There’s something truly magical about blue flowers – their rarity and allure never fail to captivate me.
If you’re looking to add a touch of serenity and visual interest to your outdoor space, let me share some of my favorite blue flower species that are sure to charm your home.
Rarity and Appeal of Blue Flowers
It’s fascinating how rare true blue is in the natural world of flowers. This scarcity makes blue blooms all the more precious and appealing. I’ve learned that the challenges in accurately describing flower colors can sometimes lead to disappointment – what’s labeled as “blue” on a plant tag might actually bloom purple or lavender. But when you find a truly blue flower, it’s like discovering a hidden gem in your garden.
Benefits of Blue Flowers in the Garden
Beyond their visual appeal, I’ve noticed that blue flowers offer some wonderful benefits: They create beautiful contrast against other colors, making your entire garden pop. Their soothing hue promotes a sense of tranquility in outdoor spaces. Many blue flowers are excellent at attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
Bulbs with Blue Blooms
1. Iris Reticulata
One of my absolute favorites is the Iris Reticulata. Its intense blue flowers with yellow throats are a sight to behold in early spring. Standing about 7-8 inches tall, these little beauties are surprisingly tough – drought-resistant and deer-resistant. I’ve planted them in a spot that gets full to part sun, and they’ve thrived there year after year.
2. Scilla Siberica
For a more delicate look, Scilla Siberica is hard to beat. Their drooping, bell-shaped light blue flowers are simply charming. I’ve found them to be incredibly winter-hardy (zones 2-8) and deer-resistant. They naturalize beautifully in lawns or woodland areas, creating a dreamy blue carpet each spring.
3. Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
Chionodoxa, aptly named “Glory of the Snow,” is another early-blooming favorite of mine. These low-growing bulbs produce star-shaped flowers in shades ranging from sky to medium blue. I love how well they naturalize and pair with daffodils for a cheerful spring display.
Annual Blue Flowers
4. Evolvulus ‘Blue My Mind’
For continuous color throughout the season, Evolvulus ‘Blue My Mind’ is a winner. Its classic medium blue flowers against silvery-green leaves are a constant delight in my garden. Heat-tolerant and self-cleaning, it’s perfect for containers or as a low-maintenance ground cover.
5. Lobelia ‘Laguna Sky Blue’ and ‘Laguna Dark Blue’
I’ve had great success with these improved heat-tolerant varieties of Lobelia. Growing up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, they create a beautiful cascading effect in containers or hanging baskets. Just be mindful that they perform best where nights don’t exceed 70°F.
6. Supertunia ‘Blue Skies’
Supertunia ‘Blue Skies’ has become a staple in my summer garden. Its sky blue flowers (which can sometimes appear lavender depending on conditions) are prolific bloomers in both containers and landscapes. As a bonus, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies!
7. Cornflower (Bachelor’s Button)
For a true classic blue, you can’t go wrong with Cornflowers. I love their silver leaves and 28-36 inch tall stems, which make them excellent for cutting gardens. Direct sowing the seeds is easy, and they often self-seed for years of enjoyment.
8. Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’
The large 4-5 inch clear blue flowers of Morning Glory ‘Heavenly Blue’ are truly spectacular. This fast-growing vine quickly covers fences or trellises, reaching 8-12 feet tall. I’ve found them to be low maintenance, just be careful not to over-fertilize.
Perennial Blue Flowers
9. Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’
Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’ has become a favorite in my perennial beds. Its periwinkle blue star-shaped flowers atop dark olive green foliage create a stunning display. Growing 30 inches tall and 42 inches wide, it’s a low-maintenance, heat-tolerant addition that’s also deer resistant.
10. Brunnera ‘Jack of Diamonds’
For shady areas, Brunnera ‘Jack of Diamonds’ is a showstopper. Its large silver and green leaves are beautiful on their own, but the baby blue forget-me-not like flowers in spring take it to another level. At 16 inches tall and 32 inches wide, it’s perfect for filling in shadier spots.
11. Delphinium
Delphiniums have always held a special place in my heart. Varieties like ‘Sky Blue’, ‘Blue Butterfly’, and ‘Million Dollar Blue’ create stunning spikes of blue flowers that add vertical interest to any garden. Some newer varieties don’t require staking, which is a big plus in my book.
12. Plumbago
For late summer interest, Plumbago is hard to beat. Its electric blue flowers are a welcome sight when many other perennials are fading. I love its versatility as a ground cover and the bright red fall color is an added bonus.
Blue Flowering Shrubs
13. Caryopteris ‘Beyond Midnight’
Caryopteris ‘Beyond Midnight’ is a compact shrub that packs a punch with its medium blue flowers. Growing to about 30 inches tall and wide, it blooms from mid-summer through frost. I’ve found it to be incredibly drought tolerant and a magnet for pollinators.
14. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Chiffon’ (Rose of Sharon)
For a larger statement, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Chiffon’ is stunning. This Rose of Sharon variety can grow 8-12 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide, covered in medium blue single flowers with lacy centers. Once established, it’s both heat and drought tolerant.
15. Hydrangeas
While not all hydrangeas bloom blue, certain macrophylla and serrata varieties can produce stunning blue flowers in acidic soil. Popular varieties like ‘Nikko Blue’ and ‘Endless Summer’ offer large, showy blooms that never fail to impress.
Tips for Growing Blue Flowers
Soil and Light Requirements
Most blue flowers I’ve grown prefer full sun, though some like Brunnera and forget-me-nots tolerate part shade. Well-draining soil is important for many species to thrive.
Maintenance and Care
Regular deadheading promotes continued blooming for many blue flower species. Proper watering and fertilization, along with winter protection for less hardy species, will keep your blue beauties thriving year after year.
Combining Blue Flowers in the Garden
I love pairing blue flowers with white for a classic, crisp look. Yellow companions create a cheerful, vibrant combination. For a serene, monochromatic scheme, try different shades of blue together.
Closing Thoughts
Incorporating blue flowers into your garden design adds depth and serenity to your outdoor spaces.
These rare blooms create eye-catching focal points that elevate the entire landscape.
I encourage you to experiment with different blue flower species in your own garden.
You might be surprised at how these cool-hued beauties transform your space and bring you joy throughout the growing season.