Last Updated on June 15, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Looking for a way to add some sunshine to your life? Why not try some sunflower-inspired flowers! These happy blooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be found in shades of yellow, orange, and red.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best flowers that resemble sunflowers. So if you are looking for a little bit of summertime brightness, keep reading for some great ideas!
Related: 25+ Different Types Of Sunflowers
Yellow flowers that look like sunflowers.
They have big, bright yellow petals and a big, yellow center. They are beautiful flowers that make you think of sunny days and happy times.
1. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta).
These beautiful annuals are members of the aster family and are native to North America. The flowers have a black center surrounded by yellow petals, which is why they’re often mistaken for sunflowers.
Black-Eyed Susans bloom from early summer to fall and prefer full sun to partial shade. They’re easy to care for and make great additions to any garden.
2. False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides).
False sunflowers are native to North America and can be found in woodlands, prairies, and meadows. They are a tall plant that can grow up to six feet tall and have yellow flowers that resemble sunflowers.
The false sunflower is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and is tolerant of most soil types. False sunflowers are a great addition to any garden and will add color and beauty to your landscape.
3. Golden Tickseed (Plains coreopsis).
This wildflower is commonly seen in the American plains and prairies. It has a yellow flower that looks very similar to a sunflower, hence its common name. The plant grows to about two feet tall and has lance-shaped leaves.
The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall and attract bees and butterflies. This plant is drought tolerant and does not need much maintenance, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to add some color to their landscape with minimal effort.
4. Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradox).
If you are looking for a yellow flower that looks like a sunflower, then this is the one for you! The cone-shaped center of this flower is what gives it its name, and the petals are long and droopy.
This flower grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is native to the prairies of the United States and is a member of the daisy family.
5. Japanese sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).
The plant is native to Mexico and Central America, but it has been introduced to other regions including Japan, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
The Japanese sunflower is a popular garden plant because of its showy yellow flowers that resemble sunflowers. The plant grows to a height of about three feet and produces numerous flowers from summer to fall.
Orange flowers that look like sunflowers.
6. African Marigold (Tagetes erecta).
A tall, strong plant with beautiful orange flowers that look like sunflowers. The African Marigold is native to Mexico and Central America, but it is now grown all over the world.
This hardy plant can tolerate poor soils and hot, dry conditions. It is also resistant to many pests and diseases. African Marigolds are popular in gardens and as cut flowers.
They are often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations. The strong scent of the African Marigold is thought to keep away evil spirits.
African Marigolds are easy to grow from seed. Just sow the seeds in well-drained soil in full sun. The plants will bloom from late summer to fall.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. African Marigolds can reach up to four feet tall, so you may need to stake them if they start to lean over.
7. Calendula ‘Orange King’ (Calendula officinalis ‘Orange King’).
If you are looking for an orange flower that looks like a sunflower, then this is the one for you! The Orange King has large, showy blooms on long stems that make it perfect for cutting and adding to bouquets.
This variety is also a good choice for gardeners who want to attract bees and butterflies to their gardens.
Calendula ‘Orange King’ is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe. The Orange King was introduced to America in the early 1800s and has been a popular garden flower ever since.
This variety grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is also drought tolerant once established. Calendula ‘Orange King’ will bloom from summer to fall.
To deadhead spent blooms, cut the stem back to a leaf node. This will encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
If you want to save seeds from your Calendula ‘Orange King’, wait until the flower heads are dry and then remove the seeds from the heads. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until spring.
Purple flowers that look like sunflowers.
I can’t help but admire these beautiful flowers every time I see them. They always seem to make me smile and brighten my day.
8. Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium).
This perennial flower is a member of the sunflower family. The plant grows to be about two to four feet tall and has clusters of deep purple flowers that look like small sunflowers.
The blooms appear in late summer and early fall and attract bees, butterflies, and birds. This flower is native to North America and can be found growing in open woods, meadows, and fields.
Plant fall aster in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming.
9. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
Also known as the Eastern purple coneflower, this flower is a member of the daisy family. The plant is native to North America and grows in USDA hardiness zones three through nine. Purple coneflowers are drought tolerant and prefer full sun to partial shade.
They will bloom from early summer until frost and attract butterflies, bees, and birds. The flowers are also edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
Purple coneflowers are easy to grow and make a beautiful addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a flower that looks like a sunflower but is purple, the Purple Coneflower is the perfect choice!
10. Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome iberidifolia).
This pretty little flower is a member of the daisy family and is native to Australia. The Swan River Daisy has been introduced to other parts of the world, including New Zealand, where it is now a common garden plant.
The flowers are usually purple, but can also be white or pink. They have a yellow center and look like miniature sunflowers. Swan River Daisies are easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden.
Red flowers that look like sunflowers.
They are beautiful and they make me happy. I love them.
11. Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).
Mexican sunflower is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family, native to Mexico and Central America.
The plant is also naturalized in parts of the southeastern United States, where it is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Mexican sunflower typically grows to a height of 6 feet.
It has orange-red flowers that look like small sunflowers, and its leaves are green with toothed margins.
12. Transvaal Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii).
Transvaal daisy is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to South Africa.
The plant is named after Transvaal, the province in South Africa where it is found.
The Transvaal daisy has large, showy flowers that are typically red with yellow centers.
The flowers are borne on long stems and may be up to 12 inches in diameter.
Transvaal daisy is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
The Transvaal daisy is not related to the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus).
White flowers that look like sunflowers.
There are many different types of white flowers that look like sunflowers. Some of the most popular varieties include the following:
13. Mexican Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus).
This little white flower is not a sunflower, but it does look like one. The Mexican Daisy is a native of Mexico and can be found in other parts of Central and South America. It is a member of the Aster family and its scientific name is Erigeron karvinskianus.
This pretty little flower has many common names including, Santa Barbara Daisy, Fleabane, and Karvinskian Fleabane. The Mexican Daisy is a perennial plant that grows to be about 12 inches tall.
It has small white flowers with yellow centers that bloom from spring to fall. The leaves of the Mexican Daisy are green and lance-shaped. This flower is easy to grow and is a good choice for beginners.
It does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. Mexican Daisy is not particular about soil type and will even grow in poor, sandy soil. It is drought tolerant and does not need much water once it is established.
14. Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).
This white flower is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe. The plant grows to a height of 30-100 cm and has daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. Oxeye Daisy is a popular choice for gardens and makes an excellent cut flower.
Other flowers that look like sunflowers
15. Bush Daisy (Euryops pectinatus).
This flower is a member of the daisy family. The bush daisy blooms in late spring and early summer.
The plant grows to about three feet tall and has deep green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are yellow with a brownish center. They are about two inches wide and have ray florets that curl back as they mature.
The bush daisy is native to South Africa, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States. It is a popular plant in gardens and as a cut flower. The bush daisy is relatively easy to grow and is tolerant of poor soils. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not need much water once it is established.
16. Zinnia.
The name alone makes you think of sunshine and happiness. Zinnias are one of the best annuals for cutting and bring summertime cheer indoors.
This flower is available in a wide range of colors including yellow, orange, pink, red, white, and purple. The zinnia’s big blooms can grow up to six inches across!
17. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus).
A popular garden plant, the carnation is actually a member of the Dianthus family, which also includes sweet william and pinks.
Carnations are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
While most carnations are grown as annuals, some varieties are perennial. The most popular variety is the red carnation, which is also the official flower of Mother’s Day. Carnations can be used in a wide variety of floral arrangements, from simple bouquets to elaborate centerpieces.
18. Florist’s Daisy (Chrysanthemum × morifolium).
This flower is actually a member of the chrysanthemum family, and it shows in its beautiful yellow petals. This daisy can brighten up any room, and it’s the perfect gift for someone who loves flowers.
The Florist’s Daisy is an annual plant, which means it only lives for one growing season. However, with the right care, you can enjoy these flowers for many years to come.
To plant your own Florist’s Daisy, start by finding a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the pot your daisy is currently in. Gently remove the daisy from its pot and place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil, and water your daisy well.
You can also grow Florist’s Daisies indoors. To do this, start by finding a spot in your home that gets plenty of sunlight. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, fill a pot with soil and water it well. Gently remove the daisy from its pot and place it in the new pot. Fill the pot with more soil, and water your daisy well.
19. Blanket flowers (Gaillardia).
The yellow ray petals surround a brownish-red center, giving the flowers a sunflower-like appearance. The plants are native to North America and can be found in prairies and meadows. They grow best in full sun and dry soil.
Blanket flowers are easy to grow from seed. Sow the seeds in early spring, and they will bloom in late summer. The plants are short-lived, so you will need to replant them every few years.
FAQs
What looks like a sunflower seed?
I was recently asked this question by a friend, and at first I wasn’t quite sure how to answer. But after giving it some thought, I realized that there are actually a few different things that can resemble sunflower seeds. Here are a few examples:
-Pumpkin seeds
-Watermelon seeds
-Sesame seeds
Are zinnias related to sunflowers?
Zinnias are actually members of the daisy family. They’re closely related to other flowers in the Asteraceae family, including sunflowers, marigolds, and cosmos.
While zinnias and sunflowers share a lot of similarities, there are some key differences between these two popular flowers. Sunflowers are typically taller than zinnias and have larger blooms. Their leaves are also generally wider than those of zinnias.
Is Rudbeckia related to sunflowers?
The answer is yes, Rudbeckia is in the same plant family as sunflowers (Asteraceae). Both plants have large, showy flower heads and a long blooming period.
Rudbeckia is a genus of about 20-25 species of annuals, biennials, and perennials that are native to North America. The most common species is Rudbeckia hirta, also known as black-eyed Susan.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Our guide to sunflower-inspired flowers. We hope you enjoyed learning about all of these beautiful blooms and that you’ll be inspired to add some of them to your own garden. Happy planting!
