-free blooms. A welcome addition to borders or as a cut flower. Height 120-150cm (4-5 feet).
Dwarf and compact, producing many branched stems with small leaves, topped by attractive yellow flowers with an unusual green central disk. Stunning sown as drifts in borders or in large containers, and makes an intriguing annual hedge.
Magnificent large yellow flower heads borne on dwarf plants. A superb combination, especially for using in the border or even large containers. Ideal for exposed situations where normal height sunflowers would be damaged. Flowers summer. Height 1.2m (4ft).
Big, double, fluffy teddy bear of a flower, producing very dwarf, 15cm (6in) ultra double golden-yellow blooms. A real eye-catcher in the border, looks good in containers and is a must for its long lasting, impressive appearance in a vase. Height 45cm (18in).
Now there's something new! A completely original and amazing effect can be achieved with Dwarf Yellow Spray, this exciting new Sunflower. The neat, dwarf habit can be used to create an unusual hedge to enclose your beds and borders. Height: 45-60cm (18-24in). The green buds before the flower opens are delicious cooked in butter sauce and the seeds make a tasty snack.
An exquisite chocolate-brown Sunflower with a gorgeous metallic sheen to the bloom. The mid-height habit of this gorgeous gem makes Claret the ideal addition to your borders this summer. Highly recommended. Height: 120-180cm (4-6 feet).
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.