Perennials for a grave

[alazuli]

Hello all,

I bought some perennials for my mum's grave today but I've just realised they might be self seeding. I was planning just to keep them in their containers but I'm worried now they'll end up taking over the plot. I got her Forget Me Nots, Dianthus Sunflor Vivre and Arenaria Montana Alpine.

Are they ok to leave there or will they become invasive? Should I get her something else?

Any advice much appreciated as I know NOTHING about plants!

You are fine , they are not invasive . The forget me nots might seed but you can easily pull them up .

You can't leave then in a container though, unless it's a very big one, as containers need regular watering . If you mean the little plastic pot you bought them in, they will dry out in a few days .

Sorry about your mum . Did she like plants and flowers ?

Thanks, Kr1stina. She wasn't actually that keen on flowers as she had hay fever but I thought it would be a nice way to brighten her grave. Do you have any recommendations for good plants to buy that don't need much taking care of?

My friend died when she was 21. We planted a herb garden on her grave.
Bees and butterflies and ladybirds visit, and it's still green in the wintertime.
She'd have loved it.

People plant Rosemary for rememberance. Very easy to care for

Are you allowed to plant into the soil around the grave ? Some cemeteries won't let you .

If so, small herbs are good as boojum suggests, as long as the area is dry and sunny . Or small alpines like the ones you have already, they will be ok In the ground . They won't grow too big and obscure any other memorials.

The only permanent plants I can think of that will be happy in a tiny container are succulents . But Im not an expert on this - hopefully some will come along soon :-)

Boojum - I'm sorry to hear that you lost your friend so young , what a tragedy :-(

Alazuli - Im sure your mother would have enjoyed the beauty of flowers even if she didn't like the pollen

Thanks for all the tips, everyone. A herb garden sounds like a lovely idea.

TheSolitaryBoojum - so sorry about your friend.

My Dad planted Forget Me Not on my sons grave and my MIL dug it up and put a great hoofing rose that took over. You need something that will not dwarf the site.

An Alpine garden would be fab