types of sunflowers

Sunflowers are a tall, showy and vibrant plant and can grow over 15 feet tall. Sunflowers are one of the most common flowers these days. They can be found in all dwarf sizes and huge sizes as well. Native to North America and the state flower of Kansas, there are about 80 different species of sunflowers.

Although there are several different species of sunflowers, they are grouped into a few common types based on their characteristics. The following are some of the more common types of sunflowers:

-Vanilla Ice is the first type of sunflower to bloom in late summer and has creamy, delicate petals surrounding a dark chocolate center. These flowers grow about 5 to 6 feet tall and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.

-Sunny smile is another very common dwarf sunflower that only grows to about 12 to 15 inches. It flowers in early summer and thrives even in poor or dry soil. The sunny-smile sunflower is pollen-free, making it ideal for indoor arrangements.

-The Choco Sun is another type of dwarf sunflower that blooms around 10 to 12 inches tall and is perfect for growing in small spaces. Recognizable by its yellow petals and chocolate brown center, it blooms in mid-summer.

-Moonshadow Sunflower blooms to about 4 feet during the summer. It has white petals and a black center. Moonshadow is also a pollen-free flower and is best suited for indoor arrangements and bouquets.

-The Velvet Queen is a beautiful sunflower that can grow to around 6 feet. It is recognized by its delicate velvety petals that are in a shade of crimson or red. Velvet Queen flowers in early summer.

-The Joker sunflower grows around 5 to 6 feet tall. This type of flower comes in shades of red, orange, brown, and gold that blend beautifully with each other and form a vibrant, eye-catching result. The Joker is among one of the first sunflowers to bloom and is also free of pollen.

-The Claret Hybrid is another amazing sunflower that is in a deep red hue and has a metallic sheen. This flower grows around 4 to 6 feet tall and blooms in late summer.

-One of the sunflowers with the largest flowers is the Russian mammoth. It has large yellow petals with brown centers and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Russian mammoth blooms in early to late summer.

-The Evening Sun is another sunflower found in attractive shades. These medium-sized blooms are found in shades of red, rust, brown, yellow, or burgundy. They bloom between midsummer and midfall and can grow to be around 6 to 7 feet tall.

-Italian white sunflowers are a unique type of sunflower recognized for their pale or creamy yellow color and brown center. They grow about 4 to 6 feet tall and their flowers are about 4 to 6 inches across. These sunflowers grow in mid to late summer.