Helianthus annuus [Solano Orange Summer] (Solano Series)

Annual Biennial

A neat, uniform annual up to around 180cm in height with dark green leaves. Bright orange-yellow, pollenless flowers with two rows of overlapping petals and dark centres appear from summer through to autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Needs a long hot summer to flower well. May need support. See staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings

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

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews and sclerotinia diseases