What has happened to my sunflower?

That's it, really. I've been growing sunflowers of various kinds in a small area for years and never lost one, until now apparently.

Not the best photo, but hopefully you get the idea.

Do you know what's going on?

Thank you.

 

Is it dry?

 

Well, that did occur to me, but it's in the ground and there are dozens of others around it that are okay. It's the same area as previous years when we've had very dry periods and never happened before. I have poured some water around it, but if that's the problem, it may be too late.

 

Give it a good soak

 

If it's a water problem it will perk up by tomorrow morning.
Have you had gloom for days on end the same as I have had, if so, and the sun is out today, it often comes as a shock to big old plants like that.

 

If watering doesn't work try giving it some diluted tomato food.

 

Yes, pretty much, quite hot today in Shoreham-by-Sea. Have soaked, so wait to see. Just odd that nothing else affected. Will report back!

 

No sign of any recovery yet. Isn't it likely to be too far gone for feeding?

 

Possibly, but it's worth a try knowing you might lose it anyway.

 

Have you tied up the trunk with anything and to tight

 

Other reasons include but are not limited to:

- something eating it up from the inside
- something eating its roots
- roots got nicked during a storm or have been damaged otherwise

 

I don't think so, hadn't check that, but certainly not recently. No change overnight so have soaked again, but with some tomato food. It's bang next to the Helianthus x laetiflorus (I think they're called) below. They're fine, as are all the others (some good size) in the same area.

 

All very strange, but think Black Dog probably on right lines. Thanks for all input.

 

So it has died then?
It is strange, wonder if any one else has come across some kind of wilt disease of sunflowers.
Might be a good idea to get it out if you have others close by.

 

Yes. It really is. If I can get near it, will do.