The people have spoken – we asked visitors to RHS Garden Hyde Hall during summer 2024 to choose their favourite varieties of Fleuroselect sunflowers in the trial. The results are in...
Working in partnership with Fleuroselect, an international organisation for the ornamental plant industry, the Fleuroselect Sunflower (Helianthus)Trial 2024 showcased some exciting entries in the Floral Fantasia area of RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex.
There were 85 Helianthus entries in the trial, which included 83 different cultivars, as some were duplicates entered by different suppliers. The trial exhibited a broad range of different sunflowers, including both single stem and multi-stem types. It also included both dwarf and taller varieties, as well as a range of different coloured flower heads, such as yellows, oranges, creams, crimsons and reds.
"Many annual sunflowers provide a valuable source of food for bees and other pollinators, as well as seed eating birds like goldfinches. Growing sunflowers like Helianthus annuus ‘Velvet Queen’ in your garden is an excellent way for you to help support your local wildlife at home."
How to grow sunflowers
Get top tips on how to grow sunflowers (Helianthus) at home. Don’t limit yourself to the traditional favourites, there’s a colourful array to choose from, in all sizes.
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The RHS People’s Choice ran between August and September 2024 and 342 visitors’ votes were counted in total.
Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’
An upright, easy-to-grow, hardy annual with a height of approximately 1m. It has broadly ovate leaves and rounded, fully double, ‘fluffy’, bright yellow flowerheads to 12cm wide in summer. Suitable for borders and pots alike.
Voters’ comments included: A lovely yellow, cheerful and fun.
Helianthus annuus ‘Mezzulah’
A semi-dwarf, hardy annual with a single stem and a height of approximately 1m. It has bright, yellow petals and brown discs in summer. This is a sturdy sunflower that does not need staking, and its nectar is loved by bees.
Voters’ comments included: Strong, traditional and the bees love it.
Helianthus annuus ‘Desire Red’
A dwarf sunflower variety that is good for pots and borders. Its deep, rich red tones make it an ideal choice for late summer displays as it reliably produces new blooms on multiple branches well into autumn, complementing its dark green, purple-tinged foliage. Its blooms are also perfect for wildlife and pollinators.
Voters’ comments included: Fabulous foliage colour.
Helianthus annuus ‘Ronnie Orange’
Early maturing annual variety with classic rich, yellowy-orange petals and a dark centre. This is a traditional and very classic looking sunflower with a height of approximately 1.2m. ‘Ronnie Orange’ is ideal for attracting bees and for providing early and late season cut flowers.
Voters’ comments included: A perfect sunflower, as you imagine it.
The trial showcased an excellent variety of different dwarf and semi-dwarf sunflowers throughout the summer period.
Popular characteristics
Children were particularly drawn to this brightly coloured trial and were excited by the larger flower heads produced from the semi-dwarf varieties, such as Helianthus annuus ‘Mezzulah’. Modern and varieties such as Helianthus annuus ‘Desire Red’ and the RHS Recommended: Award of Garden Merit Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’ proved to be extremely popular with the public, suggesting that many people were looking for something a bit different, unusual, fun, and something that stood out from the crowd.
It also shows that many people still prefer and enjoy the more classic and traditional sunflower varieties like Helianthus annuus ‘Ronnie Orange’. The ability for a plant to attract bees and support wildlife is still a popular trend among visitors at RHS Hyde Hall.
More about RHS Plant Trials
Full results from RHS Plant Trials are published after judging and ratification are complete.
In addition to expert assessment, selected trials include a People’s Choice vote, inviting visitors to choose their favourite plants and providing a valuable snapshot of public opinion.
Find out more about RHS Plant Trials
