focal · easy · budget
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers are the face of late summer floristry — bold, cheerful, and grown locally on almost every continent. Pollenless varieties (Sunbright, ProCut Orange) have replaced classic pollen-producing sunflowers in commercial work — no more stained tablecloths. Miniature sunflowers (Teddy Bear, fully double heads) have opened the flower to wedding and event use.
At a glance
| Family | Asteraceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | North America; commercially grown by local farms worldwide |
| Peak season | July, August, September |
| Availability | June to October |
| Stem length | 50–100 cm |
| Vase life | 7–12 days |
| Colors | yellow, orange, burgundy, brown, bicolor |
| Price tier | budget |
Conditioning
Cut on a sharp diagonal. Strip all lower foliage. Deep water is fine.
Care in the vase
- •Heavy heads — use a tall vase with structural support
- •Drink heavily — check water level daily
- •Modern pollenless cultivars (Sunbright, ProCut) avoid pollen mess
- •Miniature varieties (Teddy Bear, Sunspot) work for compact arrangements
