Shedding light on the versatility of this sun-loyal flower
The sunflower, an apt name for a flower whose face follows the sun on its daily path across the sky, just seems to have a certain presence that deserves admiration. Of course, most flowers are capable of demanding attention, what with their myriad bold colors, inviting textures, or their, for better or worse, heady fragrances. However, it seems to us at Petal’s Edge that sunflowers have a special quality about them that sets them apart from most other blooms. The flowers, with their rich, chocolate brown centers emblazoned with a fringed ring of yellow petals, are bold commanders of praise and adoration, to be sure, but beyond their appearance is a subtle air of sentry; a benevolent stoicism, if you will, that can lend an incredible sense of comfort, warmth, and familiarity to a setting.
Maybe it’s their sheer size. Though they also come as minis, their heads can be quite large, with non-cut flower varieties reaching diameters of well beyond that of a dinner plate! It could also be that they have the certain generic ubiquity of being a very common, very recognizable flower. Whatever it is, sunflowers are hearty, playful, immediately identifiable, and reasonably priced, what’s not to love right?
Unless of course, you have the urge to write off sunflowers as being too rustic for your urban event, and we understand! Unfortunately sunflowers are often thrown into that bucolic or “country” category. The truth is that sunflowers can actually be quite refined when used properly. The trick is to pare them down and keep it simple; sunflowers are often thrown into wild, garden-y designs, so it’s difficult to imagine, but they actually look quite stunning as sleek pavés atop modern, sophisticated containers or in mono-botanical pomanders hanging from Chiavari chairs. We love pairing them with a stylish black and white striped ribbon! Sunflowers don’t have to be all raffia and wildflowers in Mason jars. It is possible to use sunflowers successfully for your modern metropolitan events!
Sunflower Facts
Season: Year-round
Colors: Vibrant yellow petals, with rich, chocolate brown centers are the standard, but be on the look-out for minis, yellow centers, yellow-and-orange bicolor petals, and chocolate, which are a deep maroon.
Favorite Varieties: We love the teddy bear variety, which are basically big, fluffy yellow blooms without the characteristic brown center.
For more sunflower savviness, check out the brunch wedding at the Lorien Hotel or a rustic wedding at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. Better yet, tour our Pinterest board!
