in 3x19 the flowers joe's putting on iris' grave look to be irises, black-eyed susans, and at least one yellow tulip-
why he would choose iris flowers for the daughter named iris is no mystery, of course, but to delve into a deeper meaning behind these flower choices (as well as iris' name).
iris flowers symbolize communication, transition, royalty, faith, and purity. the flower itself is named after the greek goddess of the rainbow; iris herself. the goddess was a messenger between gods and humans, serving the other gods in this way, akin to how angels are mythologized in christianity. iris flowers were placed on women's gravestones specifically to call to the goddess iris, to guide the woman safe passage to the afterlife. iris flowers are thought to be healing plants, and are traditionally used to purify waters and ward off evil. iris comes in all shades, but the ones here are actually iris' color, purple; which itself symbolizes calmness, awareness, intuition, and power.
black-eyed susans symbolize adaptability, truth, fairness, integrity, and healing. they were traditionally used to express support during hard times. the flowers are actually named after an old english ballad, a love poem; "though battle call me from thy arms / let not my pretty susan mourn / though cannons roar, yet safe from harms / william shall to his dear return. / love turns aside the balls that round me fly / lest precious tears should drop from susan's eye." calling susan "black-eyed" is theorized to mean crying from this line. the ballad gives me such "i'll always come running home to you," "you're my lightning rod" vibes. but also, considering iris was slaughtered by a version of the love of her life... eye injuries make up almost half of the most common injuries accrued in domestic violence. black-eyed susans are, for the most part, yellow; yellow symbolizes caution, deceit, happiness, curiosity, energy, positivity, memory, and problem-solving.
tulips symbolize devotion, grace, elegance, spring, and renewal. they were traditionally used to express paradise, perfection, a connection to divinity, even martyrdom, and true love, especially in poetry. "some day countless red tulips, red tulips flames shall sprout from my grave. do not be amazed at this wonder, rather, splendid one, consider, consider, the mighty glow, a glow of love devoted to you, which once burned so much in life, that in death it still glows." - hafiz. yellow tulips, though, like joe's, are more so associated with hope than any other shade of tulip.
irises, black-eyed susans, and tulips are each considered wildflowers, too. which means they all have some symbolism related to resilience, were eaten by foragers, used as medicine... and were very popular for bridal bouquets.
all this to say: absolutely perfect flower choices to represent iris west </3
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