How to Incorporate Sunflowers in Ikebana : A Complete Guide

Summer’s Warmth and Autumn Light

Design goal

Flowers used

Steps of creation

   In ikebana, understanding the true character—and the most distinctive part—of a flower lies at the heart of every arrangement.

Sunflowers exemplify this principle. Strong, cheerful, and full of light, they are among the most honest of blooms—inseparable from the warmth of summer and the energy of the sun.

Their long, upright stems lend themselves naturally to a parallel design—a simple, effortless way to showcase their beauty. However, with such simplicity comes the risk of a flat, monotone impression. Depth and variation—achieved through thoughtful grouping, spacing, and subtle angles—are essential to breathe life into the arrangement and keep it engaging.

We should not overlook the sunflower’s unique face: a flat, round center, rich with organic texture and earthy hues. These subtle elements give the sunflower its quiet strength and gentle charm.

 Even as its petals begin to fall, the sunflower remains expressive—as seen in this late-summer ikebana arrangement. This gentle loss can beautifully suggest the end of summer—a quiet transition, full of feeling. Even a bloom without petals still carries strength and presence, offering a different kind of beauty.

Ikebana: Summer’s Warmth and Autumn Light

Unlike the natural style, where leaves or branches are arranged to appear as if they are growing freely in nature, this style has a clear design intention: to show the surface and shape of beautifully coloured autumn maple leaves.

The leaves are positioned facing forward without angle, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate their seasonal beauty. This deliberate presentation highlights the design’s focus.

Just like Van Gogh’s sunflower paintings, a slightly random or uneven appearance can give the work an artistic feel, adding character and charm to the overall expression.

  Flowers used : Sunflower, Canadian Maple, Miscanthus , Rose hip

   Steps of creation

1. Place the Feature Flower

   Begin by placing the main sunflower, showcasing its large, flat surface facing slightly forward. While the flower should generally face front to reveal its charm, adjust the angle just a little to avoid a completely flat appearance.

   
   

2. Add the Supporting Flower

    Place a second sunflower nearby as a supporting element. Then, place a third sunflower slightly apart from the first two to form a triangle. This adds structure and visual rhythm.

   
   

3. Place the Maple Leaves.     

   Place the autumn-coloured maple leaves with their surfaces facing forward, clearly showing their shape and seasonal beauty.Be mindful: too many leaves can feel heavy or monotone. Trim and space them to allow air between groups, creating lightness and flow.

   
   

4. Add the Upright Bark

   Place the bark vertically to reinforce the parallel design. The bark’s smooth texture and neutral colour offer contrast without overpowering the flowers—even with its large surface, it remains gentle and grounding.

   
   

5. Introduce Grasses and Rose Hips

    Finally, add accents like miscanthus grass and rose hips. These elements bring variety and interest, softening the overall design and adding layers to a simple surface-focused expression.