Common Sunflower

Helianthus Annuus

Design with this plant

Overview

The Common Sunflower, Helianthus annuus, shines with large, vibrant yellow blooms reaching diameters of 6 to 12 inches. This annual towers at 6 to 10 feet tall, preferring full sun locations. Its sturdy stems and broad, coarse leaves create an attractive backdrop. Sunflowers provide excellent cut flowers and attract bees and birds. Space them 18 to 36 inches apart to accommodate their growth and ensure adequate sunlight.

Sun FullWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–10

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — vibrant yellow blooms reaching diameters of 6 to 12 inches

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — able to thrive in a range of soil types

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — Space them 18 to 36 inches apart to accommodate their growth and ensure adequate sunlight

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — is an iconic and vibrant perennial that serves as a focal point in any garden

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — This annual towers at 6 to 10 feet tall, preferring full sun locations

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — Sunflowers provide excellent cut flowers and attract bees and birds

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — scientifically referred to as Helianthus annuus

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones: 5–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Asteraceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (129)

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — the sunflower is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly adaptable

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — able to thrive in a range of soil types

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — Space them 18 to 36 inches apart to accommodate their growth and ensure adequate sunlight

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — is an iconic and vibrant perennial that serves as a focal point in any garden

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — This annual towers at 6 to 10 feet tall, preferring full sun locations

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — Sunflowers provide excellent cut flowers and attract bees and birds

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — scientifically referred to as Helianthus annuus

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — Its sturdy stems and broad, coarse leaves create an attractive backdrop

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — vibrant yellow blooms reaching diameters of 6 to 12 inches

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — When considering inclusion in landscape design

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — provided they are well-drained

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — note that mature plants can reach a towering height of 6 to 10 feet with a spread of 1.5 to 3 feet

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — For the landscape architect

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — where young flower buds track the sun from east to west

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — which can measure approximately 3 inches in diameter

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — necessitating ample space for optimal growth and visual impact

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — which maximizes photosynthesis

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — aligning these flowers to maximize their solar interaction creates a dynamic

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — multi-colored and yellow flowers in the garden

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — annual for full

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — ever-changing element within the garden space.<br><br>Further

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — the Common Sunflower is a boon for wildlife; its nectar attracts pollinators

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — while birds relish the seeds that form in its centers post bloom

Common Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) — with moderate watering needs

Related plants

Dunedin Hybrid Groundsel (Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrid 'Sunshine') — Brachyglottis 'Sunshine' is a hardy evergreen shrub

Dunedin Hybrid Groundsel

Brachyglottis Dunedin Hybrid 'Sunshine'

Full · Zones 9–10

'Bottle Rocket' Ligularia (Ligularia hybrid) — Proven Winners - 'Bottle Rocket' - Ligularia hybrid yellow plant details, information and resources

'Bottle Rocket' Ligularia

Ligularia hybrid

Fragrant Angel Coneflower (Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel') — pure white flowers that can grow up to 4-5 inches across

Fragrant Angel Coneflower

Echinacea 'Fragrant Angel'

Full · Zones 3–9

Petite Licorice Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) — Proven Winners - Petite Licorice - Licorice Plant - Helichrysum petiolare none plant details

Petite Licorice Licorice Plant

Helichrysum petiolare

Pussytoes (Antennaria Plantaginifolia) — commonly known as Pussytoes

Pussytoes

Antennaria Plantaginifolia

Full · Zones 3–8

Showy Sunflower (Helianthus 'Lemon Queen') — is a robust perennial reaching up to 6-8 feet tall with a spread of 3-4 feet

Showy Sunflower

Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'

Full · Zones 3–10