http://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/helianthus-annuus-russian-giant/3675.html

Class Notes:  Recent researched has professed that this has good health benefits for bees (kind of like eating broccoli for humans). It’s not they’re favourite but it’s very good for them. Sunflowers attract birds because of the seeds. Seen native in prairie areas. It has deep tap roots.

Site/Notes: 1-8ft tall. Fuzzy stems. 5 inch, showy flowers. Fertile, moist, well drained soil that is heavily mulched. Full sun. Annual plant. Zones 2-11. Tolerates poor soil conditions that are on the dry side. July to August bloom period. Attracts birds and butterflies. From US, Canada and Mexico. Good specimen or good in a massing, Alternate leaves.

Aesthetics/Notes: There is something fascinating about the strange height proportions and human perception. It is a little overplayed in pop culture but I think it has some redeeming qualities as a specimen plant in mixed gardens – especially in areas that have high traffic or perhaps children nearby.

https://powellgardens.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/2011-09-102bsunflower252c2bmeadow.jpg