I think most people know that democratic Ukraine is in a fight for its existence against authoritarian Russia. What you might not know is that sunflowers are a powerful symbol for Ukrainians and the national flower for their country. In honor of Ukraine and the courage of its people, this spring, I encourage gardeners everywhere to plant them. I know I will.

Ukraine and sunflowers

Although sunflowers (Helianthus) are native to North, Central, and South America, Ukraine is one of the world’s largest exporters of sunflower seeds and sunflower oils. Ukraine’s soils and climate are perfect for growing tall ones. It is not unusual to see acres and acres of golden sunflower fields across the country’s agricultural regions.

Interestingly, sunflowers are also “hyperaccumulators,” able to remove high concentrations of toxic materials from the soil and store them in their tissue. In both Ukraine and Japan, sunflowers have been used to remove heavy metals and radiation from the soil and water near damaged nuclear reactors.

Sunflowers for the wildlife garden

Sunflowers come in both annual and perennial varieties. The tall, large-bloomed ones used for agriculture are annual plants, also known as common sunflowers, Helianthus annuus. Undomesticated Helianthus annuus are much smaller and have far more branches than cultivated varieties. Perennial ones, like Maximillian sunflowers, are often found as wildflowers.

Both annual and perennials are great for wildlife gardens. Sunflowers provide seed for birds, and they’re quite popular with pollinators, as well. I often photograph native bees on my plants. Bordered patches, silvery checkerspots, and American lady butterflies use them as host plants.

Growing sunflowers

I find sunflowers very easy to grow. My wild common sunflowers are fairly aggressive, despite being eaten by birds all winter. Every spring I pull them from undesirable locations, but most I leave. My Maximillians spread slowly every year. I have to dig some up to move them elsewhere. Both are undeterred by wet Aprils and dry summers. They do need sun; I love how their flower heads follow it across the sky.  There are sunflower cultivars in many sizes and colors that may be more picky, but if you have sun, you are likely to find a sunflower that will work for you. They make beautiful cut flowers, and they are the most cheerful blooms in my yard. This year, because of Ukraine, I will need that cheer, and their symbolism of freedom, more than ever.