15 Standout Types Of Sunflower To Grow

The sunflower (Helianthus annuus) most of us grow is a true annual plant that sprouts, matures, flowers, and dies in a single growing season. Like many annuals, it self-seeds very easily, and, in some regions, especially the Midwest, it can become invasive. Named cultivars, however, are often hybrid plants that are either sterile or produce seeds that don’t “come true” when planted. Here are 15 stunning sunflower cultivars that make great garden plants.

Native Area: United States, Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 5–6 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 8–10 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 42–48 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 4–6 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 14 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun 

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 5–7 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 4–8 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 4–5 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 5–6 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 10–12 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 18–24 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 4 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 6–8 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 5–6 feetSun Exposure: Full sun

Native Area: U.S., Central AmericaUSDA Growing Zones: 2a–11bHeight: 4–5 feetSun Exposure: Full sun