Discover some surprising alternatives to planting actual sunflowers with flowers that resemble the iconic radiant yellow blooms. While sunflowers are exceptional in any garden, thanks to their height and contrasting foliage, there are other options available to add a similar aesthetic to your collection. Keep reading to learn more about some of the Flowers That Look Like Sunflowers, including False Sunflowers.
The False Sunflower, scientifically known as Heliopsis helianthoides, is a member of the Asteraceae family and boasts eye-catching yellow blossoms. This particular plant is quite simple to cultivate and flourishes best in tough soil conditions. It is also commonly referred to as the Black-Eyed Susan.
The scientific name of this plant is Rudbeckia hirta, but it’s commonly known as the Gloriosa Daisy or Black-Eyed Susan. Its striking yellow and orange petals with a dark brown center resemble that of a sunflower. Another name for it is Bush Daisy.
The plant known as Euryops pectinatus bears a resemblance to sunflowers, with a black center filled with seeds that attracts numerous pollinators and birds. This plant blooms consistently all year long and can thrive in hardiness zones ranging from 9 to 11. Another plant with a similar appearance is the chrysanthemum.
The botanical name of this beautiful flower is Chrysanthemum morifolium. With its wide range of colors including red, salmon, white, orange, and magenta, it’s no wonder why it’s so popular. It belongs to the same family as sunflowers and has a similar appearance with its tightly packed petals. Another flower that is quite similar to chrysanthemums is the Zinnia.
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
While Zinnias may not resemble Sunflowers entirely, they share some commonalities. These flowers boast thin petals and come in various warm hues that are just as lively!
Another flower to consider is Coreopsis.
The Coreopsis lanceolata is a beautiful plant with eye-catching salmon, yellow, and orange flowers that resemble daisies and sunflowers. It can grow well in all types of soil conditions and requires full sun to thrive. Consider adding this lovely plant to your garden for a pop of color and cheerfulness.
Scientific Name: Echinacea
Another lovely addition to the sunflower family, the coneflower is a low-maintenance plant and comes in a variety of vibrant colors such as yellow, fuchsia, ocher, red, pink, purple, magenta, and even orange. The Gerbera Daisy is another beautiful flower to consider adding to your garden.
This plant is called Gerbera jamesonii, and it resembles a sunflower. One of its distinctive features is its fuzzy leaves, and it’s widely known for the vibrant and long-lasting colors of its flowers, which include red, purple, orange, and yellow. Additionally, it’s also called Pot Marigold.
Scientifically known as Calendula officinalis, the Blanket Flower bears a resemblance to sunflowers and is both an edible and medicinal plant. Its flower heads are full and daisy-like in shape, with bushy petals that range from yellow to orange.
Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flower, gets its name from the abundance of flowers that cover it. Its petals resemble those of a sunflower and boast a vibrant blend of red and yellow with a brown-yellow center.
The scientific name of the plant we’re talking about is Bideᥒs. These charming plants resemble tiny sunflowers, and they grow in bunches that offer a stunning array of colors when placed in a container. You can find them in shades of deep red, orange, and yellow. They are also known as “Treasure Flowers.”
Gazania is a type of flower that resembles a sunflower and is native to South Africa. It is simple to cultivate and comes in a variety of stunning colors including orange, white, red, yellow, and pink. An interesting characteristic of this plant is that its flowers close during the night time. Another beautiful flower worth mentioning is the Cosmos.
The plant known as Cosmos is a delightful genus that bears a striking resemblance to sunflowers. These stunning flowers come in a variety of colors ranging from magnificent magenta, fiery reds, and clean whites to vivid oranges and pretty pinks. Additionally, the Cosmos family also includes the charming Yellow Oxeye.
The botanical name for this plant is Buphthalmum salicifolium. It bears a striking resemblance to a sunflower with its yellow petals and dark center. This plant is originally from Europe and Asia, and it blooms during the summer months. It is commonly known as the Mexicaᥒ Hat.
The botanical name for this plant is Ratibida columnifera. It’s a flower that originates from North America and has petals in either yellow or red with a dark center, much like a sunflower. It’s also known as the Mexican Sunflower.
Tithonia, commonly known as Fall Aster, is a vibrant flower that originates from Central and South America. Its petals come in shades of bright orange or red, and it features a dark center reminiscent of a sunflower.
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, commonly known as the aromatic aster or tall blue aster, is a lovely plant with small sunflower-like flowers that bloom in clusters. The petals are a beautiful shade of blue or purple and surround a bright yellow center. Another interesting plant is the Jerusalem artichoke.
The Helianthus tuberosus, commonly known as Jerusalem artichoke, is a plant that originates from North America. It boasts of dainty flowers that resemble sunflowers and usually bloom during the summer season. An interesting fact about this plant is that it is not only ornamental but also edible. Its tubers can be consumed as a root vegetable.
