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The Helianthus annuus 'Autumn Beauty' is a striking variety of the common sunflower, prized for its rich color variations and branching growth habit. Unlike traditional sunflowers that produce a single large bloom, 'Autumn Beauty' creates multiple flowers per stem, displaying a mix of golden yellow, orange, bronze, and deep red petals with dark brown centers. This heirloom sunflower is a favorite among gardeners, pollinators, and nature enthusiasts due to its resilience, long blooming season, and ability to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Key Characteristics:
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus 'Autumn Beauty'
Common Name: Autumn Beauty Sunflower
Plant Type: Annual
Height: Typically grows between 5-8 feet (1.5-2.5 meters)
Flower Size: 5-8 inches in diameter
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer through early fall
Growth Habit: Multi-branching with multiple blooms per stem
Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day)
Soil Needs: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil; drought-tolerant once established
Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
Seed Production: After flowering, the seeds become a food source for birds and wildlife
Ecological & Cultural Significance:
Sunflowers have long been a symbol of warmth, positivity, and resilience. The 'Autumn Beauty' variety is particularly loved for its fiery autumn tones, which make it a standout in gardens, wildflower meadows, and natural landscapes. The flower's ability to attract pollinators plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, while its seeds provide a vital food source for birds as cooler weather approaches.
Location & Photography:
This beautiful sunflower was photographed by Rudi Dueck in August 2024 at Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba, Canada. The image perfectly captures the harmony between nature and pollinators, with a bee delicately perched on the petals, collecting nectar. Riding Mountain National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems, is home to a wide range of wildflowers, including sunflowers that brighten the prairie and meadow landscapes during late summer.
This image is now available as a framed print, canvas, poster, and sticker in multiple sizes.
