10 Plants to Bring Love into your Garden
Plants That Symbolize Love and Passion
Love and passion have been deeply connected to nature for centuries, with various cultures attributing significant meanings to specific plants and flowers.
Whether you’re designing a romantic garden, choosing symbolic gifts, or are simply interested in the language of flowers, these 10 plants symbolize love, desire, and devotion.
1. Roses (Rosa spp.) – The Ultimate Symbol of Love
Symbolism: Love, passion, devotion, romance
Best For: Romantic gardens, bouquets, anniversaries
Roses are widely recognized as a universal symbol of love. The red rose, in particular, represents deep passion and desire, while pink roses symbolize admiration and tenderness. White roses signify pure love, which is why they are often chosen for weddings. Although yellow roses are associated with friendship today, they historically represented jealousy.
Tip: There are over 3,000 varieties of Roses. Check to make sure the type of rose you are choosing for your Garden is suited to your Hardiness Zone.
2. Tulips (Tulipa spp.) – Perfect Love
Symbolism: Unwavering love, elegance, and affection
Best For: Romantic spring gardens, fresh-cut floral displays
Tulips are a classic symbol of perfect and undying love. Red tulips express deep passion, while purple tulips symbolize royalty and admiration. The Persian legend of Farhad and Shirin ties tulips to the ultimate sacrifice of love, making them deeply meaningful in romantic contexts.
Tip: Plant tulip bulbs in Autumn for a breathtaking bloom in Spring. If you live in a warm climate, you may need to chill the bulbs in the fridge before planting as they require 12 weeks of cold weather to spur regrowth in Spring.
3. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) – Sensuality and Romance
Symbolism: Sensual love, beauty, purity
Best For: Fragrant gardens, nighttime romance
Jasmine is frequently associated with sensuality and seduction due to its intoxicating fragrance, which becomes more intense at night. It is commonly used in perfumes and essential oils to evoke feelings of romance. In Hindu culture, jasmine represents divine love and is often included in wedding ceremonies.
Tip: Grow jasmine near patios or bedroom windows to enjoy its scent at night.
4. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) – Eternal Love and Heartache
Symbolism: Passion, heartbreak, enduring love
Best For: Shade gardens, emotional symbolism in landscape design
The bleeding heart plant, with its charming heart-shaped pink and white flowers, serves as a poetic symbol of deep love, encompassing both joy and sorrow. It has been linked to tragic love stories in folklore, representing passion and longing. One such tale suggests that the plant signifies the broken heart of a lovelorn maiden, and if you examine the inner petals closely, you may notice the tears she shed.
Tip: Bleeding hearts thrive in partial shade and moist soil. Pair them with ferns for a soft, romantic woodland garden.
5. Orchids (Orchidaceae) – Exotic Love and Desire
Symbolism: Luxury, refinement, seduction, passion
Best For: Indoor romance, luxury floral arrangements
Orchids have been a symbol of rare and passionate love since ancient Greece, where they were associated with fertility and virility. Their exotic appearance makes them a representation of mystery and deep affection. Red and pink orchids are especially linked to desire and romance.
Tip: Orchids need indirect light and controlled humidity. Unlike the other plants in this list, this is best suited as a houseplant.
6. Peonies (Paeonia spp.) – Prosperous Love and Happy Marriage
Symbolism: Romance, wealth, happiness in love
Best For: Wedding bouquets, perennial flower beds
Peonies are often associated with a prosperous and happy marriage, which is why they are a popular choice for wedding bouquets. In Chinese culture, they symbolize feminine beauty and love, while in Victorian times, they were believed to bring good luck in romance.
Tip: Grow peonies in well-drained soil and full sun. They take time to establish but will eventually reward you with lush, romantic blooms year after year.
7. Lilacs (Syringa spp.) – First Love and Nostalgia
Symbolism: Innocent love, first love, nostalgia
Best For: Spring gardens, sentimental floral gifts
Lilacs bloom in early spring, symbolizing the excitement of first love. Their delicate fragrance and soft purple hues evoke youthful romance and sweet memories of past loves. Renoir placed Syringa flowers in his paintings as a symbol of femininity and grace.
Tip: Plant lilacs in full sun and prune after blooming to encourage strong growth.
8. Camellias (Camellia spp.) – Deep Desire and Adoration
Symbolism: Adoration, admiration, longing
Best For: Elegant gardens, classic love tokens
Camellias have been cherished in Asian cultures for centuries as symbols of longing and deep admiration. Red camellias represent passion, while pink ones symbolize longing for someone special.
Tip: Camellias thrive in partial shade and acidic soil.
9. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) – Devotion and Tranquil Love
Symbolism: Faithfulness, calm love, purity
Best For: Sensory gardens, relaxing romantic spaces
Lavender symbolizes deep devotion and serenity in love. It has been used for centuries in love potions and wedding decor to create a sense of peace and commitment. Its soothing scent promotes relaxation and emotional connection.
Tip: Lavender thrives in dry conditions, making it perfect for a water-efficient smart garden. Pair it with rosemary for a Mediterranean-style love garden.
10. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – Adoration and Loyalty
Symbolism: Loyalty, admiration, unwavering love
Best For: Bright, cheerful gardens, romantic summer settings
Sunflowers turn toward the sun, and this behaviour symbolises devotion and steadfast love. Their bright yellow petals represent warmth and admiration, making them a perfect gift for long-term relationships and soulmates.
Tip: Sunflowers grow well in full sun and well-drained soil.
Bringing Love into Your Garden
Creating a love-inspired garden is a wonderful way to express emotions through nature. You might consider planting fragrant jasmine near your outdoor seating area, cultivating roses for fresh-cut bouquets, or surrounding yourself with the loyalty of sunflowers. Each of these plants tells its own story of passion and devotion.
