There are annual and perennial species of Sunflower, but very few are grown extensively for market. The best perennial kind is H. rigidus (formerly known as Harpalium). This grows 3-5 ft. high, has roughish purple stems, and yellow flower heads about 3 in. across with a darker centre. Until its fine variety "Miss Mellish" with taller stems, larger and brighter yellow flowers, made its appearance, H. rigidus was often grown as a catch crop in any out-of-the-way part of the garden for cut flowers in late July and August. The variety is a much better plant, but to get the best results the snake's-head-like rhizomes should be planted at least 1 ft. apart. Once established, the plants look after themselves, and increase with astonishing rapidity - so much so that they are apt to choke themselves in the struggle for air and light. They should be thinned out to 1 ft. apart every spring. Bunches of twelve sprays realize from Is. to 3s. per dozen - sometimes much less. Other species of Perennial Sunflower worth growing as catch crops for cut flower are H. decapetalus, 4 ft.; H. giganteus, 10-12 ft.; and H. multiflorus, 3-5 ft. The last has fine double-flowered varieties like Bouquet d'Or, flore pleno, and Soleil d'Or or grandiplenus - all worth a place for cut bloom, as they are fine in colour and last well when cut. H. sparsifolius is a newer plant about 8 ft. high, with fine leaves, and very large bright yellow flowers with pointed petals.