Helianthus Annuus aka Sunflowers

Helianthus annuus is the scientific name for the sunflower, a genus comprising around 70 species of annual and perennial flowering plants from the aster family. They are known for their large, daisy-like flower heads, which are often yellow, but also come in other colours and varieties.

The name Helianthus comes from the Greek words ‘helios’ (sun) and ‘anthos’ (flower), perfectly describing their habit of turning their blooms towards the sun.

Sunflowers have a single, large flower head with a central disk of tiny florets surrounded by large, showy ray florets. They are typically grown in full sun and well-drained soil. While many are annuals, some perennial types exist. Sunflowers are grown for ornamental purposes as well as a crop for oil, seeds and animal forage.

Here’s a fun fact for you. A ‘Solanthophile’ is someone who is irresistibly in love with Sunflowers.

Some photos of sunflowers from the ‘Sunflower Surprise’ display at the Flower Dome. I am not able to name them all.

Helianthus ‘Chocolate’. This variety has rich crimson-brown velvety petals with a hint of yellow on the underside and darker brown centre.

Helianthus ‘Strawberry Blonde’. A bi-coloured sunflower with pink petals, yellow tips and a dark hue centre.

Helianthus ‘Cherry rose’. They are known for their bi-colour petals

Helianthus ‘sunfinity’. They are known for their long continuous blooming.

Helianthus ‘smiley’. They are pot type sunflowers.

Despite its appearance, this is also a sunflower. This particular variety has a fluffy, pom-pom-like appearance, unlike the typical single-petal ring of a classic sunflower.

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