Marks & Spencer has unveiled an array of distinctive sunflower varieties to celebrate the arrival of the British sunflower season.
The retailer’s latest collection features vibrant cultivars such as the “fiery-bright” Helios flame and the deep-burgundy Pro Cut red.
Additional varieties in the range encompass Sun Rich Gold, Solano Gold, and Double Sunflowers.
The Sunflower, Cerise Rose and Eryngium arrangement is another option available at select M&S locations throughout the UK.
Shoppers can purchase these blooms through specially curated arrangements, including the Speciality Sunflower Abundance bouquet, which is also accessible via the retailer’s online platform.
The flowers originate from a Spalding-based enterprise in South Lincolnshire, where the Naylor family has cultivated blooms for more than seven decades. Its collaboration with M&S spans over 20 years as a Select Farm partner.
The operation produces more than 100 million cut flower stems annually, with sunflowers comprising a significant portion of its output.
A specialised harvesting crew works throughout the week, handpicking each bloom at the optimal stage to ensure they are “at just the right stage to look their best in customers’ homes and last for longer”.
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‘I’ve been growing flowers now for over 30 years, and the summer harvest is always a highlight’
This longstanding partnership between the Lincolnshire growers and the retailer continues to supply British households with locally-grown seasonal flowers.
Managing director of Naylor Flowers Ltd, Matt Naylor, said: “I’ve been growing flowers now for over 30 years, and the summer harvest is always a highlight.
“Our sunflowers have one of the longest seasons and so much work and skills goes in from the whole team to grow and harvesting each stem to make sure it’s the perfect quality for M&S customers.
“It’s fantastic that customers are getting to see even more varieties this year, and we’re incredibly proud to be bringing that touch of joy into people’s homes across the UK.”
The family business has embraced modern agricultural practices to enhance environmental sustainability.
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M&S shoppers can snap up several sunflower varieties
Its initiatives include the installation of renewable energy systems, implementation of roof water harvesting technology, and the use of robotic weeding equipment.
These investments reflect the farm’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining efficient flower production.
Senior technologist at M&S, Kathryn Camps, added: “Our new eye-catching Speciality Sunflowers are sure to make a statement in your home and spread some of that summer joy.
“From fiery reds to magnolias and rich golds, these flowers instantly uplift any space. It’s brilliant to have such longstanding relationships with our growers like the Naylor family, who share our relentless focus on quality and that passion for the perfect summer bouquet.”
M&S’ Flower Doctor works directly with suppliers to ensure every stem meets the highest standards of quality and freshness, with all M&S flowers “handpicked for perfection” with a five-day guarantee.
How to keep your sunflowers fresh for longer at home
- Always ensure you have fresh water.
- Cut the stem at an angle to increase surface area.
- Always make sure you display flowers away from the fruit bowl, which can speed up the ageing process.
In other M&S news, the supermarket has just announced a major change to its clothes shopping experience.
Marking a significant shift in retail practice, customers will now benefit from a 365-day refund policy on children’s clothing.
Under the new system, parents can return any item within a full year for a complete refund if the clothing fails to meet M&S’ quality standards.
