Flower Focus: Sunflowers

To me the flower that signifies Summer the most - is a sunflower. There’s something so humble about them, easy to grow, and even the name just makes you feel sunny. They’re one of the rare flowers that looks good at all stages, not yet open, to full petals and starting to dry out.

Over the past few weeks I’ve used them a lot, I try to incorporate them where I can because I personally love the way they look - particularly without their petals. Below I’ll show you a very simple technique for elevating them slightly.

If you think of a sunflower, probably what immediately comes to mind is the classic yellow giant head variety. The ones that are available in pretty much every supermarket this time of year. Likely the ones you grow - if you’re into growing at home. They have yellow petals and a brown centre - a true classic.

But my love of the flower has encouraged me to research new varieties, especially when discussing growing with suppliers. There are so many to choose from. So whether you’re just arranging them together or adding them in with other flowers, there are options that can bring new interest.

The varieties I personally like have different points of interest, whether thats colour, petal shape and size.

Here are some of my favourites

FIG I. Teddy Bear Sunflowers

Teddy Bear Sunflowers are perfect if you’re looking for texture. Still in the classic sunflower yellow, but the densely packed petals resemble a teddy bear’s fluffiness - hence the name. These also come in a ‘dwarf’ variety so if you need a smaller flower head this could be the perfect option.

FIG. II Sunflower Claret

If you’re looking for other coloured petals, Claret is such an incredible option. Dark, reddy-brown petals which tie in with the dark brown centre perfectly. these would add so much impact and no petal removing required for me. Similar colours might also be called Chocolate.

FIG. III Asta Rose Sunflower

The Asta Rose variety offers something slightly more delicate. Leaning into the pinky tones rather than yellow. The ombre effect of the colour is almost replicated in the petal sizes. Very pretty and a softer touch.

FIG. IV Sunfill Purple Sunflowers

For anyone like me who loves the architectural element of the sunflower, this one is perfect. Focusing more on the leaves than the petals. The Sunfill is all about timing, as left in the sun too long the petals will start to come out and change the shape of the flower.

FIG. V Pro Cut Plum Sunflowers

I couldn’t not include the Pro Cut Plum sunflowers featured in our Summer 02 Edit. The petals are so beautiful, they almost feel like someone has painted each one. The blend of the red and yellow makes them feel like a sunset sky.

I could probably add another 10 options here, but needless to say there are lots of varieties to explore if sunflowers are something you’re interested in and want to expand past the traditional option.

My Sunflower tips

As I mentioned I like a sunflower sans petals. I’m not sure what it is about the classic yellow petals that don’t sit right with me in a vase. In the garden or field - totally fine. But the petals can sometimes look tired very quickly and that ruins the display.

By simply removing the petals and adding the stems into a statement vase I think the overall effect is much more chic and much more intentional. Especially paired against wood, so if you have a coffee table, or bookshelf, there’s something about the tones and materials together that look really great.

FIG. VI Removing the petals

It’s really easy, all you need to do is push the petals back on themselves to reveal the lower section and pull away. They should almost fall away in fact, if they don’t you’ve likely not pushed them back far enough. If the sunflowers are a few days old, this will happen easily and without much effort at all. The petals can be popped into a green waste bin or put onto your compost heap if you have on.

Finally - one more tip on making your sunflowers last longer that I learnt this week from a supplier.

Different flowers need different levels of water, obviously this isn’t always easy to accommodate when you have a vase of flower types, but if you are just using sunflowers make sure to make the water nice and deep. They love to be fully submerged and will stay hydrated longer.

Hero image: Consuelo Kanaga, 1942