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
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.
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).
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)
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.
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).
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.
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.
A giant among annuals. Give them plenty of room and you will be rewarded with plants up to 3m (10ft) tall with huge yellow flowers often 30cm(12in) in diameter. Useful to grow against an unsightly shed or fence. Birds love the seeds so grow a few plants close to the house and watch them feed in the autumn. Flowers summer. Height 8-10ft.
A diverse mixture of charming Sunflowers in a range of bronze and yellow, also including the exquisite deeper chocolate-brown shades. The good quality plants, producing many heads, are ideal for border displays. Easy to grow; ideal for children. Height: 180-270cm (6-9ft).