Coping with the loss of someone you love is enormously painful. In the days, months, and years following, you may visit the cemetery regularly to place flowers at their gravestone. This may bring you some peace. Many flowers also hold special meanings, helping you honor your loved one and what they mean to you.

Which Types of Flowers Should I Place at a Grave?

1. Peonies

These flowers symbolize compassion and honor. Placing them at gravestones is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century, when Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day.

During that time, peonies were among the few species that bloomed fully in May. They were often used to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers, and the tradition eventually carried over into the civilian world. 

2. Roses

Popularly associated with passion and romantic love, roses are also symbolic of pure love in any form.

This beautiful flower serves as a heartfelt tribute to the departed and honors the timeless bond two people share. While red is a common option for spouses, pink roses symbolize gratitude and femininity, while yellow represents close friendships.

3. Carnations

Popularly sent to grieving families, these are also suitable for graves. A pink carnation, in particular, is representative of remembrance of a person’s life, while white reflects purity, love, and innocence. Red carnations, on the other hand, represent admiration and respect for the deceased.
 

As you go about selecting a gravestone for your loved one, trust the experienced and compassionate professionals at Derrick Monument Company Inc in Le Roy, NY. Serving the community since 1915, this family-owned business creates dignified and beautiful grave markers and cemetery monuments. You can request that they incorporate flower urns into the marker so you have a place to leave flowers each time you visit your loved one. Visit their website to learn more about these services, or call (585) 768-8470 to start your memorial today.