At one of our local parishes in Pretoria, South Africa, a beautiful collection of roses encircles the statue of Mary. Planting a flower garden is a wonderful way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and encourage care for our common home.
In the encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis writes, “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, God’s boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: Everything is a caress of God” (Laudato Si’, 84). Planting flowers that are connected to Mary reminds us of how Our Lady’s intercession can bring beauty into our lives, and is a beautiful way of feeling God’s caress in life.
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In the Bible, gardens symbolize restoration, divine presence, spiritual growth, and intimate fellowship with God. Generally, gardens are spaces that represent abundance and blessings — They can also be a place of refuge where one can get some peace of mind.
Throughout the centuries, the Catholic Church has used flowers as symbols to cherish the Blessed Virgin’s virtues, her sorrows and joys, and her extraordinary role in the salvation of humanity. These different flowers reflect various aspects of her character and life – from her humility and purity to her maternal love and heavenly glory.
The following flowers are often associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary in Catholicism:
1. Rose
In some cultures, the Blessed Virgin Mary is called “Rosa Mystica” or the “Mystical Rose.” The word ”Rosary” comes from the Latin word rosarium, which means “garland of roses” or “rose garden.” (Following the introduction of this prayer, some individuals started making beads out of roses rather than wood, glass, or pearls. Therefore, the name “Rosary.”) When one prays the Hail Mary while reciting the Rosary, they offer a rose to the Virgin Mary. The yellow rose represents her glory, the red rose represents her sorrow, and the white rose represents her joy.
2. Lily
The lily represents the Immaculate Conception and Mary’s purity. In many Annunciation scenes, the Angel Gabriel is depicted greeting Mary with a lily in his hand. The white lily also represents St. Joseph‘s role as the “most chaste” protector of the virginity of the Virgin Mary.
3. Marigold
The marigold is a symbol of the Blessed Virgin’s queenship. It is believed that the name “marigold” is a combination of “Mary” and “gold,” making reference to her and the golden aura she carries.
4. Morning Glory
The flower is also known as “Our Lady’s Mantle.” It portrays Mary as the new Eve, and because morning glory flowers blossom at dawn, they symbolize the Blessed Virgin as the dawn of salvation, which led to the birth of Christ.
5. Iris
This flower, which is also known as the “Sword Lily” symbolizes Our Lady of Sorrows. The leaves that are shaped like blades represent the seven swords that pierced the Blessed Virgin’s heart.
6. Baby’s Breath
The flower is also known as “Mary’s Veil” because its fragile, cloud-like white clusters represent the Blessed Virgin Mary’s humility, gentleness, and purity.
7. Columbine
The flower was first called “Our Lady’s Slipper,” due to a legend that it sprang up wherever Mary’s foot touched the ground on her journey to visit her cousin, Elizabeth
8. Lily of the Valley
The flower represents the Virgin Mary’s innocence, modesty, and lovely grace. The flowers, which are sometimes referred to as “Our Lady’s Tears,” are said to have grown from Mary’s tears shed at the foot of the cross, signifying her deep sorrow and purity.
9. Tulip
The tulip is a unique symbol of the Resurrection in Catholicism, as its blossoming in spring signifies new life, and its bulb a representation of the empty tomb. It is usually associated with the Virgin Mary and is also known as “Mary’s Prayer” because of its cup-shaped form, which resembles hands clasped in prayer and symbolizes her acceptance of grace.
10. Petunia
In Catholicism, the devotional name for the petunia flower is “Our Lady’s Praises.” Its trumpet-shaped blossoms are thought to symbolize joyful melody and adoration for the Virgin Mary.
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11. Hosta plantaginea
The devotional name for Hostas is “Assumption Lilies” — this is because they usually bloom during mid-August around the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which is celebrated on August 15. When the plant grows, a tall, thin, elaborate flower stem emerges from a huge bed of leaves. This is thought to symbolize Mary being carried up into heaven during her assumption.
12. Bluebells
Bluebells are associated with Mary due to their soft blue color, which is similar to the color used to represent the Blessed Virgin in traditional art. Blue represents Mary’s heavenly essence, innocence, and maternal love. Bluebells invite believers to reflect on Mary’s role as our spiritual mother and the Mother of God because of their beautiful bell-shaped blossoms, which evoke feelings of reverence and peace.
13. Forget-Me-Not
This lovely flower represents remembrance and love that never fades. The Blessed Virgin’s unwavering love and intercession for all of her children can be symbolized by the Forget-Me-Not. They remind us that Mary never forgets the people who come to her seeking maternal care in prayer.
14. Carnation
Carnations are usually used to represent motherhood and affection, which is why Mary’s role as the nurturing mother of all Christians and her maternal love for humanity is connected to the carnation. The flower comes in many colors — there’s pink for maternal love and white for purity; each color represents a particular facet of Mary’s virtues and personality.
15. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity, loyalty, and honor. Chrysanthemums signify Mary’s elevated position as Queen of Heaven. Their colorful and delicate blossoms depict Mary’s multifold nature as guide, protector, and intercessor.
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Planting and caring for a Marian garden can be a delightful and prayerful hobby that brings you closer to Our Mother and invites the presence of the Holy Spirit into your home. To make the garden even more devotional, place a statue of Mary and a bench or cozy chair to sit in while reciting the Rosary. Mother Mary, pray for us!
