This month our florists Bouquet of the Month, includes beautiful in-season sunflowers. Everyone loves sunflowers as they really brighten up a room, but how much do we know about the humble sunflower?
In terms of flower symbolism Sunflowers can portray adoration, loyalty and longevity. However with much of the meaning of sunflowers stemming from its namesake, Sunflowers are known for being “happy” flowers, making them the perfect gift to brighten up someone's (or your own) day.
Part of the Helianthus family, the common sunflower, is a large annual forb of the genus Helianthus and grown as a crop for its edible oil and edible fruits as well as it’s bright foliage. Sunflowers follow the movement of the sun across the sky and this process is know as heliotropism.
Coming into bloom in the summer months, this beautiful flower is in-season from June through to August.
The inside of a sunflower is actually made up from lots of smaller flowers and the outer petals are known as ray florets.
Not all sunflowers are yellow and there are over 70 varieties of sunflower, from giant to dwarf and can grow from anywhere between 2feet to 10feet. The world record sunflower being 9.17m (over 30ft!!) grown in Germany in 2015.
If you fancy brightening up someones day with our Bouquet of the Month, click HERE.