New dwarf sunflower from Burpee Europe wows the judges
The compact sunflower Desire Red, bred by Burpee Europe, has won a coveted Fleuroselect Gold Medal for innovation, beauty and garden performance.
Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, has been choosing champion varieties for more than 50 years. Horticultural professionals test and evaluate new pot and bedding plants, promote award winners and protect members’ varieties.
Desire Red is a stunning breakthrough in sunflower breeding. It’s the first compact red variety suitable for planting or sowing in beds and borders as well as in larger patio containers. Read more on the best multi-branching sunflower varieties. Here’s another award-winning sunflower, SunBelieveable. To learn more about growing sunflowers, which are hardy annuals, visit my hardy annuals from seeds page.
Sunflower Desire Red is suitable for pots
Each plant will grow well in a 3-litre container but is also suitable for smaller pots. It reaches a height of just 50-55cm. Plants flower for 6-8 weeks and have performed well in a range from Sweden to Southern Italy in Fleuroselect Trials.
This sensational dwarf Helianthus dazzles with its innovative, deep red flowers. This high performer is an early, profusely flowering variety. New blooms form continuously on its multiple branches well into autumn. The colours blend wonderfully with its dark green foliage with purple tinges.
This sunflower is perfect for pollinators, who will be able to enjoy the long flowering time. This variety makes an attractive combination with Burpee-bred Sunray or Tiger Eye and adds a deep red to the sunflower palette.
Seeds are available now from Plants of Distinction.
Sunflower Desire Red wins Fleuroselect Gold updated 2025
