Other than where noted, they flower through most of the summer and are annuals. 1) Helianthus annuus Originally mined in Myanmar, its current name is derived from a poem of the same name, written by the 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi. [5] Description [ edit ] Sunflowers produce their floral reward very promptly after planting and in profusion, but they also have other pleasing characteristics. While lapidaries usually facet high-quality ruby for jewelry, they also use great quantities of low-quality ruby rough to make beads, carvings, and other ornamental objects. Three carved rubies, 75.09 ctw, Myanmar. Photo courtesy of liveauctioneers.com and Zain Gems and Jewels Co., Ltd.

With the decline in Myanmar production during the 1962--1990 period, the market became conditioned to Thai/Cambodian rubies. Some people actually preferred them. Nevertheless, Thai/Cambodian rubies are acceptable only when good material from Myanmar-type sources isn't available. Today, production from Thailand and Cambodia is negligible. Rising to just over 1m and with flowers measuring 15-17cm in diameter, ‘Valentine’ produces amongst the lightest-coloured sunflowers – or the darkest, depending on your point of view. The rays are a light bright yellow and, at another point of departure, the light brown discs are quite small and not as prominent as in most other varieties’ flowers.Beginning in the mid-1990's, mines near Songea began to produce material with a dark, garnet-like color veering towards orange. While this material is ruby of a sort, it's marginal due to its high iron content. Though this cultivar has a narrowish profile, quite interestingly, it has the bonus of being a multi-stalked type, making it more of a typical garden plant. 4) H. annuus ‘Sunsation Yellow’ So, whether you're hosting a beach party or just looking to unwind after a long day, these recipes are sure to impress. a b "Ruby sets record, pink diamond and pearls shine at Sotheby's sale". Reuters. 13 May 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016 . Retrieved 19 May 2015.

At 4m high, ‘Kong’ is not quite as tall as the fabled giant gorilla, but it is very much a giant among its kith and kin. Also of a nondescript height nearing 1.5m and also producing flowers of an average size, ‘Ruby Sunset’ is also very much a special cultivar.

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As a perennial rather than an annual, this species has the edge in terms of annual gardening labour,” says Colin Skelly, a Horticultural Consultant. Reaching a height of around 1.5m and producing flowers of average size and which has a corresponding average blooming season, ‘Velvet Queen’ is actually a very special cultivar. It has very bright sunny yellow rays centred by an amber disc so that the entire flower is rather lighter in shade than those of most varieties. 6) H. annuus‘Little Leo’

Rubies fluoresce in long or shortwave ultraviolet light. Gemologists can also often use this property to help identify a stone's geographic origin. For more information on ruby enhancements, see our article on corundum treatments. This natural, mined ruby has received both heat and glass filling treatments. Photo by Gemsphoto. Licensed under CC By-SA 3.0. Ruby Sources Either way, this is definitely the sunflower with the most contrasting colours and it has been credited with the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 3) H. annuus‘Garden Statement’ In the past, cabbed blood-red gemstones were known collectively as "carbuncles." Now, gemologists would distinguish these gems as distinct species, such as garnets, spinels, and rubies. This watch by Nicolaus Rugendas the Younger is known as the "Great Ruby Watch" because it features 85 transparent rubies set into the gold and enamel watch case. Augsburg, Germany, ca 1670. Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Public Domain. Identifying CharacteristicsKnown in olden times as the ""Beryl Island,"" Madagascar has long been considered a mineralogical paradise. It's still known for its gem wealth and yields more than just beryl gemstones. Madagascar produces mainly fine blue and pink sapphires. However, two important ruby deposits have also been discovered. The first lies approximately 1030 km inland from the coastal town of Vatomandry. The second is roughly 45-70 km from the town of Andilamena. For example, as the flowers are a source of nectar, they will draw butterflies and bees to your garden in abundance. As a bartender, there's nothing quite like watching the sun set over the horizon while sipping on a deliciously crafted drink. It produces a gorgeous flower, is prolific and floriferous, and it blooms all summer and autumn long!