Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers out there, and for good reason. Their shape and bright yellow, orange, and red petals are symbolic of the sun. These instantly recognizable flowers symbolize radiant happiness and all things positive.

Many different varieties of sunflowers exist, as do ways to use these flowers to decorate your home. The topiary design is an easy way to display these cheerful blooms. You can use this one design technique to create many different looks and styles, depending on the size and shape of the sunflowers you use, whether you incorporate foliage and other floral varieties, and any accessories you add, such as ribbon, raffia, etc.

The container you use contributes to the final look, too. A terra cotta planter gives a nice rustic garden look, while a white ceramic wine cooler, such as the ones pictured above, feel brighter and lighter.

Making a sunflower topiary is easier than it looks. Here’s what you’ll need:

Materials

  • Container (if the container isn’t waterproof, you’ll need to use a liner, such as a plastic bag)
  • Floral foam
  • Sunflowers (at least six stems)
  • Waterproof tape
  • Raffia or ribbon
  • Moss

Instructions for making a sunflower topiary

sunflower topiary with fitting foam in container

Cut a piece of floral foam to fit the size of your container and soak thoroughly before placing it in the pot. If the container you’re using isn’t waterproof (this terra cotta pot has a drainage hole on the bottom), you’ll need to line it first. A plastic bag will do the trick.

sunflower topiary with choosing sunflowers

Choose six long-stem sunflowers with similar size heads.

sunflower topiary with gathering sunflowers

Gather the sunflowers in your hand, one by one, with one in the middle and the other five placed around and slightly below the middle one.

sunflower topiary with wrapping stems

Using waterproof tape, wrap the stems together first at the top of the stems right under the heads of the sunflowers…

sunflower topiary with wrapping stems again

…and again near the bottom of the stems.

sunflower topiary with covering tape with raffia or ribbon

Use raffia or ribbon to cover your tape and to add a decorative touch.

sunflower topiary with wrapping bouquet with ribbon

Continue bringing the ribbon down to the bottom of the stems to wrap the bouquet together tightly.

sunflower topiary with cutting stems

Cut the bottom of each stem on an angle.

sunflower topiary with inserting stems into foam

Insert the stems into the wet foam.

sunflower topiary with covering foam with moss

Cover the foam around the stems with moss. You can also add additional flowers, fruit, or other decorative elements.

sunflower topiary with finished topiary

And that’s it! Your finished sunflower topiary is ready to be displayed.

Remember to add water to your sunflower arrangements daily, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.

Author

Julie started her career in the floral industry over 30 years ago in a small, family-owned flower shop. From floral designer to author and lifestyle expert, her insight has been instrumental in developing the 1-800-Flowers.com brand. Representing the company’s floral lifestyle vision, Julie has shared her talent and passion in numerous television appearances and national magazine features. She is an active fundraiser and longtime friend of IGHL, a group dedicated to facilitating a more independent life for developmentally challenged adults.

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