Helianthus ‘Carine’

Sunflower ‘Carine’

There are some gardeners who try to avoid yellow, and I will admit that there are many less than subtle shades; but it’s almost foolhardy to try and manage without any in September, so when it comes to Helianthus, take a bit of time, and choose carefully  from the many different cultivars that exist.

Helianthus ‘Carine’ is very like H ‘Lemon Queen’, but more refined; it is slightly shorter, has the palest yellow flowers, and noticeably dark stems. Plant heights will of course always be variable and in our garden, being situated alongside the impressively tall grass Miscanthus ‘Professor Richard Hansen’, ‘Carine’ seems to be striving for height parity (2m!) Nonetheless, it is a glorious sight from late summer through to October and is a standout winner in the autumn border.

I was interested to learn that my subject today was selected by Belgian garden designer and breeder of Persicaria, Chris Ghyselen. A few years ago, I purchased another of his selections, a solidago named ‘Loysder Crown’ which instantly appealed to me because unlike its close relative, the common or garden golden rod, it has subtle pale-yellow flowers. I have not been disappointed with this one either, and so far, it doesn’t show any tendency to take over the border!

NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 inc P & P and is for sale in our online shop here.

More NB If you’d like a bit more gardening chitchat from the3growbags, please type your email address here and we’ll send you a new post every Saturday morning.

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