Día de los Muertos Flowers and What They Mean
Every fall, Los Angeles turns orange. From Boyle Heights to Hollywood Forever, altars fill with photos, candles, pan de muerto and, above all, flowers. On Día de los Muertos, flowers aren't decoration. They have a job. Their color, their scent and even the way they're laid out are meant to welcome the spirits of loved ones home for a night. Here's what each traditional flower means and how to use them on your own ofrenda.
What flowers are used for Día de los Muertos?
The main flower of Día de los Muertos is the marigold, called cempasúchil in Mexico. Its bright orange color and strong scent are believed to guide spirits to the altar. Other traditional flowers include cockscomb (celosia) for grief and love, baby's breath for children who have passed, and chrysanthemums, gladiolus and tuberose for remembrance.
| Flower | Spanish name | Role on the ofrenda |
|---|---|---|
| Marigold | Cempasúchil, flor de muerto | Guides spirits home with its color and scent |
| Cockscomb | Terciopelo, mano de león | Deep red for love, grief and the blood of life |
| Baby's breath | Nube, velo de novia | Purity; used especially for children |
| Chrysanthemum | Crisantemo | Remembrance and honor |
| Gladiolus | Gladiola | Strength of character; tall arrangements |
| Tuberose | Nardo | Fragrance that welcomes visitors |
Why marigolds? The meaning of cempasúchil
The word cempasúchil comes from the Nahuatl cempōhualxōchitl, often translated as "twenty flower" or "flower of many petals." The Aztecs grew marigolds and used them in ceremonies long before the Spanish arrived, and the tradition carried into the Día de los Muertos we know today.
Marigolds do three things on the ofrenda:
- Their color lights the way. The bright orange is said to look like the sun and to be visible to spirits making their journey back.
- Their scent calls them home. Marigolds have a strong, earthy fragrance, which is believed to help spirits find the right altar.
- Their petals mark the path. Families scatter marigold petals in a trail from the street or cemetery gate to the altar, so spirits don't get lost.
The marigold is also October's birth flower. Read more about its meaning in our post on October birth flowers: marigold and cosmos.
The other flowers of the ofrenda
Cockscomb (celosia)
Cockscomb's velvety, deep red crests are a common partner to marigolds. Its color stands for love, grief and the life of the person being remembered. Many families pair red cockscomb with orange marigolds in the same arch or garland.
Baby's breath
Small white baby's breath is used to honor children, who are traditionally remembered on November 1, Día de los Angelitos. It represents innocence and purity. You can learn more about this delicate flower in our post on gypsophila.
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, especially in white, yellow and burgundy, appear on many altars and graves. In Mexico and across much of Europe they are closely tied to remembering the dead.
Gladiolus and tuberose
Tall gladiolus add height to large altars, and tuberose adds a sweet, heavy fragrance that makes the space feel welcoming.
How to build an ofrenda with flowers
An ofrenda can be as simple as a shelf or as large as a room. Traditional altars are built in levels: often two (heaven and earth) or three (heaven, earth and the underworld), and sometimes seven. Whatever the size, flowers tie it together.
- Start with a clean base. Use a table or stacked boxes covered in a cloth. Papel picado (cut paper banners) often hangs above.
- Add photos and personal items. Place a photo of each loved one, along with things they loved: favorite foods, drinks, music or small objects.
- Frame it with marigolds. Build an arch of marigolds over the altar, or line the edges with garlands. The arch represents the doorway between the worlds.
- Add color and height. Use red cockscomb, chrysanthemums and gladiolus in vases on the higher levels. Add baby's breath for any children being honored.
- Lay the petal path. Scatter marigold petals from the doorway to the altar.
- Finish with candles, water and salt. Candles light the way, water quenches thirst after the journey, and salt purifies.
Tip for LA weather: October in Los Angeles can be hot and dry, especially when the Santa Ana winds blow. Put the altar out of direct sun, keep flowers in water until the day you set them out, and mist marigold garlands in the morning to keep them from drying out too quickly.
Where to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some of the largest and oldest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the United States. Dates change each year, so check each event's website before you go.
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery: one of the biggest celebrations in the country, with hundreds of altars, music, dance and art, usually held on a Saturday in late October.
- Olvera Street: the historic heart of LA hosts altars and nightly candlelit processions in the days leading up to November 2.
- Self Help Graphics & Art, Boyle Heights: hosting Día de los Muertos events since the early 1970s, and one of the first to bring the celebration to LA's arts community.
- Grand Park, Downtown LA: a free, family-friendly display of community altars over several days.
LA is home to many traditions of remembering the people we love. If you're interested in how flowers carry meaning across cultures, read our post on flowers in Armenian traditions and celebrations.
Ordering flowers for your ofrenda in LA
If you'd rather not source flowers yourself, we can help. Warm orange, gold and burgundy arrangements work beautifully on an altar or at a graveside:
- Autumn Radiance pairs vibrant orange roses and calla lilies with seasonal foliage and mini pumpkins.
- Amber Glow features burnt orange garden roses, burgundy alstroemeria and golden solidago.
- Spiced Sunset brings coral and orange roses together with burgundy dahlias and mums.
For a more traditional tribute, our sympathy flowers collection includes wreaths and crosses, and our guide on how to choose sympathy flowers can help you decide. Want marigolds or cockscomb specifically? Contact us by mid-October and we'll check availability with our growers. For November 1 and 2, order a few days early, since it's one of our busiest weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the traditional flower of Día de los Muertos?
The marigold, known in Mexico as cempasúchil or flor de muerto, is the traditional flower of Día de los Muertos. Its bright orange color and strong scent are believed to guide the spirits of loved ones to the family's altar.
Why are marigolds used for Day of the Dead?
Marigolds are used because their color is said to resemble the sun and light the way for spirits, and their strong scent helps spirits find their altar. Families also scatter marigold petals to create a path from the street to the ofrenda.
What flowers go on an ofrenda?
The most common ofrenda flowers are marigolds, red cockscomb (celosia), baby's breath, chrysanthemums, gladiolus and tuberose. Marigolds are used most, often in arches, garlands and petal paths.
When is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 and 2. November 1 honors children who have passed (Día de los Angelitos) and November 2 honors adults. Many families start setting up altars in late October.
Can I use fake flowers on an ofrenda?
Yes. Many families use paper or silk marigolds, especially for altars that stay up for several days. Fresh marigolds are traditional because their scent is part of the meaning, so many people combine both.
The bottom line
On Día de los Muertos, every flower on the altar is an invitation. Marigolds light the path, cockscomb carries love and grief, and baby's breath honors the littlest ones. Whether you build a large altar or a simple shelf with one photo and a vase of orange blooms, the flowers say the same thing: you are remembered, and you're welcome home.
