Nothing says summer like a bright, blooming sunflower. With varieties in every size, shape, and shade of yellow (plus red, orange, and even white!), These standout flowers bring bold color and cheer to any garden. From towering giants to compact patio favorites, there's a sunflower for every space. Their broad faces follow the sun, adding movement and warmth throughout the day. Sunflowers are also magnets for bees, birds, and butterflies, boosting garden biodiversity. From classics to colorful surprises, these 25 sunflower varieties are ready to turn up the sunshine in your yard.
1. Mammoth
A towering favorite, this giant variety grows up to 12 feet tall with massive golden heads. It's a showstopper in any garden, drawing the eye with its impressive size. It is ideal for the back of flower beds or garden borders and creates a natural sunshine wall. Birds also love mammoth sunflowers for their large seed heads. They need plenty of space, sunshine, and support to reach their full height.
2. Lemon Queen
Soft yellow petals and a bushy growth habit make this one perfect for pollinator gardens. Bees and butterflies flock to its open blooms all season long. It produces multiple branches, offering generous flower displays. This variety also works well as a cheerful background plant. Lemon Queen is especially striking when planted in groups. It thrives in full sun and blooms consistently from midsummer to fall.
3. Autumn Beauty
A blend of gold, bronze, and burgundy blooms adds warm, sunset vibes to summer beds. Each plant produces a stunning mix of colors, making it perfect for adding depth. The flowers are medium-sized and ideal for cut arrangements. Autumn Beauty is also known for its branching habit, offering an abundance of blooms per plant. It thrives in full sun and is easy to grow from seed. This variety brings the feel of fall into your summer garden.
4. Teddy Bear
Short and fluffy, this double-petaled sunflower is ideal for small spaces and containers. Its full, round blooms have a unique, plush appearance. With heights around 2 to 3 feet, it perfectly fits patios and raised beds. Children especially love its soft texture and friendly shape. The plants bloom generously throughout summer. Teddy Bear also makes a charming cut flower with a whimsical look.
5. Italian White
Elegant creamy-white petals give this branching variety a sophisticated look. It contrasts softly with brighter blooms and pairs beautifully with lavender or blue-toned plants. Italian White is often chosen for wedding arrangements and moon gardens. Its tall stems and light color also attract pollinators. This variety adds a peaceful, refined element to cottage or Mediterranean gardens.
6. Velvet Queen
Deep red-maroon petals with a dark center bring drama and contrast to sunny borders. This variety stands out beautifully among traditional yellow sunflowers. It works well in both flower beds and bouquets. Velvet Queen produces multiple blooms per plant, making it an excellent choice for continuous color. The rich hue also attracts butterflies and adds depth to any planting scheme. Its sturdy stems hold up well in summer breezes.
7. Dwarf Sunspot
Compact and cheerful, it’s great for kids’ gardens or small urban spaces. Reaching just 2 to 3 feet tall, it's ideal for containers and front-of-border planting. The bright yellow blooms are classic and uplifting. Sunspot sunflowers are easy to grow and quick to flower. They make excellent educational plants for beginners. Even in tight spaces, they deliver a big splash of summer charm.
8. Ring of Fire
Golden petals with bright red bases form a fiery halo around its dark center. This eye-catching bicolor sunflower adds bold contrast to any garden. It grows on branching stems, offering multiple blooms per plant. The Ring of Fire is about 4 to 5 feet tall, perfect for mid-border placement. Pollinators are drawn to its vibrant hues. It also makes an excellent cut flower for colorful summer arrangements.
9. Moulin Rouge
A rich, velvety red sunflower that makes a bold cut flower or garden focal point. Its deep burgundy petals give a luxurious feel to floral displays. This pollen-free variety is perfect for indoor use. Moulin Rouge is fabulous for mass planting or mixing into ornamental borders. It offers long-lasting blooms throughout the summer. It performs best in full sun with well-drained soil.
10. Chianti
Dusty wine-red blooms on pollenless plants make this variety great for arrangements. The rich color pairs beautifully with greens and pastels in bouquets. Chianti has a branching habit, producing multiple flowers per plant. It typically grows 4 to 5 feet tall and is easy to grow from seed. Gardeners love its moody elegance and compact growth. It adds a romantic touch to garden beds and floral designs.
11. Suntastic Yellow
Multi-blooming and fast-growing, Suntastic Yellow is perfect for borders or pots. This compact variety reaches about 20 inches tall, making it easy to tuck into tight spaces. The bright, cheerful flowers bloom in clusters for a full, sunny effect. Suntastic Yellow thrives in full sun and doesn't require staking. It is also incredible for succession planting throughout the season. Its rapid growth ensures quick and continuous summer color.
12. Sunrich Orange
Bright, uniform blooms and sturdy stems make this a florist’s favorite. The pollen-free flowers are ideal for bouquets and indoor displays. With a strong central stalk, it resists flopping even in breezy gardens. It matures in about 60 days, making it great for timed cut flower production. Sunrich Orange’s warm hue pairs beautifully with deep reds and creams. It's both reliable in the garden and elegant in a vase.
13. Strawberry Blonde
Cream, pink, and red petals fade into a soft pastel blend. This romantic sunflower adds an unexpected twist to garden beds and bouquets. It has a branching growth habit, producing multiple blossoms over a long season. The flowers are medium-sized and sit nicely on strong stems. Strawberry Blonde does best in full sun with well-draining soil. Its delicate tones soften bold color palettes and attract plenty of pollinators.
14. Jade
Pale green and ivory petals give this variety a cool-toned twist. Unlike traditional warm-toned sunflowers, Jade offers a serene, almost minimalist appeal. It looks stunning paired with silvery foliage or blue-toned flowers. This pollen-free variety also works well in modern floral arrangements. Jade blooms early and grows on sturdy, upright stems. It’s ideal for gardeners seeking something elegant and different.
15. Big Smile
At just under 2 feet tall, it’s a cheerful, manageable option for raised beds or edging. This dwarf variety blooms early and keeps flowering well into the season. It’s perfect for container gardens, balconies, or children’s garden plots. Big Smile’s sunny yellow blooms and tidy form make it a joy to grow. The plant is low-maintenance and thrives in warm, sunny spots. It also attracts bees, making it a sweet addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
16. Soraya
A classic orange sunflower with branching stems and excellent pollinator appeal. Its bright, uniform blooms stand out beautifully in any summer garden. Soraya grows about 5 to 6 feet tall, producing multiple blooms on each plant. It's known for its long vase life and sturdy stems. Bees and butterflies love its open centers. This variety performs well in both ornamental beds and cutting gardens.
17. ProCut Orange
Uniform, pollen-free blooms in classic sunflower style; great for cut arrangements. Its bold orange petals surround a dark, clean center that adds contrast. The plants bloom early and are often used in flower farming. ProCut Orange is a single-stem variety, making it ideal for tight planting. It reaches around 5 to 6 feet in height. Florists love its reliability and clean, pollen-free look.
18. Goldy Honey Bear
Another fluffy, double variety with a soft golden glow and sturdy stems, this sunflower resembles golden pillows with dense, pom-pom-like blooms. It stands 4 to 5 feet tall and is perfect for whimsical or cottage gardens. It’s pollen-free, making it tidy and long-lasting indoors. Goldy Honey Bear also makes a grand statement in floral displays. It brings texture and warmth wherever it grows.
19. SunFill Purple
.jpg){kind=link}
Grown more for its bold, purple-hued buds than open flowers, this sunflower brings a funky foliage twist. The buds have a spiky, ornamental look, making them standout accents in flower arrangements. It's ideal for growers who want something unexpected. SunFill Purple is pollen-free and has excellent vase life. It matures quickly and grows well in full sun. Use it in modern gardens or to add texture to bouquets.
20. Starburst Lemon Aura
This striking sunflower features lemon-yellow, semi-double blooms with a soft, radiant glow. It grows on multi-branching stems and reaches up to 5 feet tall. Starburst Lemon Aura is known for attracting bees and butterflies with its open, daisy-like centers. The flowers are long-lasting in both garden beds and fresh arrangements. It adds a gentle brightness to borders and pairs well with both pastel and bold garden palettes. This variety thrives in sunny spots and blooms from midsummer into fall.
21. Buttercream
Pale yellow blooms with a soft glow work beautifully in romantic or cottage gardens. This pastel-toned sunflower has a gentle, refined look. It’s ideal for softening bright borders or creating a calming color palette. Buttercream is great for cut arrangements due to its strong, straight stems. It attracts pollinators without overwhelming a space. Its subtle charm makes it a versatile garden favorite.
22. Greenburst
Greenburst is a unique sunflower with eye-catching lime green petals and a striking dark center. It grows up to 5 feet tall and produces multiple blooms per plant. This variety stands out in floral arrangements and adds contrast to warm-colored garden beds. Greenburst is pollen-free and favored by florists for its long vase life. It performs best in full sun and thrives in various soil types. Its unusual coloring makes it a conversation starter in any summer garden
23. Orange Hobbit
Compact and bushy, with tangerine-orange blooms, this dwarf sunflower is perfect for pots or patios. It is excellent for container gardening and small spaces. Its bright color adds a cheerful note to patios and balconies. Orange Hobbit blooms steadily through summer with minimal care. Due to its size and easy growth, it is great for kids' gardens. Use it to brighten borders or fill in small flower beds.
24. Firecracker
Red-orange petals with yellow tips explode with vibrant color on branching stems. This sunflower creates a fireworks effect in garden beds. The branching habit ensures a long blooming period. Firecracker reaches about 4 feet tall, making it ideal for mid-size borders. It’s heat-tolerant and thrives in full sun. This variety adds excitement and movement to mixed plantings.
25. Evening Sun
A sunset-colored mix of gold, orange, and russet blooms on tall, strong stalks. Evening Sun grows up to 6 feet tall and branches freely, offering a full display. The flowers have a vintage feel, perfect for rustic or cottage-style gardens. It's a pollinator magnet and blooms well into late summer. The multicolored petals shift tones with light, adding depth and richness. Use it as a backdrop or centerpiece in large beds.
Recap: Brighten Up with Sunflowers
Towering giants or petite pots of cheer, sunflowers bring instant joy to any summer garden. Their bold colors, easy growth, and pollinator-friendly blooms make them a must-have for gardeners of all kinds. From timeless heirlooms to striking new hybrids, you'll always have sunflower garden ideas to explore. Mix sizes and shades for a sunny space that radiates charm all season long.