What Can I Plant in Memory of a Loved One

Forget-Me-Nots

The Forget-me-not is a well known flower of remembrance due to it’s symbolic name, and in many countries has a similar meaning to the poppy. Their beautiful bright blue flowers and ease of care make them ideal for planting as part of a wild garden or in a box or container on a balcony or patio.

Rosemary

Rosemary is traditionally the herb of remembrance and is a robust evergreen. It has properties thought to improve memory which may be why Shakespeare’s Ophelia famously states “There's rosemary, that's for remembrance.” It bursts into blue flowers in the spring, which complement those of the forget-me-not if you are creating a memorial garden.

Roses

Roses make wonderful garden memorials, with a host of meaningful varieties including ‘Loving Memory’, ‘At Peace’ and ‘Never Forgotten’ specially named with loving sentiments in mind. In fact there are so many aptly named varieties and colours, you are sure to find something just right.

Yellow Tulips

The yellow tulip symbolises friendship and gratitude. A meaning which dates back to the second world war when Holland gifted hundreds of thousands of tulip bulbs to Canada as a symbol of their gratitude for their part in their liberation. This meaning makes it a lovely flower to plant in memory of a friend, sitting beautifully within a memorial garden or flower box.

Lavender

Lavender symbolises love and peace which along with it’s wonderful scent, makes it a lovely memorial plant. Lavender also attracts wildlife such as butterflies and bees which reminds us of continuing life and can be especially helpful for emotional healing. Other plants to consider to attract such wildlife are buddleia, perennial wallflower or wildflowers such as foxgloves.

Daisies

Daisies symbolise innocence and purity so they can be just the right choice if planting to remember a child or young person. They have been described as a playful flower due to their dainty stature which dances in the wind. They are also known in Norse mythology to symbolise motherhood, and are often planted to represent new beginnings, or for Mother’s Day.

Poppies

‘In Flanders Fields the poppies blow… Between the crosses, row on row’
When Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae penned these haunting words in the spring of 1915 he could never have anticipated what a powerful and inspiring symbol the red flowers he wrote of would become. The red poppy is now a symbol of both Remembrance and hope, and can add striking swathes of colour to your garden.


The plant you choose doesn’t have to be named specifically as a memorial plant, it could simply be a favourite of the person you wish to remember. There are a myriad of beautiful plants and flowers to choose from. Choose something that will bring you joy and help you heal as the days go by.

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