Helianthus annuus 'Moulin Rouge'
‘Moulin Rouge’ is a deep red selection grown for saturated color on branching plants. Blooms show dark red rays with a chocolate disk. Plants flower through summer on multiple stems. It grows best in full sun and average, well‑drained soils. It is grown as an annual across North America. It is a popular choice for cut flowers where dark hues are desired.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Annual sunflower cultivar
- Height × spread: 5-6 ft × 2-3 ft (1.5-1.8 m × 0.6-0.9 m)
- Bloom window: mid summer to fall
- Color & flower form: single dark red petals with dark disk; about 5-6 in (12-15 cm)
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all USDA zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: branching stems; harvest as rays lift; typical vase life 6-12 days in clean water depending on cultivar and care
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Dark red color holds its tone better than many red strains
- Branching habit yields many cuttable stems
- Medium head size suits vase work
Strengths
- Reliable summer flowering on branching plants
- Useful dark color for arrangements
- Performs in heat with consistent moisture
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun
- Soil: well‑drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.8
- Water: deep, regular watering during dry spells
- Feeding: avoid high nitrogen to limit floppy growth
- Pinch: pinch once at 8-12 in tall to encourage branching
- Overwintering: not applicable; warm‑season annual in North America
Watch‑outs
- Petals may bronze in extreme heat and sun
- Stems can be tall and benefit from spacing
- Birds will feed on ripening seed
Best uses (tags)
cutting, borders, late season, pollinators
Provenance note
Listed by the Royal Horticultural Society and featured in Cornell’s cut‑flower guidance as a tall, late, branching variety; breeder and release year are not verified.
References
- RHS Plant Finder: Helianthus annuus ‘Moulin Rouge’
- Cornell High Tunnels: Sunflowers for cut flowers
- UMN Extension: Sunflowers
- ASPCA: Sunflower non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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