Sunflowers are among the nicest sorts of flowers you should have in your yard.
There are more than 70 different types of sunflowers, and these annual plants come in hundreds of various sizes and hues.
Sunflowers originate from North America and are one of the easiest flowers to grow.
Besides being drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, sunflowers adore the summer heat and are full-sun flowers that flourish with lots of light in a garden.
Sunflowers enjoy the sunshine so much that they’re renowned for heliotropism, a habit in which plants migrate during the day so that they’re constantly facing the sun.
If you want to learn more about these flowers, read this article till the end. Here is a list of 20 different types of sunflowers you should know about.
1. Ring of Fire Sunflower
The Ring of Fire Sunflower is a beautiful variety of sunflower. It has large yellow petals and a bright red center.
This type of sunflower grows up to 4 feet tall and blooms from June through August. Furthermore, the name “Ring of Fire” comes from its unique appearance, as its petals form a ring around the stem like a firework display.
2. Sunburst Sunflower
The Sunburst Sunflower is a popular sunflower that produces an abundance of tiny white or yellowish blossoms on sturdy stems. It can be cultivated as a single plant or planted in groups.
These flowers bloom from July through September, and they require ample sunlight but do not need much water.
3. Del Sol Sunflower
A Del Sol Sunflower is a hybrid between a zinnia and a sunflower. This unique flower has long, narrow leaves and an abundance of tiny, daisy-like blooms. They are usually white or pink and bloom from May until October.
Like most sunflowers, they prefer full sun and average soil conditions.
4. Black Beauty Sunflower
The Black Beauty Sunflower is also known as a “mini sunflower” because it only reaches two inches high. But this little beauty boasts a black center surrounded by giant golden rays. You may find them growing wild in fields and along roadsides, and they thrive in partial shade and average soil conditions.
5. Black Knight Sunflower
The Black Knight Sunflower has a deep green coloration with dark purple spots. Its unusual appearance makes it stand out from other sunflowers.
Named after their brilliant orange centers, the Black Knight Sunflowers were developed at Cornell University. These gorgeous sunflowers grow from 6 to 12 inches tall, producing numerous clusters of small white or yellow flowers.
6. Buttercream Sunflower
Buttercream Sunflowers are named for their buttery yellow centers, and their delicate petals look like frosting and make them perfect cut flowers. Among the different types of sunflowers on this list, Buttercream is naturally stiff but easy to cultivate grow. Also, they prefer full sun, average soil, and regular watering.
7. Coral Sunflower
Coral Sunflowers are a popular choice for cutting gardens. Unlike most sunflowers, they don’t require staking. If the soil remains well-drained, these sunflowers will thrive. They have a coral-colored center and bright yellow ray petals, and they bloom throughout the summer months.
8. Dwarf Sunflower
Dwarf Sunflowers grow no taller than 2 feet. They’re often used in bouquets because of their small size and attractive shape and can be found almost year-round. They’re great for container gardening and grow best when given plenty of light.
9. Sunset Yellow Sunflower
Sunset Yellow Sunflowers have a distinctive sunset hue that makes them beautiful for display in any garden. The seeds are available from your local nursery, and they grow about 3 feet tall and bloom from April through November.
10. White Beauty Sunflower
White Beauty Sunflowers are one of the most common varieties grown today. They have a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and even red.
They grow up to 5 feet tall, bloom from March through November, and tolerate heat, drought, and thrive in full sun. Also, these sunflowers can be used in arrangements all season long.
11. Red Giant Sunflower
Red Giant Sunflowers bear some resemblance to giant marigolds. Like those flowers, they have large, showy blooms and vivid colors. When grown in containers, they reach up to 8 feet tall, and they need full sun and average soil to flourish.
12. Crimson Blaze Sunflower
Crimson Blaze Sunflowers have a rich burgundy color that looks stunning against a bright background. Among the different types of sunflowers, Crimson Blaze Sunflower is typically one of the shortest, but they still make lovely cut flowers.
Grow them in full sun to enjoy their vibrant coloring throughout the summer months.
13. Grapefruit Sunflower
Grapefruit Sunflowers are also known as “candy corn” sunflowers. Their sweet scent makes them irresistible to bees. They attract so many pollinators that they’re sometimes called “bee magnets.” Plant them near honeybees to help increase crop production.
14. Chocolate Sunflower
Chocolate Sunflowers are usually sold as potted plants, but you can quickly grow them outdoors year-round. These sunflowers produce a delicious chocolate-colored bean that can be eaten fresh or dried.
15. Mammoth Sunflower
Mammoth Sunflowers are enormous! They are bred specifically to grow larger than regular sunflowers. Because of this, they don’t require staking. Plant them on well-drained soil and water regularly.
16. Soraya Sunflower
Soraya’s are a hybrid version of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus). They’re taller and broader than standard varieties and offer more flower headspace. Soraya Sunflowers make excellent cut flowers among the different types of sunflowers because of their sturdy stems and long life span.
17. Rouge Royale Sunflower
Rouge Royals are a scarce breed of sunflower, and the name comes from the deep red coloration of its petals. This sunflower has been cultivated since 1868 and is still grown today; and it grows well in cooler climates and prefers full sun.
18. Pink and White Sunflower
Pink and Whites are hybrids created by combining two different species. Among the different types of sunflowers on this list, these species tend to be less vigorous, and however, they do produce more blooms. Planting several varieties together will help keep your garden looking lively throughout the growing season.
19. Starburst Greenburst Sunflower
Starburst Greenbursts is a beautiful variety of sunflower that produces clusters of tiny greenish-white blossoms. They’re ideal for adding color to borders and hanging baskets.
20. White Knight Sunflower
The White Knight Sunflower is a hybrid variety that combines the characteristics of both the White Beauty and Royal Knight varieties. It has large, showy flowers in shades of creamy white.
