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Royal Wedding Bridal Bouquet: It’s Myrtle’s Moment

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MyrtleIssue 20 — Old and New

Royal Wedding Bridal Bouquet: It’s Myrtle’s Moment

May 18, 2018

Meghan Markle’s bridal bouquet likely will include an unassuming white myrtle flower clipped from a shrub which has been a member of the royal family since Queen Victoria’s reign.

At British royal weddings this steely little plant has its moment, as it’s been carried in bridal bouquets ever since Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter included a sprig of myrtle in her own bouquet in 1858.

In the cultivated plant world, Myrtus communis is what one might call a good backdrop plant. The Mediterranean evergreen with its glossy, aromatic leaves, and fluffy white flowers in midsummer, is the sort of shrub that lingers quietly in the background of a big border, always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Photograph by Cyril Nelson via Flickr.
Above: In the cultivated plant world, Myrtus communis is what one might call a good backdrop plant. The Mediterranean evergreen with its glossy, aromatic leaves, and fluffy white flowers in midsummer, is the sort of shrub that lingers quietly in the background of a big border, always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Photograph by Cyril Nelson via Flickr.

This royal tradition began when Queen Victoria was given a myrtle plant by Prince Albert’s grandmother on a visit to Germany. The couple planted it on the lower terrace of their much-loved country residence, Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, and it has thrived there ever since.

Flowers from this bush were included in the bouquets of all Victoria’s daughters: Victoria, Alice, Helena, Louise, and Beatrice (as well as Queen Elizabeth II; Diana, Princess of Wales; and the Duchess of Cambridge).

Myrtle&#8\2\17;s lofty connections go back much further. In Greek mythology the plant was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love, and adorned her attendants, the Three Graces. It was closely associated with the Roman goddess of love, Venus. Photograph by Cyril Nelson via Flickr.
Above: Myrtle’s lofty connections go back much further. In Greek mythology the plant was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love, and adorned her attendants, the Three Graces. It was closely associated with the Roman goddess of love, Venus. Photograph by Cyril Nelson via Flickr.

Myrtle’s evergreen nature meant that it often has symbolized immortality as well as everlasting love. The Greeks crowned successful playwrights and philosophers with myrtle wreaths to symbolize the eternal legacy of their work—stories that probably were not lost on Queen Victoria, who took a keen interest in the language of flowers.

Myrtus communis. Photograph by Candiru via Flickr.
Above: Myrtus communis. Photograph by Candiru via Flickr.

Chances are, this unassuming plant will once again be basking in a royal glow on Saturday when Meghan meets myrtle with royal florist Philippa Craddock’s bridal bouquet. One thing is certain: Unless Meghan breaks with royal tradition, her bouquet will not be thrown to her expectant female friends. At royal weddings the bride’s bouquet is always placed on the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, a royal tradition that dates to 1923.

For more growing tips, see Myrtle: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design in our curated guides to Shrubs 101. For more royals:

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