20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by April

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Sunflowers are a beloved plant known for their vibrant yellow petals and large, round faces, which follow the sun as it traverses the sky. With over 70 species in the Helianthus genus, sunflowers are native to North America and South America, and their diversity is simply astounding.

In this article, we will explore 20 distinctive types of sunflowers that offer various colors, sizes, and characteristics, ensuring a perfect sunflower for every garden and gardener.

By becoming familiar with the unique characteristics of these 20 sunflower varieties, you can create an enchanting outdoor space that brightens your garden and supports valuable pollinator species.

Types of Sunflowers for Summer and Fall Color

When it comes to adding bright and cheerful color to your garden, nothing beats a sunflower! These vibrant blooms come in various shapes and sizes, giving you many options for your outdoor space.

Topolino (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Topolino is an attractive, compact dwarf sunflower variety known for its bright yellow petals and dark centers. This smaller sunflower is perfect for urban gardens, borders, or even as a potted plant on a sunny patio.

Hardiness zones for Topolino sunflowers range from 1-10, ensuring versatility across different climates. The ideal planting season for these sunflowers is spring when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C). Topolino sunflowers generally bloom from mid-summer to early fall, providing several months of beauty in the garden.

The light requirement for Topolino sunflowers is full sun, meaning they should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. When sowing seeds, following the direct sow planting method is essential, as sunflowers do not transplant well.

As an annual plant, the Topolino sunflower completes its life cycle in one growing season. When planting the seeds, they should be sown at 1/2-1 inch depth and watered regularly until established. Once established, the Topolino sunflower reaches a height of up to 16 inches.

To maximize growth and blooms, it’s crucial to space the plants about 8-12 inches apart. This spacing will allow sufficient airflow between the plants, reducing the risk of disease or pest issues. Topolino sunflowers are excellent attractors for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators, adding ecological value to any garden.

Despite their smaller stature, Topolino sunflowers have moderate drought and heat tolerance, making them resilient for gardens in warmer climates. However, providing adequate water during extended periods of high heat or drought is crucial to keep the plants healthy and vibrant.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 16 Inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Earthwalker (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Earthwalker sunflowers are a unique and stunning variety known for their earthy hues and strong, vigorous growth. Their petals display various captivating colors, from deep orange and terracotta to pronounced browns and shades of gold. These sunflowers can grow up to 4-5 feet tall with side-branching, multi-headed stems that produce abundant blooms from summer to fall.

Planting Earthwalker sunflowers should be done in the spring, ideally after the last frost, as they are annual. They are suitable for hardiness zones 1-10 and thrive in well-draining soil. The sunflowers require full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct light each day to grow properly.

Given their annual life cycle, Earthwalkers will complete their growth, produce seeds, and die within one season. They are known for being drought and heat tolerant, making them a suitable choice for gardens in areas with warm and dry conditions.

These sunflowers play an essential role in attracting pollinators to the garden. Earthwalker sunflowers are a vital source of nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Another noteworthy feature of the Earthwalker sunflowers is that the seeds can be left on the plants to provide a nutritional source for birds. This makes these flowers not only visually appealing but beneficial to the surrounding ecosystem as well.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 60 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant
  • Open-Pollinated Sunflowers
  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Edible

Ring of Fire (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Ring of Fire sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a striking and unique variety that features 5-inch flowers with golden petals and a ring of red around the chocolate brown center. This showy sunflower reaches a height of 4 to 5 feet and is known for its exceptional beauty as a cut flower. As an All-America Selection winner, it stands out for its outstanding blooms.

Suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 1-10, the Ring of Fire sunflower thrives in full sun exposure. To ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms, planting the seeds in the spring after the last frost has passed is advised.

The bloom season for this sunflower typically ranges from midsummer to early fall. Direct sowing is the most effective method for planting this annual, with seeds planted at a depth of 1/2 inch in well-draining soil. Space the plants about 6 to 8 inches apart to encourage branching and slightly smaller blooms. Otherwise, 16 to 34 inches spacing will produce larger flower heads.

The Ring of Fire sunflower offers gardeners a stunning, eye-catching flower perfect for cut arrangements and attracting pollinators. With proper care and attention to planting season, light requirements, and spacing, this sunflower variety is an excellent addition to any garden.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 60 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Bi-Colored Petals
  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

ProCut Plum (Single-Stem)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The ProCut Plum is a stunning sunflower variety known for its unique muted plum-to-cream bicolor blooms. It is an F1 hybrid with single-stem plants featuring tall, strong stems that support 4-6-inch pollenless flowers.

These sunflowers thrive in hardiness zones 1-10 and should be planted in the spring. They are well-suited for cutting and ornamental purposes, making them a delightful addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

In summary, the ProCut Plum sunflower is a beautiful and unique addition to any garden, boasting an exciting color combination and the ability to attract helpful pollinators. Consider adding this stunning variety to your sunflower collection or featuring it in your next floral arrangement.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 60-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant

Lemon Queen (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Lemon Queen sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an heirloom pollinator variety known for its pale yellow flowers and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

This tall, upright perennial features luminous sprays of pale yellow flowers, approximately 2 inches across, with light yellow ray florets surrounding a dark yellow central disk. Lemon Queen sunflowers typically grow to a height of 70 inches, with a spread of about 6 feet.

Lemon Queen sunflowers are free-flowering, meaning they bloom continuously throughout their growing season. The blooming period usually lasts from July to September. These sunflowers are particularly attractive to pollinating bees and are often planted by researchers tracking honeybee populations.

In summary, Lemon Queen sunflowers are a beautiful heirloom variety that attracts pollinators, blooms continuously and is suitable for various growing conditions. Plant them in your garden to enjoy their charming pale yellow flowers and support a healthy ecosystem for bees and other pollinators.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 70 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant

ProCut White Nite (Single-Stem)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The ProCut White Nite sunflower is a stunning addition to any garden, featuring creamy pale yellow (almost white) petals surrounding a dark center. This exciting addition to the ProCut series is known for its early blooming and reliability, making it a popular choice for gardeners and professional growers.

These sunflowers thrive in hardiness zones 1-10 and are best planted in spring. They require full sun exposure and well-drained soil to achieve optimal growth. The ProCut White Nite sunflowers typically have a life cycle of about 70-90 days, with blooms appearing around mid-summer.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Spring-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 60-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant

Moulin Rouge (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Moulin Rouge is a striking variety of sunflowers known for its deep red petals that do not fade in strong sunlight. This cultivar is a gardener’s favorite, as it has a branching habit and produces pollen-free flowers, making it harvest-friendly.

Moulin Rouge sunflowers are typically sown by seed, with a 1/2-inch planting depth. The best time to plant these seeds is in the early spring, as they have a relatively short life cycle of 70-100 days from sowing to bloom.

Moulin Rouge sunflowers exhibit moderate drought and heat tolerance, making them suitable for gardens in warmer climates. Proper watering and soil preparation can enhance this sunflower variety’s growth and overall health.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 60-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Red Wave (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Red Wave sunflower is a unique and attractive variety known for its distinctive red petals and dark face. This sunflower is a good choice for adding color and texture to a perennial border or as an annual hedge. Its smaller flowers and branching stems make it perfect for small bouquets and floral arrangements.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 36-48 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Ruby Eclipse (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Ruby Eclipse sunflower is a striking variety known for its bicolor blooms in shades of cream, dusty rose, and ruby red. This unique sunflower is beautiful and quite productive, as one planting produces flowers for a month.

For optimal growth, Ruby Eclipse sunflowers require full sunlight. Sowing the seeds directly in the garden with a planting depth of 1-2 inches is recommended. The planting season for these sunflowers is in spring, while they usually bloom in the summer. To extend the blooming period or stagger the harvest, sow a new batch of seeds every 3 to 4 weeks, starting from spring and ending in midsummer, as suggested by Floret Flowers.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 60-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Joker (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Joker sunflower is a stunning, bicolored, and pollen-free sunflower hybrid that makes an eye-catching addition to any garden. This sunflower variety features a light brown center surrounded by two rings of spiky petals. The outer petals display an entrancing red-orange hue with golden-yellow tips, while the slender inner petals are bright yellow, pointing upward.

The planting season for the Joker sunflower begins after all danger of frost has passed. To successfully sow seeds, they should be planted one inch deep in the soil, germinating within 7-10 days. It’s important to note that this sunflower type is an annual, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 48-96 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Mammoth Grey-Stripe (Single-Stem)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Mammoth Grey Stripe is a giant variety of sunflowers, known for its huge flowers up to 8-12 inches in diameter and brilliant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark chocolate central disk.

Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflowers thrive in hardiness zones 1-10 and can be planted in the spring after the last frost—the ideal time for sowing being mid to late spring. The bloom season for these sunflowers usually lasts from mid-summer to early fall. Providing these sunflowers with full sunlight is essential, as they require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, thanks to their large and colorful appearance. These sunflowers are also heat-tolerant, making them suitable for various climates. While Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflowers can tolerate short periods of drought, it is essential to maintain proper watering for the best possible growth and flower production.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 144 inches

Plant Spacing: 12-18 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Chocolate Sunflowers (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Chocolate sunflowers are a unique variety of the sunflower family, known for their rich brown or reddish/brown petals. They can add a bold pop of color to any garden, setting them apart from the more traditional yellow sunflowers.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 48-60 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Italian White (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Italian White sunflower is a beautiful and unique variety known for its creamy petals and dark blue center. These flowers grow on branching plants that reach 6 feet, making them a striking addition to any garden or floral arrangement. The Italian White sunflowers are particularly beloved by pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

This sunflower variety is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 1-10, which means it can grow in various climates across the United States and Central America. The Italian White sunflower is typically grown as an annual or biennial plant, with its life cycle completed in just one or two years.

The planting season for Italian White sunflowers begins in the spring, with the flowers reaching maturity in 75 to 90 days during the spring and summer and 90 to 110 days during the fall and winter. Regarding light requirements, this sunflower variety thrives in full sun, ensuring vibrant blooms throughout the blooming season.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 60 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Tall Teddy Bear Sunflower (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Tall Teddy Bear Sunflower is a popular garden choice for its large, fluffy, golden-yellow flowers. Growing to about 2-3 feet tall, this sunflower variety adds a cheerful touch to any landscape. This short, bushy plant produces blooms from mid-summer to the first frost in autumn, typically reaching a mature size of 4 to 5 feet.

Not only do these sunflowers add vibrant color and texture to gardens, but they are also beneficial to the environment. Tall Teddy Bear sunflowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them an excellent choice for promoting biodiversity in a garden or landscape.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Spring-Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 62 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Indian Blanket (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Indian Blanket sunflower, also known as Comb Flower, Indian Blanket, Golden Flower of Peru, and St Bartholomew’s Star, is a hybrid sunflower with bicolored blooms that showcase a brilliant combination of rich reds, deep golds, mellow yellows, and rusty rusts. These flowers grow on branching plants that typically reach a height of 2 feet, making them an excellent choice for cutting or wild gardens.

Indian Blanket sunflowers are a visually striking and resilient sunflower variety that can add beauty and charm to any garden. Their colorful blooms and tendency to attract pollinators make them an excellent choice for creating an inviting and vibrant garden space.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 20 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Sungold (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

The Sungold is a unique and stunning sunflower variety that stands out with its bushy head of hundreds of tiny petals crowding around a small center. This sunflower variety is known for its vibrant golden color and fascinating appearance, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden.

The Sungold sunflower variety offers a captivating look with its cluster of tiny golden petals, ideal for ornamental gardening and attracting pollinators. With straightforward planting and care requirements and adaptability to different climates and growing conditions, Sungold sunflowers make an excellent addition to any garden landscape.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 32 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

ProCut Brilliance (Single-Stem)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

ProCut Brilliance sunflowers are stunning, single-stem sunflowers with a unique combination of yellow and orange hues on the same petal. The petals are yellow on the outside that intensify to orange near the dark center of the head, creating a brilliant explosion of color.

ProCut Brilliance sunflowers are eye-catching garden plants and serve as excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of brilliance to any bouquet or floral arrangement.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 28-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

ProCut White Lite (Single-Stem)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

ProCut White Lite sunflowers are a unique and elegant addition to any garden. These sunflowers feature pale, creamy yellow petals with a light golden-green center, perfect for wedding flowers or market bouquets.

These sunflowers are a part of the ProCut series and are single-stem sunflowers, making them ideal for arrangements and cutting gardens. The flower heads typically measure around 6 inches in diameter.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Spring-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: 60-72 inches

Plant Spacing: 4-6 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Moonshine (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Moonshine is a unique variety of sunflowers known for its large, pale yellow blooms with dark, velvety black centers. These eye-catching flowers can grow up to 5-6 feet in height, making them perfect for the back of the garden or planted alongside a fence for a dramatic look.

This heirloom sunflower variety (Helianthus annuus) is also called Comb Flower Moonshine, Golden Flower of Peru Moonshine, and St Bartholomew’s Star Moonshine. Moonshine sunflowers are well-suited to various hardiness zones, making them a versatile option for gardeners in many climates. They’re especially known for their base-branching growth habit, which makes them a popular choice for cut flower use.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 80 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

Dwarf Teddy Bear (Branching)

Hardiness Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

20 Types of Sunflowers for Epic Summer & Fall Color

Dwarf Teddy Bear sunflowers are fluffy and multi-branching plants that add a touch of whimsy to any garden. Unlike most sunflowers, they don’t have a center brown disc floret and typically grow between 3-5 feet tall in full sun, making them an excellent choice for small gardens or as a container plant.

Dwarf Teddy Bear sunflowers are a delightful, low-maintenance addition to large and small gardens. With their vibrant blooms, ability to attract pollinators and tolerance to heat and drought, these cute sunflowers make gardening enjoyable and rewarding.

Planting Season: Spring

Bloom Season: Summer-Fall

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Sowing: Direct

Life Cycle: Annual

Plant Depth: 1/2 inch

Height: Up to 32 inches

Plant Spacing: 8-12 inches

Plant Attributes:

  • Attracts Bees
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Edible
  • Attracts Pollinators
  • Cut Flower Garden
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Heat Tolerant

5 Main Varieties of Sunflowers

Branching Sunflowers

Branching sunflowers are flowers with multiple stems coming from the same base.

Examples of Branching Sunflowers:

  • Lemon Queen Sunflower
  • Moulin Rouge Sunflower
  • Red Wave Sunflower
  • Ruby Eclipse Sunflower
  • Joker Sunflower
  • Ring of Fire Sunflower
  • Earthwalker Sunflower
  • Soroya Sunflower
  • Rouge Royal Sunflower

Single-Stem/Florist Sunflowers

Single-stem sunflowers have just one long stem coming from the ground.

Examples of Single-Stem Sunflowers:

  • ProCut Plum Sunflower
  • ProCut White Nite Sunflower
  • SunRich Sunflowers Sunflower

Tall Sunflowers

Mammoth sunflowers are the tallest type of sunflower, growing to 12 feet tall.

Examples of Tall Sunflowers:

  • American Giant Sunflower
  • Pike’s Peak Sunflower
  • Schweinitz’s Sunflower
  • Skyscraper Sunflower
  • Russian Mammoth

Dwarf Sunflowers

Dwarf varieties of sunflowers stay small and compact, perfect for a container garden or small space.

Examples of Dwarf Sunflowers:

  • Topolino Sunflower
  • Teddy Bear Sunflower
  • Big Smile Sunflower
  • Sunny Smile Sunflower
  • Suntastic Sunflower
  • Sundance Kid
  • Little Becka

Perennial Sunflowers

Perennial sunflowers are types of sunflowers that come back each year. They can stay in your garden for many years and bloom again when in season.

Examples of Perennial Sunflowers:

  • Jerusalem Artichoke
  • Thinleaf Sunflower
  • Western Sunflower
  • Maximilian Sunflower

Sunflower FAQs

What colors do sunflowers come in?

  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Red
  • Burgundy/Ruby
  • White
  • Pink

Are sunflowers annual or perennial?

Most sunflower varieties are annuals, meaning they live for only one season. However, there are some perennial types of sunflowers that will bloom each year if cared for properly.

No matter which type you choose, you can’t go wrong when growing these beautiful sunflowers in your garden. With so many varieties, you’ll surely find the perfect one for your outdoor space! So grab your gardening tools and get ready to make your garden shine with these types of sunflowers!

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