Flower is one of eight, we're told (4)
I believe the answer is:
rose
'flower' is the definition.
(I know that rose is a flower)
'one of eight we're told' is the wordplay.
'one of eight' becomes 'rows' (an eight is a rowing boat of eight people).
'we're told' shows a homophone (sound like).
'rows' is a homophone of 'ROSE'.
'is' is the link.
(Other definitions for rose that I've seen before include "reached for the skies" , "Doctor Who's recent companion" , "Gained altitude" , "Perforated cap; reddish colour" , "Prickly plant with bright flowers" .)