What to Plant at a Gravesite?
Flowers are an important but ignored part of cemetery burials. In every culture, offering flowers at funerals and gravesites is considered a mandatory custom. It’s something that people often end up complying with mindlessly. Yet, when it comes to the gravesite of your loved one, the choice you make may be the most significant one.
Perennial flowers that are hardy and don’t overrun or grow too tall are ideal for planting at gravesites. Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Blazing Star, Stonecrop, and Catmint are ideal choices. Annual flowers such as Forget-me-not, Sea Lavender, and Marigold carry emotional significance. If there’s lots of shade, planting Coral Bells, Bleeding Heart, Hosta, or Daylilies is a good idea. However, you should always check cemetery regulations about planting, as at Bakerview we only allow plants in approved vases.
Floriography, or the language of flowers, is a symbolic way to leave an emotional message from you to your loved one. It can become the vehicle of your emotions for them or a significant yet subtle way to tell their story. However, choosing the right flower isn’t only about the message you send.
What Flower Plants are Good for Graves?
Practicality is a big part of what flower you’ll plant at your loved one’s gravesite. The best flower plant to plant at a cemetery is one that conveys the appropriate meaning and can thrive in tough situations. A cemetery’s soil condition is often not ideal, so the flower you plan to plant must have the following four qualities:
- Hardiness: Unless the cemetery is near you, don’t expect anyone to regularly tend to any flower you plant. So, the flower must withstand tough soil conditions, harsh weather, lack of water, and nutrition.
- Limited Growth: Find plants that won’t overrun the gravesite and cover the headstone. Flowers that tower over the gravesite and fully cover it are also not ideal.
- Follows Regulations: Most cemeteries have specific regulations on what flowers are allowed and how to plant them. At Bakerview, you can place vases or containers with plants in them around graves. However, it’s recommended to consult the staff first for approval.
- Spurns Animals: Cemeteries often have small animals such as rabbits who eat anything you plant. Bakerview is often visited by deer in the spring and summer months. The flower plants you choose must be inedible or distasteful for them so you won’t have to worry about them getting eaten.
Perennial plants match these requirements the most, as these hardy flower plants last the longest at gravesites and require little maintenance. However, annual plants are also acceptable choices if you can frequently water them and offer them mulch.
What Flowers Should You Plant at a Gravesite?
Not all cemetery burials have the same soil quality. The perfect flower to plant at a gravesite is the one that has proper significance and can survive in that specific soil condition. To help you out, here are some suggestions for flowers that you can plant at your loved one’s gravesite.
Perennial Plants
For tough soil conditions and little to no opportunity to tend to plants, choose from these 05 perennial flower plants:
- Coneflower: In Floriography, the Coneflower represents strength, resilience, and healing. It’s a good option to commemorate the spirit of a loved one.
- Black-eyed Susan: It represents justice, encouragement, and hope. It can be planted to instill a sense of hope among the mourners.
- Blazing Star: Blazing Star is synonymous to remembrance, happiness, and warmth. You can plant this flower to show the lasting positive impact your loved one had in your life.
- Stonecrop: Stonecrops are hardy plants that symbolize endurance and tranquillity. They can be planted to represent the enduring memory of your loved one.
- Catmint: Catmints are the perfect neutral choice as they are symbols of happiness and peaceful rest.
Annual Flowers
If their soil condition is somewhat favourable, and you can tend to the plants at times, these 03 annual flowers plants offer powerful meanings:
- Forget-me-not: This flower is the ultimate expression of love, as this symbolizes remembrance, true love, and enduring memory.
- Sea Lavender: A good neutral choice as this is traditionally used in Memorial arrangements. It symbolizes remembrance, sympathy, and success.
- Marigold: It’s a flower that bears cultural significance in India, Mexico, Thailand, Nepal, and some other countries. In Floriography, it’s the symbol of grief, mourning, and the beauty of life. It’s the best choice to honour the life of someone who’s played a powerful role in your life.
Shade-loving Options
Gravesites may be surrounded by tall trees that block sunlight. In such cases, these 04 shade-loving flower plants can send impactful messages:
- Coral Bulls: With a soft bloom and colorful foliage, this flower is the symbol of modesty, gratitude, and hope. It’s a good neutral choice, and a great choice to show respect to someone who may have been a mentor.
- Bleeding Heart: This flower has heart-shaped blooms that represent love, compassion, and heartbreak. It’s the most visually powerful way for you to show the effect of the loss of your significant other or a close family member.
- Hosta: Hosta is a resilient flower plant with lush foliage. It’s a symbol of friendship, devotion, and serenity. It’s a good option to commemorate a friend or a family member.
- Daylilies: In Chinese folklore, this flower is said to ease sorrow. In Floriography, it’s a symbol of motherhood, devotion, and renewal. This may be the most fitting flower to plant for mothers or female parental figures.
There are more choices for flower plants that may be more suited to represent your specific situation. If you need expert counsel, why not come see us at Bakerview?
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery. Experts with Empathy.
At Bakerview, we have over 100 years of experience in all things cemetery. Our staff are compassionate, empathic, dedicated professionals who have expertise in various cultures and religions. We pay attention to your needs and help you create a unique memorial that celebrates the life and deeds of your loved one. If you are in or around Greater Vancouver, especially Surrey, Delta, or Chilliwack, you must consult us if you want a uniquely perfect farewell that honours your loved one with dignity, respect, and care.
Conclusion
Flowers are that one element that can truly highlight your emotions for your loved one in a subtle but vivid way. Planting the right one will highlight how significant they were in life and contribute to giving their legacy permanence. So, when you decide to plant one, choose with your heart first, and then your mind.

Published: December 16, 2024