Sunflowers
With their large black centers and vibrantly yellow petals resembling a friendly face, the sunflower is a summer and fall favourite and is a popular inclusion in many different kinds of bouquets, such as those given at birthdays and anniversaries, those given with a ‘Get Well Soon’ sentiment, and quite often ‘Just Because,’ to brighten a loved one’s day and home. It is also a popular decorating theme in areas such as kitchens and children’s rooms, making fresh sunflowers perfect for accenting this cheerful décor. Whether on its own or with other flowers, the sunflower, standing for adoration, is sure to be a welcome gift for a friend or loved one.
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The sunflower is so named for a few reasons. The ancient Native American cultures who first used the flower noticed its resemblance to the sun, and in a charming connection, the faces follow the direction throughout the day. The Incans of Peru worshipped this flower as a symbol of the sun, and American pioneer families soon discovered not only the beauty of the flower but its usefulness as well, and used its oil in cooking and for soap, its colour for dyes, and its seeds as a tasty, healthy snack.
While the yellow variety is the most commonly recognized and used, there are many other shades of this delightful flower, from yellow so pale it appears almost white to creamy peach shades, to rustic orange shades, to those that even have bright red leaves. These varieties, when and where available, can also make a beautiful addition to bouquets.
Sunflowers make a lovely bouquet on their own, but their beauty can serve to enhance or be enhanced by other flowers, either in matching or complementary shades. Sunflowers with yellow and white gerberas make a charming combination, while for a monochromatic display, sunflowers with yellow roses, gerberas, and mums would make a cheerful addition to any room. Sunflowers with green mums, or perhaps Bells of Ireland, with blue delphiniums would make an excellent rainbow-themes treat, while adding red gerberas and orange roses would continue to expand the tribute to that colourful arc. And mixing sunflowers with fuchsia gerberas with white mums would make a lovely gift for a birthday or a sick friend. No matter what the joyous occasion, the sunflower is a welcome inclusion in any bouquet or arrangement.
© Flowers Online.org.uk 2007.
