The sunflower's flower language is silent love, symbolizing loyalty and hope

The sunflower is a common ornamental and oilseed plant, named for the way its flower head turns with the sun. Its flower language is usually summed up as silent love and loyalty, suggesting a quiet watchfulness and a steadfast devotion that never wavers. In addition, the sunflower is often given the meanings of yearning for light and positive optimism.

Because of these lovely meanings, sunflowers often appear at weddings, graduation ceremonies and all kinds of celebrations, used to express blessings and encouragement. Giving one to a friend, colleague or elder conveys warmth, trust and support, and some people also use it to express a reserved affection. Unlike the passion of the rose, the sunflower's expression of feeling is brighter and less showy.

In stories passed down in various places, the sunflower is often portrayed as a figure gazing devotedly at the sun, and such legends have deepened the color of loyalty and single-mindedness in its flower language. Interpretations of the flower language differ slightly from region to region, but the core image of growing toward the sun and following the light is basically the same.

Besides its flower language, the sunflower's habits often spark curiosity too, for example the young flower head turns with the sun from east to west, while after maturity it stays basically fixed facing east. If you want to enjoy this meaning at home, you can choose ornamental sunflower varieties and sow them in spring after the temperature warms up; day-to-day care is simple, and it is relatively easy to get bright, full flower heads.