Adding plants to a grave is very personal way we can remember our loved ones. Smaller spaces such as grave plots can often seem to be more difficult however there are quite a few plants that fit the bill. In this article I have 10 great looking, low maintenance, well behaved plants and some bulbs and all of which are suitable for a grave plot.

For some plants I have suggested a particular variety (for example Salvia ‘Blue Queen’) primarily because they have a more compact form however if you are having difficulty getting them, there will usually be a similar alternative.  For others plants most varieties will be fine just be sure to check the height and spread before committing.

Heuchera (Various)

The wide variety of striking colours, low maintenance and compact form make this usually evergreen plant an excellent choice for a grave plot. It can either be part of a simple planting scheme or with, other contrasting varieties, a quick way to soften the base of a headstone whilst looking good pretty much all year. 

Salvia ‘Blue Queen’

This dwarf and compact Salvia is a super choice for a small area such as a grave plot.  Bears dense spikes of small, rich blue flowers with dark purple bracts held above tidy rosettes of leaves.

Bellis Perennis ‘Bellissima’

Masses of pink, scarlet and white, small pom-pom like flowers appear in autumn and again in spring. Both hardy and evergreen they will tolerate partial shade but does best in full sun.

Ajuga reptans

Primarily grown for its evergreen foliage and groundcover habit, this low maintenance plant offers plenty of different leaf (darker greens to variegated) and flower colours (blues, purples and whites).

Lavender ‘Little Lady’

This dwarf lavender has all the features of the perennial favourite variety ‘Hidcote’ but in a more compact form. A good choice for smaller spaces such as grave plots and its fragrant violet flowers are a magnet for pollinators.

Camomile (Roman)

With its feathery, fragrant leaves and white, daisy-type flowers, camomile is a pollinator magnet.  Flowers throughout summer and well into autumn and it is both a good plant for ground cover or to act as the backing singers for taller folk.

Hellebores (Various)

Hellebores with their long flowering period, many variations in colours and easy-going approach to life make these a good choice for a grave plot. The flowers tend to hang down (for protection from the winter elements) but they always make to a wonderful display to start a new year.

Pulmonaria (Various)

This low growing semi-evergreen with its spotted leaves and clusters of flowers which present themselves on taller stems make them a solid worker on a grave plot. White, pink and blue flowers abound

Creeping Thyme (Various)

A cushion-forming plant with tiny, evergreen, aromatic leaves and masses of tiny flowers borne in summer that are a magnet for bees. Flower colours include pink, red, purple, as well as white, while leaves range in colour from grey-green, dark green, and variegated with yellow or silver.

Viola tricolor

Also known as Heartsease the flowers typically have dark purple upper petals, pale purple or pale-yellow middle petals and a dark yellow lower petal, with dark streaks.

Miniature Daffodils (Various)

Miniature daffodils planted on mass bring joy to any space, and particularly a grave plot, and herald the start of spring.  Tete-a-tete is the most well-known however others including Minnow, Sundisc and Pueblo offer something different from the colours to the shape of the flowerhead and so are worth exploring.

Greigii Tulip (Various)

Greigii Tulips are relatively low growing with blooms that have stand out colours and mottled or striped foliage.  The compact form also ensures that blooms remain upright and intact when coping with rainy or windy conditions. Red Riding Hood is noted as a variety that is very reliable for coming back each year

Crocus (tommasinianus)

Whilst the lazy daffodils are still sleeping these Crocuses are up and about. A good choice for naturalising a grave plot as they will self-seed readily to produce a no maintenance spectacular annual display.

Snowdrop ‘Woronowii’

Also known as the Broad Leaf Snowdrop, Galanthus Woronowii is a giant (for a snowdrop) with white flowers with green markings. It’s beautiful nodding honey scented flower heads appear as early as January.