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

With 22.1k average monthly searches across Sweden, Ljung is a popular choice for long-lasting graveside arrangements. Ljung 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.

Ljung works well both as stand-alone potted plants or in grave compositions such as bouquets or wreaths. The blooms of Ljung 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. Heather is said to symbolise good luck, admiration, and protection.

Penséer are the second most popular winter flowers with 8.1k average monthly searches across Sweden. 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.

 

The third most searched-for winter flower is Snödroppar, with 4.4k average monthly searches across Sweden. Snödroppar 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.

 

With 3.6k average monthly searches across Sweden for Cyklamen, they are the fourth most popular winter flowers. Hardy Cyklamen species like Cyklamen coum can withstand cold temperatures and often bloom in late winter or early spring, making them ideal for Sweden's 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, making it the perfect choice to commemorate lost loved ones.

 

The fifth most popular winter flower with 2.9k average monthly searches across Sweden is Vintergröna. While not a true winter bloomer, vintergröna can have scattered blooms in mild winter conditions and provides evergreen foliage. 

With its calming colours—soft blue, purple, and white—Vintergröna often represents peace and serenity.

 

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 två 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. 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.