Cucumberleaf sunflower Soluna Cream Seeds - Helianthus debilis

'Soluna Cream' is an annual sunflower variety with charming, modest-sized flowers, naturally grouped in pastel-coloured clusters. The plant blooms abundantly throughout the summer, and then it produces seeds sought after by birds. This variety is fast-growing and easy to sow and cultivate in all types of well-drained soils. It is a good plant for country flower beds and large borders.

The 'Soluna Cream' sunflower is a horticultural creation distinguished by Fleuroselect in the Novelty category in 2019. This sunflower is part of a series of cultivars derived from Helianthus debilis selected for their unique colours and excellent branching. The botanical species H. debilis is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family native to the east coast of the United States. The 'Soluna Cream' variety forms a branched clump that reaches an average height of 1.10 m when in bloom, in just a few weeks. Flowering generally starts in July and can continue until September in the form of inflorescences in 8 cm diameter heads, with cream-coloured ligulate petals around an almost black centre. The heads open in clusters towards the top of the stems. The floral stems are short, sturdy, and well-branched. The foliage consists of simple, variable-sized green leaves, alternate or sometimes opposite at the base.

Its ease of cultivation, large easy-to-germinate seeds, and reasonable size make it very popular with children who are often introduced to gardening with sunflowers. Helianthus 'Soluna Cream' is particularly well-suited for the back of flower beds and decorating the vegetable garden where it attracts many beneficial animals. It only requires sun and soil that is not too dry to thrive. It is a plant with a rustic appearance and, as such, it fits well in slightly wild areas of the garden, alongside cosmos, sainfoin, perennial sweet peas, scabiosa, gaillardia...

Before flowering, the plant optimizes its growth by following the path of the sun. This phenomenon called heliotropism has given rise to some of its common names.

An ecological asset:
Throughout the summer, the nectar-rich flowers of sunflowers attract pollinating insects and butterflies to your garden. A good way to improve the ecosystem of your garden and promote the production of fruits and vegetables in your vegetable garden. The oil-rich seeds are loved by birds (parrots, tits, goldfinches...). At the end of flowering, harvest them to use during the winter shortage.