
How many different types of Helianthus flowers are there?
Flowers in the Helianthus genus number about 50 and include annuals, those large, sunny yellow blooms you mostly see in gardens. They also include Helianthus perennial sunflower varieties.
What is the scientific name for Helianthus?
Cass. Helianthus ( / ˌhiːliˈænθəs /) is a genus comprising about 70 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. Except for three South American species, the species of Helianthus are native to North America and Central America.
What is the difference between Helianthus and sunflower?
For other uses, see Helianthus (disambiguation). "Sunflower" and "Sunflowers" redirect here. For other uses, see Sunflower (disambiguation) Harpalium (Cass.) Cass. Helianthus ( / ˌhiːliˈænθəs /) is a genus comprising about 70 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae.
What does Helianthus Happy Days look like?
Helianthus 'Happy Days' is a dwarf Perennial Sunflower forming an upright foliage mound of dark green leaves. From midsummer to early fall, it produces large, brilliant, double flowers, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), with short golden petals surrounding a prominent, anemone-style, yellow center.

How do I know if my sunflower is annual or perennial?
Roots – Perennial sunflowers will have tubers and rhizomes attached to their roots, but annual sunflowers just have the typical string-like roots. Also, annual sunflowers will have shallow roots while perennial sunflowers have deeper roots.
Are Helianthus hybrid perennial?
Helianthus hybrids is a PERENNIAL growing to 3.6 m (11ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness.
Are there any sunflowers that are perennials?
Western sunflower Helianthus occidentalis. This North American native perennial sunflower reaches 4 feet in height and produces orange-yellow blooms in late summer and early fall. Full sun is best for this species, but it tolerates poor or sandy soils and droughts.
Do sunflowers come back year after year?
Are sunflowers annuals or perennials? While most varieties of this bright beauty are annual sunflowers, meaning they will not come back the following growing season, they may self-germinate from dropped seeds if you leave the heads on the plants throughout the winter.
Do you deadhead Helianthus?
Pruning Helianthus Remove wilted flowers regularly (deadheading).
Is Helianthus an annual?
Grown for their striking and colorful flowers, Helianthus (Sunflowers) can be annuals or perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large, showy daisy blossoms. Native primarily to North and South America, they belong to the aster family (Asteraceae) and count up to 70 species.
Do sunflowers multiply on their own?
Sunflowers are fast reproducers, and one plant can create dozens of others. Plant seeds about an 1 inch below the ground. Germination occurs quickly, usually between 5 and 10 days, but spring crops produce more plants than summer crops.
Can sunflower survive winter?
While sunflowers can survive the winter and grow next year, most will not. Weather is a big variable with this. Sunflowers planted indoors, in containers or in otherwise climate-controlled locations have a much higher survival rate than sunflowers just planted in the bare soil.
What to do when sunflowers have finished flowering?
Once your sunflowers have died back completely and the backs of the blooms are brown, it's time to harvest. You'll also notice the seeds are plump and somewhat loose. Cut the stalk with sharp scissors or pruners, about one foot down from the flower head, and place in a container that can catch any loose seeds.
Should I cut off dead sunflowers?
To prevent reseeding, remove spent sunflower heads before they go to seed. Alternatively, leave the flowers on the plant if you'd like to collect seeds for future planting or to save as food for wildlife. Frequent deadheading results in healthy, full sunflower plants.
Will sunflowers self seed?
They are also natural self-sowers. As the seed heads mature, seeds break off a few at a time and fall to the ground. Others are dropped in unexpected places by birds, which consider sunflowers seeds a great delicacy.
Can a sunflower bloom twice?
Will sunflowers rebloom? For branching varieties that naturally have more than one flower, the plant will rebloom as the season goes on, and you harvest fresh flowers and deadhead spent ones. Single stem varieties typically will not rebloom once cut.
Do potted sunflowers come back every year?
While purple coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are the most common, you'll also find lots of new varieties of coneflowers in an array of happy colors, like pink, yellow, orange, red, and white. They don't just delight for a season, either, as these are perennial flowers that will come back year after year.
Can you replant hybrid sunflower seeds?
Saving Seed from Hybrid Plants You can save seed from hybrid plants or from plants that have been cross pollinated. It is important to note, however, that the plants you grow from these saved seeds will carry the genetics from both 'parents' and may display different characteristics than you are expecting.
What is a hybrid sunflower?
Sunfinity Hybrid sunflower is the first annual sunflower to bloom continuously from late spring through the end of summer. Each branching plant produces an average of 50 golden yellow, 3-4 in. flowers and well-grown plants can produce over 100 blooms.
Is sunflower Brown Eyed Girl a perennial?
Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl is classed as a Half Hardy Annual which means that if it is kept frost free during the winter months, the flowers can keep on being produced.
What do flowers provide for pollinators?
Flowers provide nectar to pollinators from July until the first frost. This is a larval host plant that supports Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis). The Silvery Checkerspot has at least 1-2 broods in the north from June-July in the deep south and Texas, they have as many as 3-4 broods from May through September. Birds are attracted to seeds so leave standing dead flowers into the winter as natural bird feeders. Members of the genus Helianthus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) accepta, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) aliciae, Andrena (Callandrena s.l.) helianthi, Melissodes (Eumelissodes) agilis, Dieunomia (Dieunomia) heteropoda, Megachile (Sayapis) pugnata, and Paranthidium (Paranthidium) jugatorium. This plant is occasionally damaged by deer.
How many species of sunflowers are there?
Common Name (s): Sunflower. Phonetic Spelling. hee-lee-AN-thus. Description. There are 150 species of sunflower, most of which are native to North America. They are annuals or perennials and have rough sandpapery leaves and showy daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. including H.
What is the name of the plant that provides the seed we snack on and sunflower oil?
The giant sunflower H. annuus is the plant that provides the seed we snack on and sunflower oil. Jerusalem artichokes, or H. tuberosus, have tasty starchy edible tubers.
When do silvery checkerspots pollinate?
Flowers provide nectar to pollinators from July until the first frost. This is a larval host plant that supports Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis). The Silvery Checkerspot has at least 1-2 broods in the north from June-July in the deep south and Texas, they have as many as 3-4 broods from May through September.
Can Helianthus be weedy?
All species are tall and many can become weedy as they self-seed easily but their cherry summer and fall flowers make up for any inconvenience. Although generally preferring moist soil, some species will tolerate poor drainage. Helianthus cultivar production trial results.
Why are sunflowers growing in drier environments?
Another biotic factor that can explain for the evolution of larger sunflowers in drier environments is that the pressure from florivory and disease favors smaller flowers in habitat s that have a more moderate supply of moisture (mesic habitat).
Why do sunflowers face east?
Before blooming, sunflower plants tilt during the day to face the sun in order to gain more sunlight. This heliotropism continues for a short time when the plant blooms, young sunflower heads tracking of the sun. This is thought to help attract pollinators, as many are more attracted warm flowers. By the time they are mature, though, sunflowers generally face east. which lets them be warmed by the rising sun. The movement of sunflowers through heliotropism happens as the sunflower follows the sun, the opposite side of the sunflower stem begins to accumulate growth hormones and this causes growth which redirects the sunflower. The rough and hairy stem is branched in the upper part in wild plants, but is usually unbranched in domesticated cultivars.
What are sunflower seeds?
The seed and sprouts of the common sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) have many medicinal uses. The edible seed and the sprout have an abundance of nutrients and biological activities and have many antioxidants such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and vitamins.
Why are sunflowers beneficial to insects?
are a nectar producing flowering plant that attract pollinators and parasitoids which reduce the pest populations in nearby crop vegetation. Sunflowers attract different beneficial pollinators (e.g., honey bees) and other known insect prey to feed on and control the population of parasitic pests that could be harmful to the crops. Predacious insects are first attracted to sunflowers once they are planted. Once the Helianthus spp. reaches six inches and produces flowers it begins to attract more pollinators. Distance between sunflower rows and crop vegetation plays an important role in this phenomenon, hypothesizing that closer proximity to the crops will increase insect attraction.
What are the factors that contribute to the evolution of Helianthus spp?
In addition to pollinators of Helianthus spp ., there are other factors such as abiotic stress, florivory, and disease which also contribute to the evolution of floral traits. These selective pressures, which stem from several biotic and abiotic factors are associated with habitat environmental conditions which all play a role in the overall morphology of the sunflowers’ floral traits.
What is the history of Helianthus spp?
New breeds of the Helianthus spp. began to become more prominent in new geographical areas. This species' geographical history accounts for its evolutionary history, with its levels of genetic variation across its gene pool increasing as new hybrids are created both for commercial use and in the wild.
How tall do sunflowers grow?
Sunflowers are usually tall annual or perennial plants that in some species can grow to a height of 300 cm (120 in) or more. They bear one or more wide, terminal capitula (flower heads), with bright yellow ray florets at the outside and yellow or maroon (also known as a brown/red) disc florets inside.
What is swamp sunflower?
Helianthus angustifolius, swamp sunflower. 4 - 8'. This is a very tall plant with deep-green, lance-shaped leaves covered with a profusion of bright yellow flowers in September to frost. As its name suggests, this particular species will tolerate wet soil. It is a very aggressive spreading plant. Zones 6 - 9.
What is a capenoch star?
Plants spread slowly to form dense clumps. 'Capenoch Star' is a natural single flowering mutation of this plant that is actually very attractive. Zones 4 - 8. Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' is a very tall hybrid with thinner leaf blades and small, lemon yellow flowers that bloom profusely from summer to frost.
What are some good plants to plant with sunflowers?
Landscape uses: The dark green leaves of perennial sunflowers make excellent backdrops to summer blooming plants such as hardy geranium, baby's breath, Liatris, Echinacea, garden phlox, and daylilies. The bright yellow flowers make a nice companion to purple ironweed (Vernonia), Buddleia, and bluebeard (Caryopteris).
Is Helianthus multiflorus perennial?
Helianthus 'Multiflorus'. Helianthus Description and Cultural Information. Many are surprised to find that their really are perennial sunflowers. They all tend to have yellow flowers in late summer and a spreading habit, some more rampant than others, but their long bloom season and bright, cheerful flowers more than make up for that. ...
Is a swamp sunflower more aggressive than a giant sunflower?
The giant sunflower is even taller than the swamp sunflower, but it is not as aggressive. Plants need staking and some protection from strong winds. 'Sheila's Sunshine' is a light, primrose-yellow. Zones 5 - 9. Helianthus x multiflorus, multi-flowered, double sunflower. 4 - 6'.
Common Name (s)
Swamp sunflower is a native perennial member of the aster family and can be found from NY to FL to TX. It is a large perennial that can grow up to 8 feet tall with showy yellow daisy-like flowers from mid to late summer into fall. Prune plants back in June to encourage branching.
Previously known as
Swamp sunflower is a native perennial member of the aster family and can be found from NY to FL to TX. It is a large perennial that can grow up to 8 feet tall with showy yellow daisy-like flowers from mid to late summer into fall. Prune plants back in June to encourage branching.
How long does it take for sunflowers to bloom?
Fast-growing, they can reward you with glamorous blooms between 55 and 100 days after planting.
What is a happy days sunflower?
Helianthus 'Happy Days' is a dwarf Perennial Sunflower form ing an upright foliage mound of dark green leaves. From midsummer to early fall, it produces large, brilliant, double flowers, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), with short golden petals surrounding a prominent, anemone-style, yellow center.
How tall does a sage plant grow?
Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). Prefers full sun and enjoys moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Low maintenance, this is an excellent choice for the middle of perennial borders where the dazzling flowers are welcomed in any color scheme.
How tall do Maximilian sunflowers grow?
Maximilian Sunflower, Max Sunflower, Helianthus dalyi 1 Typically grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May self-seed and form a large colony. 2 Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions including dry soils. Drought tolerant. 3 Excellent choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, bird or butterfly gardens, wildflower gardens, prairies and meadows. 4 Attractive to bird, butterflies, it is deer resistant. 5 Native to the Great Plains of central North America, and naturalized in the eastern and western parts of the continent
What is a Helianthus maximiliani?
A bold statement in the landscape, Helianthus maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower) is a tall perennial with rigid, hairy stems clad with long and narrow, coarse and hairy, grayish-green leaves , usually folded lengthwise, and a profusion of brilliant yellow flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm). Produced from late summer into fall over about a six week period, each flower features up to 15-19 bright yellow rays surrounding a darker yellow central disk. They are borne on their own stalks and from the leaf axils. A valuable plant for wildlife (bees, birds and butterflies), this big and robust prairie perennial is a delight in large perennial gardens and wildflower meadows. It is not suited to the small perennial border as it needs room to spread.
How long does it take for sunflowers to bloom?
Fast-growing, they can reward you with glamorous blooms between 55 and 100 days after planting.
How big does a prairie perennial grow?
It is not suited to the small perennial border as it needs room to spread. Typically grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
How tall does a sage plant grow?
Typically grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May self-seed and form a large colony. Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, this plant is not too fussy about soils and tolerates a wide range of conditions including dry soils. Drought tolerant.
