SUNFLOWERS

The sunflower is testimony to the majesty of the sun. The ‘sun-dance’ is a North-American Indian ceremonial dance performed in honour of the sun. The ‘sun-flower’ is said to be so photosensitive that it always turns towards the light of the sun.

Sunflower is commonly associated with pride and adoration. However, the wise saying – ‘all that glitters is not gold’ pertains to this majestic yellow flower'.

Ah! Sunflower!

Ah! Sunflower, weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the sun,
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller’s journey is done;
Where the youth pined away with desire
And the pale virgin shrouded in snow,
Arise from their graves, and aspire
Where my sunflower wishes to go!
William Blake, 1794

Sunflower stems were used to fill lifejackets before the advent of modern materials. Low-pollen sunflowers have been developed in recent years which not only helps asthma sufferers, but extend the flower's life.

Sunflowers are bold and exuberant and one of the flower associated with the star sign Leo. The dwarf sunflower means "adulation".

The sunflower is grown for the seeds and oil it produces.Each mature flower yields 40% of its weight as oil.

For our sunflower products visit our sunflower bouquet and Summer Surprise, or for more information visit our A to Z of Sunflowers.