Helianthus debilis 'Vanilla Ice'

RHS Plant Profile
beach sunflower 'Vanilla Ice'
beach sunflower 'Vanilla Ice' visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial Bedding

A branching, prolifically flowering sunflower with small pale creamy-yellow blooms with darker centres and deep green bristly leaves on tall stems of 1.2m. A super cut flower or for long summer displays in the garden

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Chalk

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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 moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. This plant was included in the RHS Helianthus (sunflower) trial 2024 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/plant-trial-results/fleuroselect-sunflowers

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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