Focal flower

Focal Flower: Sunflower

Known botanically as helianthus, these beaming beauties can be spotted turning their heads towards the sun during our British summer. The weather might not be reliably sunny, but helianthus brighten up gardens, allotments and florists’ shops across the country. A symbol of summer, they were voted the nation’s favourite flower in the RSPB’s 2018 poll. 

In the Victorian language of flowers, sunflowers acquired more complex meanings, which varied according to size. Miniature sunflowers communicated good luck, gratitude and even adoration. However, receiving a bouquet of tall sunflowers carried quite a different message; conveying false riches and pride! 

The striking yellow petals and dramatically dark centres of sunflowers make them beautiful members of bouquets and arrangements. However arranging them is not for the faint hearted, as their thick bristly stems and heavy heads require plenty of support, and working solely with sunflowers can become a good weightlifting session! Their joyful appearance makes the hard work worthwhile, and they are a firm favourite in our shop throughout the summer.