'Harlequin F1 Hybrid'

sunflowers are much too lovely to keep to myself.  The duel coloring is so striking, they're worth sharing.  Remember the bud:

 

It showed so much promise even tightly clasped as in the photo above.  The next day, the petals loosened to create the beautiful image below:

 

How could it get any better?  Hard to imagine, right?   That evening the bloom had progressed to this point:

 

I'm so glad I bought these seeds.  I know I'm going to enjoy each and every color combination they surprise me with. 

 

But wait.  Something is marring 'Harlequins' loveliness. 

 

The presence of a jagged ambush bug who wasted no time taking up residence at the edge of the petals ~ waiting to prey on unsuspecting bees that favor the sunflowers.  He didn't know how temporary and unwise this location choice was for him.  Because you know what happened right after I took this photo, right?!  Eviction, of course, but not to another location.....

Comments

[Sweet Bay]

Ah, that is a gorgeous sunflower!!!

[Janet]

what a lovely sunflower! I love seeing it open gradually!

[tina]

Those bugs are just giving you fits aren't they? :) Lovely sunflower. I have none here but sure wish I did.

[jodi (bloomingwriter)]

Heh! Good eye, Kathleen, spotting the ambush bug. And the flower closeups are as good as any I've seen. Fabulous colours in the petals, and great composition. Such an eye you have...

[Teresa~Gardening with Soule]

The photographs are great! THat sunflower is just beautiful.

[Catherine/gardenerprogress]

That is a beautiful sunflower! Love the coloring of it. Our sunflowers are getting tall, but no blooms yet.

[Gail]

You've made this delightful plant look like a beauty queen! Next year for sure i am going to plant a few~~gail

[kerri]

Another one bites the dust :) I've never seen one of these ambush bugs in my garden. Hope I never do! Perhaps they're only found in warmer climates?
You've done that beautiful sunflower proud. Wonderful photography!