This is a fabulously beautiful way to honor our Blessed Mother!
Throughout the centuries, Catholics have honored the Blessed Virgin Mary not only through prayer and devotion but also through the beauty of creation itself! Flowers, in particular, have been cherished as symbols of Mary’s virtues, her joys and sorrows, and her unique role in salvation history.
You might not know it yet, but your flower garden could be a beautiful nod to Our Blessed Mother!
Each flower associated with Mary reflects a different aspect of her life and character, from her purity and humility to her maternal love and heavenly glory. They serve as gentle reminders of Mary’s closeness to God and her intercession for all her children.
Knowing the symbolism behind these flowers not only offers a great reminder to pray for Our Lady’s intercession but also is a great tool for evangelization.
The following list highlights just some of the flowers dedicated to Mary in Catholic tradition:
Rose: Mary is often called the “Mystical Rose.”
The flower is also a nod to the rosary. Different-colored roses symbolize Mary’s purity, love, and sorrow. White roses represent her joys, red her sorrows, and yellow her glories.
Lily: Lilies represent Mary’s purity and the Immaculate Conception.
Lilies are often depicted in Annunciation scenes, brought by the Angel Gabriel to Mary. This flower also represents her chaste spouse, Joseph.
Marigold: “Mary’s Gold” symbolizes her queenship!
Morning Glory: This flower is often called “Our Lady’s Mantle.”
It represents Mary as the new Eve and the dawn of Salvation.
Iris: This flower is a nod to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The blade-shaped leaves symbolize the seven swords that pierced her heart. You can find more on the sorrows of Mary here.
Columbine: Legend says that blue columbines—sometimes called “Our Lady’s slipper”—sprang up wherever Mary’s foot touched the earth!
The blue color is also a nod towards our Blessed Mother.
Lily of the Valley: A cherished legend tells us that the flower sprang up from the ground where Mary’s tears fell at the foot of the Cross during Jesus’ crucifixion.
They also represent her humility, as the flower has a low-growing pattern.
Baby’s Breath: This flower is often referred to as the veil of Mary.
The delicate flower clusters symbolize her gentle nature.
Tulip: This flower’s upward-facing cup shape (like a chalice!) represents Mary’s pure soul filled with grace.
Petunia: The petunia is known as “Our Lady’s Praises.”
This comes from the flower’s trumpet-shaped blooms, which are seen as a visual representation of joyful praise and song!
Some of the flowers listed above are perennials, which means they are planted at a certain time during the year and return for years to come! Others are annuals, which are freshly planted every season.