Floriography is The Language of Flowers. A discreet
form of communication, particularly used in Victorian times, Floriography has
been around for past generations with religious and symbolic meanings,
continuing on to this day. A bunch of flowers wrapped in a lace doily and tied
with ribbon, also called a Tussie-Mussie, reads like a poem and/or secret
message.
FLORIOGRAPHY:
SUNFLOWER has several different meanings, depending on what type of SUNFLOWER and who you ask. Pride and sunshine, Congratulations or Thank You for Everything are pretty general. For the tall variety, false riches and pride; For the dwarf variety,
admiration.
So for me, I would totally go
for sunshine and a thank you! I do not
look at a SUNFLOWER and think anything but happiness and brightness. I would give a Tussie-Mussie with SUNFLOWERS in it to my daughter for her birthday or to say Thank You to someone that made my day brighter. Or even for a graduation gift.
HISTORY:
The SUNFLOWER is one of the
few crops originally from North America.
The Native Americans were the first to domesticate the SUNFLOWER. And there are archaeologists that think
SUNFLOWERS were domesticated before corn!
After being brought over to
Europe via Spain in the 16th Century, the SUNFLOWER made its way
over to Russia, where it was
commercialized for the first time.
The Native Americans used the
SUNFLOWER for food, purple dye, body painting and other decorating. Now a days,
it is used for edible oil, meal, industrial applications, and non-oilseed (For
bird feeders and human consumption), just to name a few.
The SUNFLOWER was named for
its bloom that looked so much like the sun.
Some think that the SUNFLOWER “tracks” the sun. Which is partially true. They are phototropic. As a young bloom,
the SUNFLOWER follows the sun which increases light exposure and photosynthesis. After pollination, it starts to face
down and to the east permanently. This protects the
seeds from solar radiation.
This really cool flower is
also the State Flower of Kansas and the National Flower of Ukraine!
GENERAL INFORMATION:
These flowers are tall and
showy, with daisy like flower heads, with round stems early in growth and then
become more woody. SUNFLOWERS attract bees, butterflies and birds.
The SUNFLOWER is usually
yellow or red, but come in lots of different colors. They can grow from 2 feet
tall to 10 feet! Average 2-4 in across. Some
varieties require support. According to Wikipedia, there is at least 32
species. SUNFLOWERS have a very short growing season. They go from seed to flower in 2-3 months.
GENERAL GROWING INFORMATION:
SUNFLOWERS need full sun and
long, hot summers to flower well. Moist,
well-drained soil is required.
SUNFLOWERS can grow in almost any type of soil as long as they do not
get waterlogged. Water deeply but
infrequently to encourage deep rooting.
The SUNFLOWER can tolerate
high and low temperatures ranging from 69-91*F, but prefer 70-78*F. You can sow
SUNFLOWER seed right into the ground once risk of frost is over; soil
temperature being between 55-60*F. If
possible, plant in a spot sheltered from high winds like a fence or building.
SUNFLOWERS bloom in the
summer, late July through September. Mulch heavily and fertilize often! These
flowers do not winter over. Most are
heat and drought tolerant.
Birds and squirrels love the
seeds. This can cause them to become
pests. Other pests to keep an eye out
for are deer, a small grey moth that likes to lay its eggs in the blooms, downy
mildew, rust and powdery mildew.
These are MY SUNFLOWERS I started this spring. They are surrounded by Alyssums.
MAGICKAL PROPERTIES:
The SUNFLOWER is used as a
symbol for the solar deity. Also, associated
with the day SUNDAY, because their planetary correspondent is the Sun. Used by
those who are seeking confidence and wealth or fame and fortune.
Also associated with
creativity
The SUNFLOWER’s magickal
meanings are: Opportunities, self-actualization, happiness; wishes, wisdom,
fertility, health, money magick; energy, protection, power; false riches;
royalty; truth. You could use the SUNFLOWER in any spell, ritual, meditation
etc. having to do with any Sun God or Goddess or any Sabbat or Holiday around
the Summer time.
Sleeping with a SUNFLOWER
under your pillow is said to show you the truth in all matters.
OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH THE SUNFLOWER:
-They make excellent cut
flowers for flower arrangements
- Save dry heads (especially
the large ones) and set out for the birds in the winter time
-Save thick stems and dry them for winter
kindling
(All images were found on google images except the picture of the flowers in a flower pot. That picture was taken by me.)
Next weeks FLORIOGRAPHY FRIDAY will be geraniums!
Next weeks FLORIOGRAPHY FRIDAY will be geraniums!
