Country Roads Sunflower
Helianthus annuus 'Country Roads'
Height: 4 feet
Spacing: 18 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Description:
Early to flower and pollen free, this variety is ideal for small gardens and containers; beautiful golden-orange petals surround a dark brown center disc and sit atop strong branches that do not need staking; ideal for bouquet and fresh arrangements
Ornamental Features
Country Roads Sunflower has masses of beautiful gold daisy flowers with brown eyes at the ends of 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
Country Roads 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 to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Country Roads Sunflower is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
Planting & Growing
Country Roads Sunflower will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 18 inches apart. 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 pH, but grows best in rich soils. 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.
Country Roads Sunflower is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants 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.
