Black Russian Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Black Russian'
Height: 10 feet
Spacing: 24 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Description:
A statement in any garden, this tall variety, reaching upwards of 12ft, is a perfect way to attract pollinators or birds to the area; bright golden yellow petals surround large center discs that vary in color; seeds contain high amounts of oil
Ornamental Features
Black Russian Sunflower has masses of beautiful yellow daisy flowers with brown eyes held atop the stems from mid summer to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its pointy leaves remain dark green in color throughout the season.
Landscape Attributes
Black Russian Sunflower is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and may require the occasional pruning to look its best. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and squirrels to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Black Russian Sunflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Black Russian Sunflower will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. The flower stalks can be weak and so it may require staking in exposed sites or excessively rich soils. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. This plant is a heavy feeder that requires frequent fertilizing throughout the growing season to perform at its best. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.
Black Russian Sunflower is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
