Best Memorial Florists for Grave-Side Arrangements in Greater Philadelphia
headstone cleaning in Pennsylvania | headstone cleaning in Philadelphia Pennsylvania
I remember the first time I adopted a grave at the Washington Crossing National Cemetary. It was a chilly Thursday in November, and I’d driven an hour to place a small bouquet on the headstone of a WWII veteran named Frank. I bought the flowers from a gas station near I-95. Big mistake. By the next week, they were brown, wilted, and frankly embarrassing. The cemetery staff had to toss them. I felt awful. That’s when I started learning which florists actually get it—who knows how to make arrangements that last through rain, wind, and Pennsylvania humidity.
I’m James. I volunteer at the National Cemetery, and I’ve spent years figuring out which local florists do right by veterans and families. This isn’t a list of every flower shop in Philly. This is a short, honest list of the ones I trust to deliver something that looks good, stays put, and respects the ground it sits on. Wether you’re a regular visitor or shipping flowers from across the country, I want you to have a good experience. So here’s my guide to the best memorial florists for grave-side arrangements in Greater Philadelphia.
What to Look for in a Memorial Florist (Before You Order)
Not all florists are created equal cemetery deliveries. First thing: check if they actually deliver to the cemetery you need. Sounds obvious, but some shops only deliver to homes or hospitals. Call ahead. I always ask: 'Do you deliver to Washington Crossing National Cemetery?' or 'Do you deliver to the Beverly National Cemetery?' If they hesitate, move on.
Second: look for arrangements that are low to the ground. Tall vases and top-heavy bouquets get knocked over by wind or lawn mowers. I’ve seen a beautiful arrangement of lilies topple in a gust—it’s heartbreaking. Go for saddle arrangements, wreaths, or short round sprays that sit flat on the stone or ground.
Third: ask about durability. Good florists use flowers like carnations, mums, or preserved greenery that hold up for a week or more in wheather. Avoid anything with delicate petals like peonies or tulips unless you’re visiting the same day. And if they offer a 'weatherproof' option, take it.
My Top Picks for the Best Memorial Florists Philadelphia Has to Offer
Here’s my shortlist, based on personal experience and feedback from other volunteers.
1. Philadelphia Flower Exchange – This is my go-to. Located on Market Street, they’ve been around since the 1800s. They know cemeteries. They specialize in grave-side saddle arrangements, and they use a heavy-duty plastic base that stays put. I ordered a red-white-and-blue spray for Memorial Day—lasted 10 days, even through a thunderstorm. Delivery fee is reasonable, about $10–$15 extra depending on distance. They deliver to all major national cemeteries in the region.
2. The Boroughs of Flowers – Based in Doylestown, they’re a smaller shop but they really care. The owner, a woman named Marie, personally delivers to Washington Crossing. She uses a foam anchor system so the flowers don’t tip. She also offers a subscription service for monthly placements—perfect if you adopt a grave like I do. Prices start around $45 for a basic spray.
3. Rizik’s Flower Shop – Over in Northeast Philly, they deliver to the Philadelphia National Cemetery at Limekiln Pike. Their ‘Salute’ arrangement is a small flag-shaped design with red carnations and blue statice. Simple, clean, and it holds up. I’ve seen them last two weeks in mild weather. They also include a card with the veteran’s name—a nice touch.
4. Flowers by David – They deliver to the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (about 90 minutes west, but they do it). Their saddles are heavy-duty, and they use a waterproof adhesive to attach the arrangement to the stone. I used them for a veteran’s birthday last September—still looked fresh when I returned a week later. They’re a bit pricier, around $60–$80, but worth it for a special date.
A Few Things to Avoid When Ordering Flowers for a Grave
I’ve made plenty of mistakes, so you don’t have to. First: avoid plastic-wrapped bouquets from grocery stores or gas stations. They look okay for an hour, then they flop. Cemeteries usually remove dead flowers within a week, so you’re just wasting money.
Second: don’t order anything with a tall stake or pick that sticks up high. Lawn maintenance crews will knock it over or it’ll get caught in a mower. Stick to flat or low-profile designs.
Third: skip any arrangement that says 'fragile' or 'delicate.' The delivery process is rough—boxes get jostled, trucks bounce. If it can’t survive a 20-minute car ride, it won’t last a day outside.
And for goodness sake, don’t order flowers that need to be refrigerated. They’ll wilt in the summer heat fast. Stick to hardy blooms.
How to Care for the Headstone After the Flowers Are Placed
This is a little off-topic, but I see so many people accidentally damage stones while trying to clean around their flower arrangements. So here’s a quick tip: if you’re removing dead flowers or old debris, don’t use metal tools. Use a soft cloth or a plastic scraper. And never ever use harsh household cleaners like bleach or ammonia on marble or granite—they’ll eat away at the stone and ruin the finish.
If the stone has biological growth (moss, lichen, black streaks), the only thing I trust is D/2 Biological Solution. It’s pH-neutral and non-ionic. Spray it on, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. That’s it. No scrubbing required. You can order it online or find it at some cemetery supply stores. I always keep a bottle in my car.
Also: if you place a saddle arrangement directly on the stone, make sure the base is clean and dry first. Wet or dirty surfaces can trap moisture and cause staining. A quick wipe with a damp cloth before placing the flowers goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which florist delivers to the Washington Crossing National Cemetery reliably?
A: Philadelphia Flower Exchange and The Boroughs of Flowers both deliver there regularly. I’ve used both multiple times. Philadelphia Flower Exchange has a flat delivery fee of $12, and they’ll text you a photo of the arrangement once it’s placed. The Boroughs of Flowers charges $15 but they’ll hand-write the veteran’s name on the card. Both are solid.
Q: What’s the best type of flower arrangement for a grave that gets alot of wind?
A: Go with a saddle arrangement that has a heavy plastic or concrete base. Carnations, mums, and preserved eucalyptus are your friends. Avoid anything with tall stems or delicate petals. I’ve had good luck with the 'Salute' arrangement from Rizik’s Flower Shop—it’s low, wide, and weighted.
Q: Can I of flowers delivered to a national cemetery without being there in person?
A: Yes, most florists will deliver without you present. They usually place the arrangement on the headstone or at the base. Just make sure you give them the exact grave location (section, row, number). Some cemeteries, like Indiantown Gap, have specific drop-off procedures—call the cemetery office first to confirm.
Q: How long do grave-side flower arrangements typically last outdoors?
A: A good arrangement from a quality florist lasts 5–10 days in mild weather, maybe 3–5 days if it’s hot or rainy. The ones from Philadelphia Flower Exchange have held up for over a week in my experience. If you’re visiting only once a month, consider a preserved arrangement or a silk flower option—some florists offer those for longer display.
Q: Are there any florists near the Philadelphia National Cemetery that I can walk to?
A: Not really—the cemetery is off Limekiln Pike in a residential area. Your best bet is to order delivery from Rizik’s Flower Shop (they’re about 15 minutes away) or Philadelphia Flower Exchange (about 25 minutes). If you’re driving in, you can pick up from either shop on your way.