Flowers That Look Like Sunflowers

Check out our list of flowers that look like sunflowers! From yellow daisies to golden mums, these sunny flowers are sure to brighten up your day.

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Sunflower

Sunflowers are one of the most beautiful and popular flowers in the world. They are known for their large, bright yellow flowers that resemble the sun. Sunflowers are native to North America, but they are now grown in many other parts of the world.

Description

The sunflower is an annual plant in the family Asteraceae, with a large flower head that resembles a sunflower. The sunflower is native to the Americas, and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. The plant grows to a height of 2–3 meters (6.6–9.8 ft) and has oblong, lanceolate leaves 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) long and 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) broad at the base of the plant, with fewer leaves higher on the stem. The flowers are 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) wide and yellow with brownish tipped petals; mature seed heads are 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) wide and can have 50-60 small florets arranged on each disk; these soon develop into seeded fruits called cypselae that ripen during late summer or autumn

History

The sunflower’s name comes from its ability to follow the sun across the sky. The word “helianthus” comes from two Greek words, “helios” meaning sun, and “anthos” meaning flower. The genus Helianthus includes about 60 different species, mostly native to North America.

The sunflower has a long and rich history. According to Indian legend, the sunflower is a gift from the great chief of the Cheyenne tribe. When he died, his daughters scattered his ashes in all directions. Wherever his ashes fell, sunflowers grew.

The Incas worshipped the sun and considered the sunflower to be sacred. They called it “the flower of the sun” and used it in religious ceremonies. Sunflowers were also a symbol of power for the Aztecs and were often worn by Aztec rulers in their headdresses.

In Europe, the sunflower became a symbol of hope during the time of the Reformation because its shape and size were so similar to that of a human head, looking up towards the heavens.

Flowers That Look Like Sunflowers

Sunflowers are beautiful, bright flowers that bring a smile to your face. But did you know there are other flowers that look like sunflowers? Check out these flowers that look like sunflowers.

Aster

The aster is a type of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, with a wide variety of species found all over the world. Asters are very similar in appearance to sunflowers, with their large yellow or purple flower heads. The main difference between the two is that asters have much smaller flowers, and their petals are arranged in a series of ray-like shapes around the central disk.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a beautiful flower that looks similar to the sunflower. Both flowers have large, yellow petals and both are quite tall. Goldenrod is native to Europe and North America and can be found growing in fields and meadows. The goldenrod plant is also used in herbal medicine and is thought to have some health benefits.

Marigold

Marigold (Tagetes erecta) is a plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) native to Mexico. It is also commonly known as AmericanGoldenthread, Black-eyed Susie, Brown-eyed Susie, Bullwort, Copper Marigold, Gold Marigold, Gold Bloom, Hessian Marigold, Indian Paintbrush, Kittybells, Mexican Aster, Mexican Marigold, Poverty Weed, pot marigold, Safran du Mexique, Signet Marigold and tagetes. The name Tagetes comes from the name of the Etruscan Tages” Snout Euphorbia”

The marigold flower heads are often used fresh or dried in flower arrangements. When used fresh they have a vase life of about one week. Marigolds are often used in garlands and wreaths for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in Mexico and other countries in Latin America.

How to Plant and Grow Sunflowers

Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow. They are also one of the most popular flowers. Sunflowers are known for their large blooms and their ability to track the sun across the sky. Sunflowers are native to North America, but they can be grown in any climate.

Planting

Sunflowers are beautiful and easy to grow, making them a great choice for both beginning and experienced gardeners. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and will bloom all summer long if you keep them deadheaded.

To plant sunflowers, simply scatter the seeds in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. You can also start them indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Just sow the seeds in peat pots or cell packs filled with moistened seed starting mix and keep them warm (65-70°F is ideal). When seedlings are 3-4 inches tall, transplant them outdoors, being careful not to damage their tender roots.

Once your sunflowers are in the ground, water them well and fertilize with a balanced granular fertilizer according to package directions. Then just sit back and enjoy as these towering beauties reach for the sky!

Growing

Sunflowers are annual plants that grow from seeds. The best time to plant sunflower seeds is in early spring, after the last frost has passed. Sunflowers need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.

To plant sunflower seeds, dig a shallow trench in the soil and place the seeds 1 inch apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water them thoroughly. Once the seedlings are 6 inches tall, thin them out so that they are 12 inches apart.

Water sunflowers regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize sunflowers once every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. When the flowers are in bloom, cut back on watering to prevent the plants from getting too wet.

Sunflowers will bloom about two months after planting. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. When the blooming period is over, cut back the plants and remove them from the garden.

Caring for Your Sunflower

If you want to have long-lasting sunflowers, you need to take care of them properly. Below are some tips on how to do just that.

-Water your sunflowers regularly. They need at least 1 inch of water per week, and more in hot, dry weather.
-Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your sunflowers to help retain moisture in the soil.
-Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming.
-Fertilize your sunflowers every few weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to give them a boost of nutrients.
-Pest and disease problems are usually not a major concern with sunflowers, but keep an eye out for aphids and other common garden pests.