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Annual Biennial

Helianthus annuus 'Giraffe'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sunflower 'Giraffe'

A strong, vigorous annual, up to 4.5m high, with coarse green leaves and large flowers, 30cm or more across, in late summer and early autumn with dark brown centres and yellow ray florets

Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Brown Yellow Green
Autumn Green Brown Yellow Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Helianthus can be tall, erect annuals, tuberous or rhizomatous perennials, with coarse simple leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Sow in spring with 60cm between plants, and grow in full sun in any fertile, well-drained, neutral, or preferably calcareous, soil. The flowers attract bees and other insects, and the edible seeds provide food for birds, especially finches

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
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases

Get involved

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