Helianthus annuus 'Velvet Queen'
sunflower 'Velvet Queen'
A tall and branching, fast-growing annual with oval to heart-shaped, roughly hairy green leaves. In summer it flowers freely with very dark opulent flowers, the petals are a deep copper bronze with an even darker centre. Wonderful for cut flower displays and for attracting bees, and the seeds that follow provide food for finches
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Orange | Green | ||
| Autumn | Bronze Orange | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will flower best in a long, hot summer. May need a cane to support the weight of the bloom and grow tall
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division. Divide established clumps every 2-4 years to both increase plants and retain vigour. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back old stems after flowering as they die down for the winter
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.