Ideas for Decorating With Sunflowers From Late Summer Through Fall

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Discover pretty ideas for decorating with sunflowers to use as part of your late summer and early fall decor.

Decorating with sunflowers is one of my favorite late summer rituals here at the Tanglewood House. By August, the nearby farm fields are brimming with tall, golden blooms, and I can’t resist bringing them indoors. Their sunny faces are the perfect bridge from summer into the cozy days of fall.

In this post, I’ll share my favorite ways to decorate with sunflowers. Whether you’re using fresh-cut blooms, faux flowers, or even dried sunflower heads. You’ll find simple ideas that work for a casual kitchen table, a fall mantel, or a welcoming front porch.

Fun Facts About Sunflowers

Before we arrange sunflowers, let’s take a minute to learn a little about these big, happy blooms. They are so interesting!

Sunflowers are truly remarkable flowers. They stand out not only for their bright, cheerful appearance but also for their unique characteristics. They can tower over the rest of the flowers in a garden, reaching heights of 10 feet or more. Their name comes from their radiant, sun-like appearance, but there’s much more to these flowers than meets the eye.

Sunflower Habits

When sunflowers are young, they exhibit a fascinating behavior known as heliotropism. Throughout the day, they follow the sun’s journey across the sky, turning their faces from east to west. As they mature, they settle with their faces pointing east, which helps them warm up quickly in the morning and attract more pollinators.

You Will Be Surprised

What most people think of as the bright yellow “petals” of a sunflower are not petals at all. These are called ray florets, and they attract pollinators. The real magic happens in the large central disc, which is made up of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of tiny flowers, each capable of producing a seed. When you look at a sunflower, you’re actually seeing a whole bouquet in one bloom.

A Native Beauty

Sunflowers have a rich history in North America, where they are native. Over time, they’ve spread across the globe, becoming beloved symbols of beauty, warmth, and resilience in many cultures. Their blooming season typically begins in July and continues through September, making them a perfect choice for adding sunny warmth to your home from late summer into early fall.

Sunflowers Symbolize

Beyond their visual appeal, sunflowers carry deep symbolism. They are often associated with love, loyalty, and longevity. In many cultures, they symbolize happiness and optimism, making them a thoughtful gift or a bright addition to any space.

Creating A Sunflower Arrangement

Sunflowers are versatile, showy flowers that make wonderful centerpieces for almost any arrangement. Whether you combine them with other flowers, pair them with lush greens, or let them shine on their own, they bring a touch of nature’s beauty into your home.

Here are ideas and tips to help you create beautiful sunflower arrangements that will brighten any space.

A Sunflower Arrangement + Other Flowers

When combining sunflowers with other flowers, choose blooms that complement their bold look.

Start by placing your sunflowers in the vase first; they’ll be the focal point. Then add other flowers in varying heights and shapes to create depth and interest. Keep the arrangement balanced so the sunflowers are evenly distributed and not overshadowed.

Here are flowers that work well in an arrangement with sunflowers…

• Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena)
• Salvia
• Cockscomb (Celosia)
• Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
• Mums (Chrysanthemums)
• Limonium (Sea Lavender or Statice)
• Delphinium
• Asters
• Thistle (Eryngium)
• Poppy Pods
• Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower)
• Cornflower
• Zinnias

These flowers, with their varied textures, colors, and forms, beautifully enhance the sunny brightness of sunflowers in any arrangement.

Creating An Arrangement with Sunflowers + Greens

Pairing sunflowers with lush greenery creates a fresh, natural look that works especially well in a rustic, organic style. Greenery softens the arrangement while adding texture and fullness.

When arranging sunflowers with greens, start by building a base of greenery in your vase, creating a nest of foliage that will support the sunflowers. Once the greens are in place, insert the sunflowers. The greens will help frame the sunflowers.

Here are some greens that will make your sunflowers look their best…

• Dollar Eucalyptus
• Fresh Olive Branches
• Seeded Eucalyptus
• Salal Leaves (Lemon Leaf)
• Italian Ruscus
• Dusty Miller
• Bay Laurel
• Pittosporum

These greens provide a lush, complementary backdrop for sunflowers, adding texture to the arrangement.

Creating An Arrangement with Just Sunflowers

Sometimes, the best way to showcase sunflowers’ beauty is to let them stand alone. A bouquet of sunflowers can make a bold, sunny statement that brightens any room. When creating an arrangement with only sunflowers, focus on varying the heights of the stems to add visual interest.

You can create a simple, elegant arrangement by placing a few sunflowers in a vase. To add a touch of variation, you might consider using different types of sunflowers, such as a mix of traditional yellow and reddish-orange varieties, to add depth and dimension to your arrangement.

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How To Keep Cut Sunflowers Fresh Longer

When using real-cut fresh flowers, there are some simple things you can do to keep them looking fresh longer.

Here’s a consolidated bullet point list of the important things that keep sunflowers fresh:

• Select Just-Opening Blooms: Choose sunflowers with buds just beginning to open for a longer vase life.
• Trim Stems at a 45-Degree Angle: Cut stems at an angle to maximize water absorption.
• Remove Submerged Leaves: Prevent bacteria growth by removing leaves below the waterline.
• Wash The Vase With Hot Sudsy Water And Rinse: Keep any dirt or bacteria at bay by keeping the container for sunflowers very clean.
• Use Clean, Fresh Water: Change the water every few days to keep it free of bacteria.
• Add Floral Preservative: Use a floral preservative to provide nutrients and keep water clean.
• Keep in a Cool Spot: Place sunflowers away from direct sunlight, heat, and drafts to slow aging.
• Avoid Ethylene Gas: Keep sunflowers away from ripening fruits to prevent premature wilting.
• Change The Water Ever Other Day: This keeps the sunflowers hydrated with clean, healthy water.
• Mist Petals Daily: Lightly mist petals to keep them hydrated and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate Overnight: Store sunflowers in the refrigerator overnight to extend their freshness if at all possible.

Decorating With Faux Sunflowers

Faux sunflowers are a stunning way to capture the beauty of late summer and early fall without the hassle of maintenance or mess! They bring the same cheerful, warm ambiance into your home as real sunflowers, but with the added benefit of lasting year after year.

However, not all faux sunflowers are created equal. The quality can vary greatly, and when it comes to faux florals, you usually get what you pay for. It’s worth investing in the best faux sunflowers you can afford, as higher-quality blooms look more realistic and will stand the test of time. I always keep an eye out for sales on premium faux flowers, allowing me to stock up on beautiful, lifelike blooms without breaking the bank.

When decorating with faux sunflowers, quantity matters. A sparse arrangement can look underwhelming, so I always buy several of the same bloom to create full, lush displays. Whether you’re filling a vase, creating a wreath, or designing a seasonal centerpiece, a generous bunch of faux sunflowers will make a striking statement.

One of the best things about faux sunflowers is their durability. I’ve had my faux sunflowers for over a decade, and they still look as vibrant and fresh as the day I bought them. They’ve been a wonderful investment, adding a touch of sunny charm to my home year after year, no matter the season.

Decorate With Dried Sunflower Heads

Dried sunflower heads in a dough bowl are another charming and beautiful way to bring a rustic, natural element into your fall home. The large, textured heads of sunflowers add a touch of interest to any space. Simply place a few dried sunflower heads in a dough bowl, either alone or mixed with other seasonal organics like wheat, pinecones, dried gourds, pumpkins, and bittersweet, to create a simple yet stunning centerpiece.

Using dried sunflower heads in an arrangement celebrates the harvest season and adds a cozy, organic feel to your home, creating a timeless and inviting aesthetic.

You might like to see how I created this Fall Organic Dough Bowl. Pretty sunflower seed heads are available HERE.

Using Sunflowers In Other Ways

Here are more sunflower decorating ideas to use in your home…

Here’s an expanded and revised list for the section “More Ways To Decorate With Sunflowers”:

• Create a Sunflower Wreath: Use fresh or faux sunflowers to craft a welcoming wreath for your front door. Add other seasonal elements like burlap ribbon, dried wheat, or small pumpkins for an extra touch of fall charm.
• Sunflowers in Mason Jars: For a rustic, country-style decoration, place individual sunflower stems in mason jars. Line them up along a mantel, windowsill, or as a simple table setting.
• Sunflower Garland: String together small faux sunflower heads with twine to create a garland. Drape it across a mantel, over a doorway, or around a banister for a cheerful display.
• Sunflower Outdoor Decor: Place potted sunflowers on your porch or patio to greet guests with a burst of color. Combine them with other fall plants like mums or ornamental grasses for a seasonal display.
• Add A Throw Pillow: Choose a classy pillow with a subtle sunflower design to instantly brighten up your living room or bedroom. To keep the look sophisticated, look for pillows with embroidered or painted sunflower patterns in neutral or muted tones. This small addition can bring a touch of seasonal charm to your space without overwhelming the existing decor.
• Sunflower Bouquets as Gifts: Create small sunflower bouquets wrapped in burlap or kraft paper to give as gifts or party favors. They make a thoughtful and bright gesture for any occasion.

I hope you will make beautiful sunflowers part of your fall decor!

More Easy Fall Ideas

See All Fall Decorating Ideas

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  13 Easy Fall Decorations And How To Create Them For Your Home

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  The Smart Girl’s Guide To Easy Fall Decorating + 4-Week Printable Planning Guide

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  10 Things To Do Now To Be Ready For Fall

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Happy Fall Decorating, Friends!

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