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
Often known as the Maximilian Sunflower. This attractive perennial produces masses of golden yellow 7cm (3in) flowers all the way up the tall stems resembling a Hollyhock. Stunning in borders and a good late summer food source for both birds and butterflies
The central brown disc of Solar Eclipse is flanked by a ring of pure yellow petals with a rich red flaming, this gives a spectacular ring of fire to the bloom. Ideal for height and stature in the border, and makes a fine cut flower. Easy to grow; ideal for children.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
Little Dorrit produces a large, rich yellow head with a deep chocolate centre above an imposing pyramid of huge foliage. A rather exciting little plant for the border, which will cause intrigue, excitement and evoke comment from all. Easy to grow; ideal for children.
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).
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.