The 5 best graveside flowers for winter

The most searched-for winter flower is Schneeglöckchen, with 104.1k average monthly searches across Germany. Schneeglöckche is 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.

Christrose is the second most searched-for winter flower with 100k average monthly searches across Germany. 

They bloom from late autumn through winter and come in a variety of colours like white, pink or ruby. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C to -20°C, and their sturdy flowers with evergreen foliage are a bonus, making them well-suited for winter climates. 

Christrose holds historical and symbolic connections to remembrance, peace, and protection. Its resilience and ability to bloom during the coldest months make it a symbol of eternal life, hope, and love that endures beyond death, making it especially suitable for a grave setting.

Stiefmütterchen are the third most popular winter flowers with 77.7k average monthly searches across Germany. 

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.

Alpenveilchen is a charming tuberous perennial that brings colour when few other plants are in bloom, especially in late winter or early spring. With 65k average monthly searches across Germany, Alpenveilchen is the fourth most popular winter flower. 

Hardy Alpenveilchen species and varieties are perfect for naturalising beneath trees, on slopes, or in shaded borders. They pair beautifully with other early-flowering woodland plants like snowdrops, winter aconites, and primroses.

The fifth most popular winter plant is Winterling, with 59.1k average monthly searches across Germany. Winterling is among the first flowers to bloom in late winter, often pushing through the snow. 

Their bright yellow flowers provide a cheerful splash of colour when many other plants are still dormant, symbolising hope and renewal.

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:

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.

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.

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.