Summary
We see them in the summer, bright and colourful, standing heads and shoulders above other plants. Sunflowers have long been associated with keeping people in memory too, and you'll often see them at hospices across the country. Martlets’ spiritual care lead and chaplain, Revd Vlada Rakin, explains why sunflowers have been used as a powerful symbol across the hospice movement for so many years.
The sunflower has been adopted as a powerful and poignant symbol because it aligns closely with the philosophy of hospice care. The seeds in the centre represent the patients and the petals that surround them symbolise the dignity, care and compassion that hospices provide.
Light, hope, and positivity
One of the most striking features of the sunflower is its natural inclination to turn towards the sun, a behaviour known as heliotropism. This movement towards light has become a metaphor for hospice care’s mission: to help patients and their loved ones seek light, growth and meaning even during the darkest moments. Just as a sunflower finds the light and needs nourishment to thrive, we address the physical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs of those we care for, enabling them to stay rooted in the present moment and to enjoy precious moments together.
The sunflower’s bright yellow colour is also symbolic. Yellow is associated with warmth, happiness and energy – emotions that can seem elusive in the context of terminal illness, but are nevertheless central to the hospice philosophy. The care, compassion and dignity, our expert teams provide equate to the vibrant yellow petals of the sunflower.
Strength and resilience
Sunflowers are hardy plants which stand tall and proud, often rising high above other plants in a garden border. They can thrive in difficult conditions and often continue to grow tall and strong. This resilience mirrors the strength of patients and families facing terminal illness. In hospice care, resilience is not about fighting death but about living well with grace and dignity, and making the most of the time that remains.
The hospice movement is deeply rooted in the understanding that death is a natural part of life. The sunflower, with its visible life cycle – from seed to bloom to withering flower – mirrors our human journey. Its seasonal growth and inevitable decline are a reminder of our mortality and the natural flow of things, but the blooms are also a symbol of growth and hope for the future. In many hospice settings, sunflowers are used as part of garden therapy or appear in artistic representations that encourage reflection and dialogue about life, death, and legacy.
Now that summer has arrived, our sunflowers are in full bloom. You’ll see them everywhere, reaching for the sky in flower borders and in bunches brightening up the supermarket aisle. Next time they catch your eye, please spare a thought for your local hospice and the fantastic work they do at the heart of your community.”
Charlie and her sister Katy featured in Martlets’ ‘making memories’ campaign
This summer, we’re making memories together. Find out more about Making Memories and discover how you can get involved. We warmly invite you to visit our sunflower memories display at Martlets and to take time to remember a loved one. You can also share special memories on our dedication page.
Your donation, small or large, will support our expert teams as they continue to help local families live life to the full during the precious time they have together.
Further useful links:
Sunflower Meaning and Symbolism | Petal Talk
Sunflower Meaning: The Unraveling Symbolism Of Sunflowers – James Cress Florist
Published 10/07/25