FLOWER STORIESFlower Stories
Sunflowers: Encouragement for High Summer
A few words on sunflowers, the flower we send to cheer someone on in midsummer
A few words on sunflowers, the flower we send to cheer someone on in midsummer
The sunflower blooms in the very middle of summer. It is tall, with a large head and yellow petals spreading in a circle, so it catches the eye even from far away. It looks like a face full of sunshine, and that is how it came to be seen as a bright, sturdy flower. Some varieties have a single bloom as big as a face, while smaller varieties carry several little flowers on one stem, so they are used quite differently in a bouquet.
Young sunflowers turn their buds to follow the sun's path, and fully grown ones mostly face east. From this habit of looking towards the sun, the flower has come to stand for steadfast feeling and patient waiting. The meanings of flowers vary a little from country to country and book to book, so please take them as a rough guide only.
That makes sunflowers a lovely way to say "I believe you'll do well" to someone facing an exam or interview, someone starting a new job, or someone worn out by the heat. It lets the colour of the flowers say the encouragement that feels a little awkward to say aloud. Because a sunflower brings summer's bright memories to mind first, the gift never feels heavy, which is another point in its favour.
Sunflowers feel most natural on occasions that mix celebration with encouragement, because they are cheerful flowers that the recipient can smile at without any pressure. The table below sets out, for each occasion, the feeling to convey and the form that suits it.
| Occasion | Feeling to convey | Suitable form |
|---|---|---|
| Before an exam or interview | Trust, encouragement | Small bouquet |
| Business opening or office move | Hope for a fresh start | Flower basket |
| New job or promotion | Support for what lies ahead | Bouquet |
| Graduation or starting school | Encouragement for a new chapter | Bouquet |
| Summer birthday | Wishes for a bright year | Flower basket |
For formal occasions such as a business opening, a congratulatory wreath is more usual than a bouquet. In that case, the right-hand ribbon (as you face the wreath) carries a phrase such as 祝 開業 ("congratulations on the opening"), and the left-hand ribbon carries the sender's name. It is easiest to think of a sunflower bouquet as a gift for sharing your feelings with someone close.
Sunflowers are such a strong yellow that they look well balanced beside green foliage or white and orange flowers. If you are not sure of the recipient's taste, a safe choice is to put the sunflowers at the centre and add other flowers around them.
On the other hand, it is better not to send sunflowers to a funeral. For condolences, a condolence wreath or flowers based on white chrysanthemums are the proper choice, and a bright yellow may sit badly with the mood.
Bouquets and flower baskets start from around 45,000 won, delivery included. The price may vary depending on whether sunflowers are included and how many stems there are. Sunflowers are in season in summer and can be hard to find at other times of year, so it is wise to check when you order.
Same-day delivery applies to orders placed before 5 pm, though this may differ by area and product. Once the delivery is done, we send you a photo of the actual flowers, so you can see that they have reached the recipient.
Delivery goes more smoothly if you give the recipient's name, phone number, preferred delivery time and your message accurately when ordering. If you are sending to an office or shop, please also note who can accept the flowers on their behalf if the recipient is away.
We write your card message by hand, free of charge. Short, simple lines suit sunflowers.
If you are stuck for words, you can try them out first with our free flower card tool (/card/) and then copy them across.
Sunflowers have thick stems and heavy heads, and they drink a lot of water. On the day they arrive, cut the stem ends at an angle and stand them in clean water. Top it up when it gets low, and change it when it turns cloudy.
It is best to strip off any leaves that would sit under the water. Submerged leaves make the water go bad quickly and the stems turn soft. Each time you trim the stems, check that the cut end looks clean.
Please keep them away from windowsills in strong direct sunlight, from spots where air conditioning blows straight on them, and from anything that gives off heat. In a cool, airy place the flowers stay neat for longer.
Taking off wilted heads and leaves early keeps the rest of the flowers looking good. If you would like to dry them, you can tie the stems of a smaller variety together, hang them upside down and leave them in a shady, airy spot.
Arrive in Bloom (이름꽃) delivers flowers anywhere in Korea, and you can also order from overseas, paying in dollars. If you would like a sunflower bouquet, just leave a ribbon phrase or card message with your order.
It is commonly said to mean steadfast feeling and patient waiting, a meaning that comes from the way it blooms facing the sun. Flower meanings vary a little from country to country and book to book, so it helps to add a line of your own to the card.
Our bouquets and flower baskets start from around 45,000 won, delivery included. The price may change with the number of sunflowers and the arrangement. Supply can vary with the season, so please check before ordering.
For condolences, a condolence wreath or flowers based on white chrysanthemums are the proper choice. Bright yellow sunflowers may clash with the mood, so we don't recommend them. They are better kept for occasions of encouragement or celebration.
We deliver flowers across Korea, with delivery included in the price, so you can send your support with ease. Card messages are handwritten for free.
Published July 6, 2026 · Updated October 6, 2026 · by Arrive in Bloom · Flower Editor
