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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
This striking sunflower produces rich chocolate coloured blooms with gold-rimmed edges over a long period in summer. Multi-headed and boasting large pollen-free flowers up to 15cm (6) in diameter, Sunflower 'Shock-o-Lat' is ideal planted en masse at the back of a border. The tall, sturdy stems make fabulous cut flowers for a vase indoors too. Height: 1.8m (6'). Spread: 50cm (20).
Semi-tall, uniform variety with bright, lemon yellow, 15cm (6in) flowers and black disc. Cut flowers when coming into bud and they will open in the house and last up to 18 days with cut flower food. Excellent for beds, borders, and happy in most garden soils and full sun. Flowers summer. Height 15m (5ft).
Boldly contrasting, big creamy white flowers with deep chocolate centres. Excellent for flower arranging and great at back of borders or against a tall wall where they provide atmosphere and contrast. Flowers summer. Height 4-5ft.
A true perennial Sunflower adding height and colour to perennial borders, flowering in their first year. Stunning bright yellow 10-12cm (4-5in) diameter blooms with deep yellow centres, will brighten your garden over a long period attracting birds and butterflies. Height: 150-180cm (5-6ft)
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.
Easy to grow and a giant in sunflowers. Grows up to 3m (10ft) tall if given plenty of room and boasts eye-catching, huge yellow flowers up to 30cm (12in) in diameter. Excellent for the back of borders, ideal for children to grow and birds love the seeds and will feed from the flower heads in the autumn.