Helianthus annuus 'Teddy Bear'
‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact, double flowered selection grown for fluffy pompon blooms. Plants stay low and suit containers and front borders. Fully double heads have reduced accessible pollen. It performs best in full sun and well drained soil. It is grown as an annual across North America. It received the RHS Award of Garden Merit for reliable performance.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Annual sunflower cultivar
- Height × spread: 18-36 in × 12-18 in (45-90 cm × 30-45 cm)
- Bloom window: mid summer to fall
- Color & flower form: fully double golden yellow pompon heads to about 5 in (12 cm)
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in all USDA zones
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Awards/registration: RHS Award of Garden Merit (2015)
- Cut‑flower notes: shorter but sturdy stems; typical vase life 6-12 days in clean water depending on cultivar and care
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Dwarf habit for small spaces and containers
- Fully double heads with minimal visible disk
- Less pollen exposure than single forms
Strengths
- Compact habit for pots and tight beds
- Long bloom in summer with deadheading
- Award‑recognized garden performance
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun
- Soil: well‑drained soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.8
- Water: keep evenly moist in pots; deep, regular watering during dry spells in ground
- Feeding: avoid high nitrogen to limit floppy growth
- Pinch: optional light pinch to branch on young plants
- Overwintering: not applicable; warm‑season annual in North America
Watch‑outs
- Dense double heads can hold water after rain
- Attracts fewer pollinators than single forms
- May need regular watering in containers
Best uses (tags)
containers, front borders, cutting, kids’ gardens
Provenance note
A long‑popular dwarf selection recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2015; detailed breeding history is not published.
References
- RHS Plant Finder: Helianthus annuus ‘Teddy Bear’ (AGM)
- RHS: Fleuroselect Sunflowers – People’s Choice featuring ‘Teddy Bear’ AGM
- UMN Extension: Sunflowers
- ASPCA: Sunflower non‑toxic to pets
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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