The selection of mourning flowers and grave planting

In mourning floristry, the rose is often chosen as a symbol of transience and death. Red and white roses are most commonly used for funeral arrangements. Baby's breath, in its original white color, is often paired with roses.

The calla lily is particularly known for its association with death and mourning. Originally, it was only available in white and was seen as a funeral flower. Today, there are many varieties in different shades of red and yellow, which have moved the calla lily away from its "death flower" niche. However, it is still frequently used, even as an artificial flower, on graves.

The lily is also commonly used in mourning floristry, usually in white and pale pink. The orange flowers of the so-called fire lily are less often used in mourning arrangements and are more common in other bouquets.

Carnations and gerbera, while not symbolically associated with mourning, are also frequently used in recent funeral floristry. Tulips are sometimes used in the spring, although they are not typical flowers for arrangements.

Both for grave planting and to decorate coffins and urns, ivy and periwinkle are popular. There are many varieties of these plants, which look particularly beautiful when combined.

The perennial plant commonly known as "bleeding heart" is considered ideal for large graves because it leaves space for perennial planting alongside seasonal flowers.

At the open grave, flowers or small bouquets are often tossed in, with symbolic boxwood and rosemary branches being typical. In some areas, these are traditionally used as offerings for the grave. In other regions, flower heads or leaves are provided, or individual flowers that the mourners were holding during the funeral procession. Typically, these are flowers that the deceased had a special connection to.