The 5 best winter bloomers to leave at loved one’s graves

Violets are the most popular winter bloomers with 30.8k average monthly searches across the Netherlands.

They are frost-resistant and can bloom even during the cold months surviving in temperatures as low as -7°C to -15°C.

Their vibrant flowers can add a cheerful touch to a graveside and come in a range of colours from purple, yellow, white, blue, and multicoloured varieties.

With 21.5k average monthly searches across the Netherlands, Winter Heath is the second most popular choice for long-lasting graveside winter flowers. 

Winter Heath is perfect for harsh winters as it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C to -15°C, making it very frost-resistant and ideal for colder climates.

Winter Heath works well both as stand-alone potted plants or in grave compositions such as bouquets or wreaths. The blooms of Winter Heath are made up of small bells, opening in purples, pinks, and whites. The bright colours of heather help to add colour to arrangements during the colder months, and they have a special symbolism too: good luck, admiration, and protection.

With 20.2k average monthly searches across the Netherlands for Cyclaam, they are the third most popular winter bloomers. Hardy Cyclaam species like Cyclaam coum can withstand cold temperatures and often bloom in late winter or early spring, making them ideal for the Netherlands' colder climate. 

Their ability to flower in the winter months ensures colour when many other plants are dormant, bringing life and vibrancy to a graveside during harsh weather. The plant is often associated with deep affection, devotion, and sincere love.

The fourth most searched-for winter bloomer is Snowdrops, with 15.1k average monthly searches across the Netherlands. 

Snowdrops are one of the earliest bloomers of the year, you can plant dry bulbs throughout October and November for flowering in January or February. 

They are hardy and often push through the winter frost and snow. Their white, nodding flowers symbolise hope and peace, making them fit for a graveside.

The fifth most popular winter bloomer with 11.1k average monthly searches across the Netherlands is Mahonia. Mahonia is an evergreen winter flowering shrub, meaning it provides year-round greenery, even in winter. This constant presence symbolises endurance and everlasting life, making it a fitting tribute at a grave.

The plant's sharp, spiny leaves have traditionally symbolised protection, offering a sense of comfort at a gravesite. Its resilient and hardy nature reflects the idea of safeguarding a loved one’s memory or spirit.

While many people will leave flowers and wreaths at their loved ones’ graves over the winter period, it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to return soon after the occasion to tend to the bouquets and wreaths laid. 

Anyone who keeps flowers in their home will know that even when left in a vase, they only have a limited shelf life - even with proper care. So, what can you do to help graveside winter flowers last longer when outside? Euroflorist shares their top three expert tips: 

 

1. Put them in floral foam or a vase

If you simply lay a bouquet over your loved one’s grave, the flowers won’t last very long without a water source. Instead, you can try placing your flowers in a well-soaked floral form, or a vase that is appropriate for outside conditions. 

If you’re leaving a wreath at your loved ones’ grave, try soaking the base of the wreath in water before you lay it.
 

2. Use an anti-transpirant spray

Anti-transpirant plant sprays work to protect plants from weather conditions, helping them to retain water. 

If you’re not able to get back to your loved one’s grave over the winter period to tend to the flowers, these sprays are a great way to help the flowers and foliage last even longer.
 

3. Choose a potted plant or plant flowers around the grave  

You can choose to celebrate the life of your loved one at any point of the year, and if you can’t make it to their grave frequently, you could leave a potted plant instead. If you choose the plant carefully, this could be something low-maintenance that you only need to look after from time to time. 

Similarly, some cemeteries will allow you to plant flowers and plants on or around your loved one’s grave. This can be a wonderful way to show your year-round appreciation for them and will have a longer-lasting effect than bouquets and wreaths.