From hardy perennials to towering trees or windowsill pot displays, plants bring us so much joy, but did you know many species carry meaning and symbolism in cultures around the globe?
As International Women's Day is upon us, we decided to ask plant experts about their favorite plants that symbolize empowerment, strength and unity, as well as those with healing properties.
Among them are some of the best indoor plants as well as some of the most loved garden perennials out there. Here are our top seven plants that represent strength, to give a purposeful boost to your yard.
1. Roses
Roses have been a symbolic flower for centuries, showcasing femininity, grace, and resilience. The contrast between a rose's delicate petals and hardy stem of thorns is the perfect embodiment of empowerment: beauty with boundaries.
Alexandra Moreno, landscape designer and tropical plant expert at Iguana Palms, says, 'A rose's strength lies not just in its undeniable beauty, but in everything it represents. Its tall, thorny stem represents strength and boundaries, reminding us that true beauty begins with self-respect and love. Only when these boundaries are honored does the rose fully bloom - a perfect reflection of the modern woman, who stands firm in her values yet radiates love and grace in perfect balance.'
With so many types of roses out there, from freshly cut bunches to bushes and ground cover roses, there's bound to be a variety that matches up with your USDA plant hardiness zone.
This gorgeous variety of rose plant mixes together subtle shades all in one.
This lemon rose bush comes in a pack of three so you can grow one large bush or multiple smaller ones around your yard.
2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Symbolizing peace, purity and quiet resilience through their coloration and willingness to adapt to their surrounding climate, peace lilies are a common houseplant loved for their dainty, singular vertical petals with a stunning silhouette.
'The plant’s upright bloom serves as a reminder of the inner light that every woman carries - a light that shines to bring love, peace and beauty to the world,' says Alexandra.
If you're seeking to inject tranquillity, prosperity and positivity into your home, consider adding a peace lily or two to your plant collection. They also make great gifts, bringing positive, restful energy into the lives of others.
Peace lilies such as this one are NASA-approved as one of the top 5 plants at removing harmful toxins from the air.
3. Comfrey (Symphytum)
Comfrey is a flowering shrub native to northern temperate regions of Asia and North America, known for its medicinal properties.
Jodi Danyo, founder and CEO of Cherry Valley Organics, says, 'In ancient Greece and Rome, comfrey was used to treat soldiers' wounds, including to heal open wounds, broken bones, and tissue damage, making it a symbol of resilience and rebuilding. The name "comfrey" also comes from the Latin conficere, meaning "to bring together" or "to heal", representing its ability to restore and make whole.'
Regrowing and reblooming multiple times a year with fresh florals, as well as acting as a natural fertilizer to boost your plant collection's well-being, comfrey truly is a symbol of unity and continuous rebirth.
4. Sacred (Holy) Basil
Sacred basil, otherwise known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or 'tulsi', is an unusual herb regarded as a holy plant believed to boost a person's immune system, reduce stress, and to cultivate an environment of spiritual power.
'Considered the earthly manifestation of the Goddess Lakshmi, tulsi is revered as a symbol of spiritual fortitude, devotion, purity and divine protection,' says Jodi.
Sacred basil is usually kept in a pot inside of a person's home to fend off negativity and illness, promoting strength both mentally and physically.
5. Snake plant
If only one plant could be chosen to represent all that is powerful and capable of perseverance, it would be a snake plant. Snake plants, or Sansevieria, are a hardy plant that can survive most indoor and outdoor conditions but what they're usually loved for is their visual.
Nicolas Bartoli of Léon & George, says, 'The upright, sword-like leaves of a snake plant are a great symbol for perseverance and inner strength.'
Combine this heroic silhouette with the fact that snake plants are a natural air purifier, releasing oxygen at night, and you have the perfect combination of a strong warrior and a healer.
If you're new to keeping greenery in your home, snake plants are a great, low-maintenance place to start.
Available in three different sizes, perfect for the corner of an office, living room or patio.
A beautiful variety of snake plant with leaves that appear almost frosted in the light.
6. Cast Iron plant
As the name indicates, cast iron plants are pretty hardy. In fact, some would even go as far as to say they are practically indestructible. Being incredibly low-maintenance and able to grow in practically all conditions (minus areas with extreme rain), your cast iron plant will be the epitome of endurance and silent strength.
'Cast iron plants do incredibly well with minimal care and little light, never losing their deep green beauty,' says Nicolas. No matter what the world throws their way they continue to thrive, indoors or outdoors.
7. Orchids
Orchids are a tropical variety of flower, naturally found trailing from trees and cliffs in the wild. These ribbons of cascading flowers may at first appear to be dainty and delicate but they are actually incredibly strong, able to withstand all kinds of weather and terrains, as well as being brought indoors.
'Orchids are simply amazing,' says Alexandra. 'They require minimal care, aid in air and water purification, improve soil qualities (if terrestrial), and serve as pollinators for the ecosystem.'
They're an all-round impactful flower in this world, coming in a diverse assortment of colors and forms, and making the world more beautiful along the way.
If you're looking to grow your collection of uplifting plants, there are many more candidates out there suitable for indoors or outdoors. For instance, these 7 plants are the best for mental health and these 7 medicinal plants can support mental and physical well-being.
