Sunflowers

Also in bloom: Zinnia, Coneflower, Cosmos, Basil, Japanese Bristlegrass, Gomphrena, Celosia, Lonicera Vines, ornamental peppers, and more.

Helianthus annuus

My sunflowers waited for the first cool, sprinkly day to show their faces, and I’m glad to finally lay my eyes on them.

Because of a lapse in my aspirational good labeling habits, I’m not totally sure what variety the sunflower in the above photo is, but it’s probably Ruby Eclipse.

Helianthus annuus “Black Beauty”

Here’s their buddy on the other side of the sunflower bed. I know for sure this is a Black Beauty, label or no, just about ready to unfurl. I’ve never seen a Black Beauty in person, so it’s a thrill to discover this on an ordinary Thursday morning.