Leaving flowers at the grave or memorial site for somebody who has passed away is something many of us feel the need to do. However, we want to make sure we do it in a way that will properly reflect upon, and honor, the life of our late loved one. This sometimes makes it difficult to choose just the right flowers. Should the flowers be bright and festive, or should they be more subtle and understated? Should we buy a wreath, a bouquet, a pillow, or a spray? How many flowers should we place on the grave?
All of these questions really boil down to what your instincts tell you to do. There is no right or wrong. However, we'd like to give you some general thoughts that might help you follow your instincts to the perfect graveside flowers.
Flower Meanings
Flowers carry a lot of symbolism, which is very important for remembrances. Listed below are some of the artificial silk flowers we sell here, and what each one symbolizes:
- Rose (red) - Passionate love
- Rose (pink) - Friendship
- Rose (yellow) - Zealous
- Rose (white) - Purity
- Poppy - Consolation - Also symbolic for veterans
- Calla Lily - Marriage and fidelity
- Sunflower - Adoration
- Peony - Healing
- Zinnia - Thoughts of friends
- Daisy - Innocence
- Hydrangea - Perseverance
- Gladiola - Strength of character
- Carnation (red) - Flashy
- Carnation (pink) - Gratitude
- Carnation (white) - Remembrance
- Larkspur - Beautiful spirit
- Orchid - Delicate beauty
More Symbolism
Wreaths are customary at funerals as symbols of life, death and the immortality of the soul. A wreath may be used at a grave site as a symbol of hope that the spirit as moved on and surpassed the death of the body.
Final Thoughts
When choosing flowers to leave at a grave, let your heart be your guide. If your memories of the deceased make you think of a field of daisies, leave a bouquet of daisies. If you have a special memory of the person where a vase of roses was present, leave a vase of roses. In these situations, more often than not, your heart will lead you in the right direction.
18 comments
I had no idea that different types of flowers meant different things. After reading this article, I now understand why people in movies, tv shows and in real life give red roses as a symbol of their love. I had no idea that a daisy flower was a symbol of innocence. This is definitely something to keep in mind when buying flowers for a grave site, or just for your own mother. http://www.karfreflowers.com/
Anaretha,
I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother! We sell a wide variety of flower arrangements, and would be happy to help you choose the right ones.
If you call our customer support number at (844) 477-7297, we’d be happy to help you with this.
my mother pass away august 2016 i want to take some. flowers. to her grave i don’t no what kind and were to buy. them at
My boyfriend pass away recently i never visit his grave because i wasn’t ready. I am ready mow i need to known what kind the flower to get.
Hayleigh,
There’s no wrong answer to which flowers to choose. Let your heart be your guide. The fact that you placed any flowers shows your love and care, and that’s what’s most important.