Let’s face it – sunflowers couldn’t be any more representative of summer. These bright yellow bursts of color remind us of the sun in their very appearance, and the fact that the flowers also lean towards the sun is a testament to their affinity for all things sunshine.

Sunflowers can trace their history back to about 3,000 B.C. Here in North America, they grew in large numbers wildly on the plains; Native Americans grew them in the Southwest and were used for medicines, fiber and oil, as well as seeds for the next crop. Settlers from Europe soon learned the great benefits of the vibrant bloom, and sent seeds back to their family and friends still across the ocean. But it would the Russian people that would utilize the sunflower to its fullest. Even into the 20^th century, Russia was in the forefront of cultivating, breeding and selecting flowers for disease resistance and high oil production. In the 1960’s its popularity returned to the US primarily in the production of vegetable oil.

Garden Collection

But practical uses aside, the sunflower has traditionally represented gracious country beauty and bucolic nature, growing in vast fields of swaying, flowering stalks. It has come to be a favorite of gardeners and flower lovers alike, who treasure its sunny vibrancy in gardens and ornamental table arrangements. At Billy Heroman’s we use the sunny bloom to grace a variety of great arrangements; from the Purple & Gold LSU Spirit Bouquet to the stunning Garden Collection, a veritable explosion of seasonal blooms.

The color yellow is well known to promote cheerfulness and to brighten any room. Call Billy Heroman’s Baton Rouge Flower and Gift Shops to order your summer sunflowers – and watch everyone around you brighten up. Call us today or visit any of our three area florists.