Petals of Grace: The 10 Virtues of Mary and Their Symbolic Flowers

A Montfortian Garden Guide to Mary’s 10 Virtues

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, written by St. Louis de Montfort in 1712, is considered an essential read. This book outlines a total consecration to Jesus through Mary, promising a secure and rapid path to holiness.

The writings of Montfort refer to Our Blessed Mother Mary as a central figure in God’s “garden of grace.” The use of floral metaphors in his book to describe Mary’s virtue and her role in salvation history is exquisitely phrased. By way of illustration, consider these passages from Montfort describing Mary as the “Mystical Rose,” “Flower of Mount Carmel,” “Flower of Flowers,” “Garden of Grace.”

These flower metaphors are wonderful examples to bridge the tender beauty of Mary’s virtuous character into a “Mary May Garden” where each flower planted mirrors one of the ten virtues exhibited in Montfort’s book.

Botanical symbolism is a medieval tradition where plants, flowers, and herbs represent the virtues, life mysteries and attributes of the Virgin Mary. Montfort describes Mary as the “great model of God.” Cultivating a Marian sanctuary where every flower represents one of the virtues of Our Blessed Lady may nurture spiritual growth in a peaceful space for meditation, prayer, and reflection on the virtues that help to shape our heart in humility and faith.

Virtues are the roots, but flowers are their beautiful expression. To make these virtues palpable in a “Mary May Garden”, here are the ten virtues according to Montfort which Mary resembled: Humility, Faith, Obedience, Continual Prayer, Mortification, Purity, Charity, Patience, Angelic Sweetness, and Divine Wisdom. Presented below is a guide to Mary’s flowers and the virtues they embody.

• Humility- The violet due to its low-growing nature and modest appearance represents Mary’s humble stance before God. The violet prefers the shade, avoiding all attention symbolizing true worth is quiet and modest.

• Faith – The Sunflower is considered symbolic of unwavering faith. The natural behavior of the sunflower is heliotropism meaning the flower turns towards the sun. This mirrors Mary’s unwavering focus on her Son, Jesus Christ, reminding Christians to fix their gaze upon God.

• Obedience – The Iris is referred to Mary’s Sword of Sorrow. The sharp blade-leaves symbolize the prophecy of Simeon, “a sword would pierce the heart of the Virgin Mary.” Mary accepted these sorrows in “blind obedience” to God’s plan, despite not knowing the full extent of the suffering it would bring.

• Continual Prayer – The Petunia symbolizes “Our Lady’s Praises.” This beautiful flower is like a constant prayer, blooming in a myriad of vibrant colors from spring until the early frost of autumn. It is likened to a “garden workhorse,” due to its tenacious blooming capacity, echoing the resilience of an unceasing heartfelt prayer.

• Mortification – The red rose is symbolic of Mary’s redemptive sacrifice, penance, and mortification. The spiritual paradox of the red rose is rich; a beautiful, fragrant flower derived from a stem of sharp thorns, representing the interior sweetness of voluntary suffering which transforms the soul to detach from worldly pleasures.

• Purity – A picture is worth a thousand words. Leonardo da Vinci’s painting Annunciation depicts Archangel Gabriel presenting a white lily to Our Lady. Symbolically the brilliant white color of the lily represents Mary’s purity, while the golden anthers embody the glory and beauty of her soul.

• Charity – Ancient art depicts Our Lady with blue eyes, the flower forget-me-nots are often referred to as the “Eyes of Mary.” From infancy to the Cross Mary’s gaze was upon Jesus. This flower symbolizes Mary’s loyalty and faithful love to God as she is the model of perfect devotion.

• Patience – Legend holds that the flower marigolds were placed around statues honoring the Virgin Mary during early Christian celebrations. This flower is referred to as “Mary’s Gold,” symbolizing her patience which was tested through the profound grief suffered.

• Angelic Sweetness – The morning glory is a beautiful flower that’s daily lifecycle mirrors the angelic sweetness of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The blue variety is particularly connected to her traditional garment color and has been often referred to as “Our Lady’s Mantle.” This flower opens in the morning and closes throughout the day, symbolizing the brevity of life, death, and eternity and is a reminder to turn to Mary for safety, refuge, and tender care.

• Divine Wisdom – The daisy is referred to as the “Virgin Star,” representing Mary’s purity, innocence and faithfulness as she was chosen to be the human throne to carry Jesus in her womb, giving her the title Mary Seat of Wisdom. The daisy is considered a humble wildflower, with its white pedals and glowing yellow center, it transforms gardens from the ordinary into the extraordinary. In essence, the daisy is a reminder to grow where you are planted.

Planting a “Mary May Garden,” fosters a deep connection with Our Lady, providing a tangible floral catechism for the faithful where each flower is a living mosaic telling a story of her virtue, offering a tangible glimpse of heavenly grace. May your gardening bring peace, beauty, and joy as you journey with Christ – Happy Gardening!

Article references:

A Catholic Gardeners Spiritual Almanac by Margaret Rose Realy. p 103-110

A Garden Catechism: 100 Plants in Christian Tradition and How to Grow Them by Margaret Rose Realy

Allison (Blog Market Community Press and Media) Married & a House. Ten Flowers for Your Mary Garden. Accessed April 23, 2024. https://www.marriedandahouse.com/theblog/10-flowers-for-your-mary-garden

Perkins, Caroline. “The 10 Flowers Dedicated to Our Lady & What Each One Means” EWTN Great Britain – Accessed May 22, 2025. https://ewtn.co.uk/chpop-the-10-flowers-dedicated-to-our-lady-what-each-one-means

De Montfort, Saint Louis- Marie. “True Devotion to Mary: With Preparation for Total Consecration.” Translated by Fredrick William Faber, Tan Books 2010.

Ferris, Paul. St. Hildegard’s Garden: Recipes and Remedies for Healing Body and Soul. Sophia Institute Press 2024