A sunflower named “Clover” has reached a staggering height of 35 feet, 9 inches (10.90 meters), earning its owner, Indiana gardener and Ukrainian immigrant Alex Babich, a new Guinness World Record. This incredible horticultural achievement is not just a personal triumph but a heartfelt tribute to his homeland, Ukraine, where the sunflower is the national flower.
For Babich, a 47-year-old who immigrated to the U.S. after the Chernobyl disaster, the sunflower is deeply personal. It symbolizes peace, resilience, and hope, a sentiment that has only grown stronger since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “We just pray that the war will end, that the killing will stop,” Babich said. “We just hope this inspires some people in the right places.”
The record-breaking sunflower, which is taller than a telephone pole, was officially measured on September 3, 2025. It surpassed the previous record held in Germany by more than five feet. The measurement process was a community event, with around 85 witnesses, including master gardeners and local officials, documenting the historic moment. A cherry picker and drones were used to capture the final height.
The name “Clover” came from Babich’s 10-year-old son, who would place four-leaf clovers on the leaves of the plant for good luck. This family effort, which Babich says was a result of “trial and error over years,” has turned a personal hobby into a global sensation. Babich hopes the story of Clover will inspire others and create a lasting legacy for his family.
