Some plants are just plants. But others carry meaning, the kind that doesn’t fade with the seasons. Memorial Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a moment to reflect, to remember, and to feel the weight of what was given.
We don’t always have the words. But sometimes, a garden can speak for us. A simple bloom. A quiet space. A living reminder that someone mattered — and still does.
If you’ve ever thought about planting something for someone this Memorial Day, this list is for you.
1. Poppies
There’s a reason poppies show up on lapels, gravesites, and garden beds this time of year. After World War I, fields of red poppies bloomed across Europe’s battle-scarred landscapes. That image became immortal thanks to the poem “In Flanders Fields,” and poppies have symbolized remembrance ever since — especially on Memorial Day in the US.
They’re striking but short-lived, the kind of flower that makes you pause. And sometimes, that’s all we need.
- Symbolism: Remembrance, sacrifice, resilience after loss
- Best variety: Papaver rhoeas (Flanders poppy)
- When to plant: Early spring in colder zones, or late fall in warmer ones
- What to expect: They dislike being transplanted, but often self-seed. If they like your soil, they’ll be back.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary has been tied to memory for centuries. Ancient Greeks wore sprigs behind the ear during exams to help them remember. Shakespeare wrote, “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance.” Today, it’s still a quiet but powerful way to honor someone — especially on Memorial Day.
It’s not flashy, but it holds its own. Brush against it, and the scent stays with you for hours. Just like the people we plant it for.
- Symbolism: Remembrance, fidelity, enduring love
- Best variety: Any culinary rosemary — upright types like ‘Arp’ or ‘Tuscan Blue’ work well for garden beds
- When to plant: After last frost; loves sun and well-drained soil
- What to expect: It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and smells like memory itself
3. Forget-Me-Nots
Yes, the name is on-the-nose — but that’s the point. Forget-me-nots are small, blue, and quietly persistent. They don’t shout for attention. They just keep showing up, year after year, like memory itself.
These blooms have long been used in remembrance gardens around the world. They’re especially fitting for Memorial Day if you want something gentle, personal, and a little poetic.
- Symbolism: Lasting memory, quiet loyalty, grief and grace
- Best variety: Myosotis sylvatica (wood forget-me-not)
- When to plant: Early spring or fall — they often self-seed once established
- What to expect: Easy to grow in part shade. Once they take, they’ll surprise you by popping up in new corners of the garden when you least expect it
4. Red Geraniums
Walk through any cemetery on Memorial Day, and you’ll probably see them — red geraniums lined up in neat rows, planted by someone who didn’t forget. They’re bright, bold, and unapologetically alive. There’s a reason they’ve become a staple in Memorial Day plantings across the US.
They don’t have the deep symbolism of poppies or rosemary, but they stand out. And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed — a splash of color that says, “I remember.”
- Symbolism: Honor, respect, strength
- Best variety: Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium) in classic red
- When to plant: Late spring once frost is past — they love the heat
- What to expect: Easy to care for, great in containers, and bloom all summer with a bit of deadheading
5. Dogwood Trees
Dogwoods bloom early, fade fast, and leave behind a structure that’s beautiful even when bare. That alone makes them feel like a natural fit for remembrance. In many parts of the US, they’re also planted as living memorials — especially in parks, cemeteries, or even backyards.
Their delicate flowers and graceful shape give them a quiet presence. They don’t dominate a space, but they do give it meaning.
- Symbolism: Endurance, spiritual reflection, renewal
- Best variety: Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) for white or pink spring blooms
- When to plant: Spring or fall — they prefer partial shade and rich, well-drained soil
- What to expect: Slow-growing, not flashy, but beautiful in every season — especially when you need a quiet spot to sit and remember
6. White Lilies
White lilies have long been tied to mourning and remembrance. You’ll see them at funerals, in sympathy bouquets, and in quiet corners of gardens meant for reflection. On Memorial Day, they offer something simple but powerful — purity, peace, and the kind of silence that says more than words.
If you’re looking to plant something that feels both classic and deeply meaningful, lilies won’t let you down.
- Symbolism: Mourning, purity, peace, spiritual renewal
- Best variety: Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) or ‘Casa Blanca’ for an elegant white bloom
- When to plant: Spring or fall, depending on the bulb — most need full sun and good drainage
- What to expect: Striking flowers, strong fragrance, and a timeless presence in any garden space
7. Oak Trees
Not every tribute needs to bloom. Some just need to stand. Oak trees aren’t flashy. They’re not quick. But they’re steady, strong, and built to last — which makes them one of the most powerful things you can plant in someone’s memory.
An oak doesn’t say “look at me.” It says “I’m still here.” And if that’s not fitting for Memorial Day, nothing is.
- Symbolism: Strength, endurance, legacy
- Best variety: White oak (Quercus alba) or red oak (Quercus rubra), depending on your region
- When to plant: Spring or fall — they’ll need space, sunlight, and patience
- What to expect: Slow growth at first, then a lifetime of shade and presence — a living monument in your yard
Because Some Roots Don’t Die
Gardens don’t replace people. But they give us something to tend. A space to return to. A way to mark the days when remembering feels heavier than usual — like Memorial Day.
Whether it’s a single poppy in a pot or an oak tree that’ll outlive us all, planting something in someone’s memory is a small act that keeps meaning alive. You don’t need a big space. You don’t need to explain it to anyone. You just need to care enough to plant something that lasts.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.