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There aren’t many colorful plants which can withstand
August’s heat. An exception is Sunflower (Helianthus sp.).
The annual varieties (H. annuus) commonly produce
huge flower heads in a single bloom at the top of their 5 - 12 ft. bloom stalk. They also
serve as a "winter larder" for backyard birds.
Some shorter, annual varieties produce multiple, smaller
flowers over an extended period from late summer through early fall.
A native species, H. maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower), is
perennial; producing smaller bloom heads in clusters along its 4 - 6 ft. bloom stalk.
There’s even a species for those who live in
less-than-ideal soil conditions - H. angustifolius (or Swamp Sunflower). It too is
a perennial, but blooms for only a short time in October. It grows to about 1½ ft.
Sunflowers are very informal; best planted in a natural
setting where one must only worry about their summer color. Annual varieties are planted
from seed while perennial varieties are best reproduced by clump division. All prefer full
to mostly-full sun conditions.
Because of their coarse foliage, pest damage can show quite
easily. If growing as a food crop (for birds or yourself), only use approved pesticides.
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