Helianthus annuus ‘Claret’ Seeds — Velvet-Sun Delight in Wine & Shadow
Plant not just a flower, but a living verse in crimson. ‘Claret’ Sunflower blooms in deep wine-red petals edged with smoky twilight—each head a jewel of rich velvet, crowned with a midnight center that transforms ordinary summers into lush, poetic evenings.
Bloom & Growth Poetry
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Bloom Color & Form: The petals unfurl in rich claret-red, deepening to burgundy, occasionally edged with amber flares. Each flower, measuring six inches (15 cm), crowns dark, nearly black centers—like molten garnet at dusk.
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Size & Habit: This fast-growing annual reaches 5–6 ft tall (150–180 cm) with a slender width of 12–24 inches (30–60 cm), branching elegantly to display multi-headed blooms.
Cultivation & Garden Grace
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USDA Hardiness Zones: Thrives as a hardy annual in Zones 2–11, with best performance between Zones 5–9; loves full sun and fertile, well-drained soils.
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Easy, Showy, Reliable: Awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its vigor and performance. Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and a cut-flower superstar.
Wildlife & Ecological Poetry
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Pollinator Paradise: Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects crowd these blooms—offering a rich buffet of nectar and pollen that keeps your garden buzzing through summer.
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Bird Banquet Harvest: Let a few heads mature to seed and watch birds flock to feast—offering garden wildlife invitation and generosity in one.
Cultural Legacy & Garden Lore
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From Forebears to Borders: Sunflowers—once sacred maize companions for Native American cultures—are now beloved ornamentals worldwide, and ‘Claret’ brings depth and drama to that legacy.
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Color Revolution: While traditional sunflowers glow yellow, ‘Claret’ redefines the palette—bringing wine-toned sophistication where once only golden florals bloomed.
Why These Seeds Deserve Stardom in Your Garden
| Highlight | Garden Magic |
|---|---|
| Velvety Wine Blooms | Rich claret petals that capture twilight in floral form. |
| Pollinator Attraction | A nectar feast that seduces bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. |
| Wildlife Gift | Seeds become tiny lanterns for birds—nature’s treat in fall. |
| Cultural Canvas | Sunflower tradition reborn in regal hues—garden poetry in motion. |
| Effortless Beauty | Grows reliably, stands poised, and blooms generously with minimal care. |
Plant Helianthus annuus ‘Claret’ seeds and cultivate not merely a flower, but a sun-warmed tapestry of burgundy brilliance, ecological harmony, and timeless garden elegance.