WE all recognise sunflowers – plants that, during a sunny summer’s day, gradually turn their big daisy faces to follow the sun from morning until evening – then start their devotion again the following day.
But things are changing in the world of sunflowers, as unexpected colours and whole new styles emerge.
Annual sunflowers
Annual sunflowers can grow from 1½ft (0.5m) in height to more than 29ft (9m) – the world record is 30ft (9.2m) – and new colours, colour combinations and styles are appearing.
There are now rich-red, white and cream-coloured varieties, bicoloured types as well as varieties with a few large flowers or more smaller ones. What they all have in common is their love of sun and their reliability.
Perennial sunflowers
Hardy perennial sunflowersTough, resilient and dependable, perennial sunflowers range in height from 2½-10ft (75cm-3m), but the colours are still limited to the traditional gold and yellow shades although there are varieties with double and anemone-centred (crowned) flowers plus singles.
