Helianthus annuus 'Red Sun'
sunflower
If you fancy a sunflower with real depth of colour, this one brings a bold twist to the summer border. Tall, branching stems carry richly toned blooms in shades of deep red and dark bronze, each flower around 10-15cm (4-6in) across with velvety petals circling a near black centre dusted with golden pollen. The contrast is strong and eye-catching, especially against its sturdy dark green foliage.
Flowering from July and into autumn, it thrives in a sunny, well-drained spot where it will quickly put on height and create impact towards the back of a border or along a warm wall. Helianthus annuus ‘Red Sun’ works just as well in wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing in bees for nectar and later providing seed for finches, while its long stems make excellent, dramatic cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Easy to grow from seed and fast to establish, it’s a straightforward way to add late-summer warmth and structure to gardens.
Flowering from July and into autumn, it thrives in a sunny, well-drained spot where it will quickly put on height and create impact towards the back of a border or along a warm wall. Helianthus annuus ‘Red Sun’ works just as well in wildlife-friendly gardens, drawing in bees for nectar and later providing seed for finches, while its long stems make excellent, dramatic cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Easy to grow from seed and fast to establish, it’s a straightforward way to add late-summer warmth and structure to gardens.
How to care for Helianthus annuus Red Sun:
Whilst easy to grow, annual sunflowers in exposed situations may require staking or support. Water deeply but infrequently and feed sparingly to avoid prompting leaf growth over flowers. If you wish to harvest the seed, protect the flower head with garden fleece to deter squirrels and birds, or cut the head and dry indoors.
Sowing instructions:
Under glass, start them off in late winter by planting the seeds up to 5cm (2in) deep in deep pots or root trainers filled with good seed compost. When large enough to handle, plant outside in spring after gradually hardening off.
Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.
Alternatively, sow directly into a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin to 30cm (12in) as they grow. If sowing outside, temporarily cover the bed with a net to protect the seeds from birds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails when the seedlings emerge.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 25 seeds
was £3.49
now £2.97
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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