SUN FLOWERS (Helianthus annuus)

Signifies pure thoughts and symbolizes adoration and dedication or dedicated love.

Helianthus is native to the mid-west and western part of the USA. The name derives from the Greek words Helios, meaning sun and anthos, meaning flower.

Helianthus is a member of the huge Asteraceae/Compositae family. Close relatives include Chrysanthemums, Gerberas, Dahlias, Zinnias, Asters, Marigolds, Bachelor’s Buttons and Black-Eyed Susan.

There are over 70 varieties of Sunflowers. A Sunflower resembles a giant daisy and is an incredibly popular cut flower that is available year round from your local florist.  The most widely used Sunflowers include natural yellow with brown center, natural yellow with green center, tinted, Mini, and Teddy Bear Sunflowers. Regular Sunflower bunches are usually 90cm or longer. Mini Sunflowers measure 60cm or more.

The large petals that ring the centre are called ray flowers. These are used to lure pollinating insects to the many tiny disc florets in the centre of the flower head.

The flower heads look like a single flower, but they are really many individual flowers.  The central brown button is a dense mass of individual disc flowers, and the petals are actually flattened ray flowers

The flower lasts longer than the leaves. When making arrangements leaves can be removed to avoid leaf yellowing. Standard vase life is 7 to 10 days with proper care and handling.