Helianthus annuus 'Firefox' (d)
sunflower 'Firefox'
A compact, branching, annual sunflower up to around 40cm tall with soft green foliage. Bright golden yellow to red upward-facing double flowers with fluffy centres can produce two or more flushes of flowers throughout the summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- 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
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
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back after flowering or leave flower heads for birds and other wildlife
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.