Helianthus ‘Red Sun’

Helianthus ‘Red Sun’ is a sunflower with a dark side — and all the better for it. Instead of the usual yellow cheeriness, this one throws up rich, velvety blooms in deep red and burnished bronze, with dark centres that feel almost dramatic. It’s bold, moody and far more interesting than the average sunflower, especially when planted en masse.

Growing to around 150–180cm, it makes a strong, upright plant that’s ideal for the back of borders and absolutely superb for cutting. The branching habit means plenty of flowers over a long period, and they last beautifully in a vase. Bees love it too, hovering around those dark centres like they know they’ve found something special.

If you want sunflowers with a bit of gravitas — less seaside postcard, more late-summer jazz club — Red Sun delivers colour, height and real presence. One of those flowers that quietly steals the show.