Sunflower Helianthus 'Loddon Gold'
ABOUT
The Helianthus 'Loddon Gold', commonly known as the sunflower, is a striking plant known for its vibrant display of large, daisy-like flowers. The blooms boast a rich golden yellow hue with a soft velvety texture that catches the eye and softens the landscape. At the center of each flower, a prominent, dark brown to burgundy disk stands out, comprising numerous small florets that can attract a host of pollinators like bees and butterflies. The petals are typically long and lance-shaped, radiating outward from the center disk in a way that resembles the sun's rays, which is fitting for a plant with "sun" in its name. The foliage of the sunflower is also noteworthy, composed of rough, heart-shaped leaves with a coarse texture. These leaves are typically a deep green color, often creating a lush backdrop that further highlights the brilliance of the golden flowers. The plant has sturdy stems, which hold the flowers aloft, allowing them to sway gently in the breeze. Overall, the Helianthus 'Loddon Gold' adds a bright splash of color to gardens and landscapes, its appearance signifying warmth and exuberance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Loddon Gold Sunflower, Loddon Gold.
Common names
Helianthus 'Loddon Gold'
ToxicityTo humans
Sunflowers, including the 'Loddon Gold' variety, are generally not considered toxic to humans. They are not known to contain any substances that would commonly cause poisoning if ingested. However, it is always possible for individuals to be allergic to any plant, and any plant material can cause a reaction in susceptible individuals. If symptoms such as itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing occur after handling or ingesting sunflower plant parts, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Sunflowers, including the 'Loddon Gold' variety, are not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. They are generally safe and do not contain substances that are known to be poisonous to pets. If a pet ingests parts of a sunflower, they are unlikely to experience any poisoning symptoms. However, overconsumption of any non-food plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, including vomiting or diarrhea, due to the physical irritation it can cause in the digestive system, rather than toxicity. If such symptoms are severe or persist, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Gold
Height
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Helianthus 'Loddon Gold', commonly known as sunflower, is excellent for attracting bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its large, golden yellow flowers, this sunflower variety adds a bright and vibrant appeal to any garden or landscape design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall stalks of sunflowers can be used as makeshift stakes for supporting other plants in the garden. By tying trailing plants to the sturdy stalks, gardeners can take advantage of their strength.
- After harvesting the seeds, dried sunflower heads can serve as natural scrubbing tools, with the seed patterns acting as abrasive surfaces for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- With their bright, cheerful appearance, dried sunflower heads can be incorporated into fall-themed decorations and wreaths to add a splash of color to your home décor.
- The fibrous stems of sunflowers, when shredded and dried, can be used as a mulching material to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around other plants in the garden.
- Sunflower petals can be used to create natural dyes due to their pigments, creating hues from yellow to orange for textile and craft projects.
- The buoyant and fibrous nature of the sunflower stalk makes it a potential material for creating homemade floating devices or supports for pool noodles and other water toys.
- When hollowed out, the sturdy stems of sunflowers can be used as natural channels for directing water or as funnels in gardening applications.
- As a teaching tool, the Fibonacci sequence can be observed in the pattern of seeds in the head of a sunflower, making it useful for educational purposes in mathematics and botany.
- Sunflower leaves and petals can be incorporated into compost to add a source of green matter that will enrich the soil as it decomposes.
- Disposed of sunflower stalks and heads can be arranged to create habitats for beneficial insects, providing them with refuge and food sources within the garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sunflower is not typically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sunflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adoration and Loyalty: As a sunflower variety, the Helianthus 'Loddon Gold' symbolizes adoration and loyalty, reflecting the flower's tendency to turn towards the sun throughout the day.
- Positivity and Strength: Sunflowers are known for their bright and large flowers, evoking feelings of happiness and vigor, representative of an optimistic outlook on life and the ability to weather the challenges.
- Longevity and Vitality: The Helianthus 'Loddon Gold', with its sturdy stems and vibrant blooms, is frequently associated with long life and good health, echoing the sunflower's hardiness in various growing conditions.
- Seeking Out Light: As sunflowers seek the light by following the sun, the Helianthus 'Loddon Gold' comes to represent the search for enlightenment or the pursuit of inspiration.
- Nourishment and Provision: Sunflower seeds, which are harvested from varieties like 'Loddon Gold', symbolize abundance and the provision of essentials, alluding to their role as a food source and usefulness in agricultural practices.
WaterSunflowers, including the variety 'Loddon Gold', should be watered deeply once a week with approximately 1.5 to 2 gallons of water per plant, ensuring the water reaches the deep roots. During hot or windy weather, they may require additional water. It's critical to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist at about an inch below the surface, but not waterlogged.
LightSunflowers like 'Loddon Gold' thrive in full sun conditions, requiring a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting them is an open area free from shade-causing structures or trees to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. They are not shade-tolerant and will grow towards the sun if partially shaded.
TemperatureSunflowers, such as 'Loddon Gold', prefer warm conditions and can tolerate temperatures between 50°F and 90°F, with the ideal range being 70°F to 78°F. They are able to withstand colder nights but should not be exposed to frost, as temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning 'Loddon Gold' sunflowers is generally not necessary, but dead or damaged leaves and stems should be removed to promote healthy growth and appearance. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant or encourage bushier growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Perennial Sunflower is one that is well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
RepottingPerennial Sunflowers typically do not require frequent repotting; do it every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingPerennial Sunflowers are tolerant of most humidity levels and thrive in ambient outdoor conditions without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun through a south-facing window and ample space.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, space well, and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThis plant, commonly known as ‘Loddon Gold’ Sunflower, begins its life cycle when seeds are planted in well-draining soil after the last frost in spring. The seeds germinate within 7-10 days under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, developing into seedlings. As the seedlings grow, they develop true leaves and a strong root system, eventually maturing into bushy plants with sturdy stems. Throughout the summer, the Sunflower 'Loddon Gold' enters its flowering stage, where the heads turn to face the sun, and vibrant golden-yellow, double blooms appear, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant produces seeds in the flower head, which can be harvested for replanting or left to self-seed. In the fall, the plant dies back after the seeds have matured, completing its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The common sunflower variety 'Loddon Gold' is typically propagated by seeds. The best time to sow sunflower seeds is in the spring after the last frost, when the soil temperature has reached at least 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 to 15.6 degrees Celsius). To propagate, sow the seeds approximately 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) deep in well-draining soil, spacing them about 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the seeds well after sowing and maintain moist soil until germination, which usually occurs within 7 to 10 days. Once seedlings develop and grow strong enough, thin them out, leaving the strongest plants about 12 to 18 inches (30.48 to 45.72 centimeters) apart to ensure they have enough space to reach their full size.
