45 Beautiful Blue Flowers For Your Garden [Top Picks]
Blue flowers are perfect for adding vibrancy to any garden. These 45 choices will create a beautiful, tranquil atmosphere in your yard.
Dec 13, 2024
Blue flowers can transform any garden into a serene and peaceful retreat. Their rare and soothing hue brings a touch of magic to landscapes. From perennials to shrubs, here are 45 stunning blue flowers that will add vibrant color to your garden.
1. Hydrangea (Hydrangea Macrophylla)
Hydrangeas are loved for their large, mophead blooms. The blue varieties depend on acidic soil, and treating the soil with aluminum sulfate helps maintain their stunning color. Hydrangeas thrive in partial sun and grow well in Zones 5-9, making them ideal for most gardens.
- Type: Shrub
- Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
2. Salvia (Salvia Hybrid)
Salvia is known for its long-lasting blue flowers. The Rockin' Playin' the Blues® variety is particularly striking, blooming all summer long. It can grow up to 4 feet tall, making it a great choice for sunny garden borders.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 7-10 (grown as an annual in colder zones)
- Bloom Time: Summer to frost
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
3. Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus)
Also known as Bachelor’s Buttons, cornflowers are a great addition to cutting gardens with their bright blue blooms. These easy-to-grow annuals thrive in full sun and bloom from early summer to fall, adding pops of color to any garden bed.
- Type: Annual
- Size: 1 to 3 feet tall
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
4. Dwarf Morning Glory (Evolvulus Hybrid)
This non-vining morning glory variety produces true-blue flowers that bloom from early summer until the first frost. Blue My Mind® is perfect as a groundcover, growing no taller than 12 inches and spreading up to 2 feet.
- Type: Perennial (grown as annual in most climates)
- Zones: 10-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to frost
- Exposure: Full sun
5. Bearded Iris (Iris Germanica)
Blue Suede Shoes Bearded Iris is known for its large, ruffled blue blooms. It flowers in spring and again later in the summer. Irises grow best in Zones 5-9 and are suited to sunny locations.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Mid-spring and late summer
- Exposure: Full sun
6. Lobelia (Lobelia Erinus)
With its trailing habit, Lobelia is perfect for containers and hanging baskets. The blue varieties such as Crystal Palace and Regatta Sky Blue add cascades of tiny blue flowers throughout the summer season.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 10-11
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
7. Gentian (Gentiana Hybrid)
Known for its brilliant royal blue blooms, gentian adds striking color to your garden from midsummer to early fall. The tubular flowers thrive in Zones 4-7, particularly when planted in partially shaded areas.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 4-7
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
8. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella Damascena)
With its ferny foliage and delicate, sky-blue flowers, Love-in-a-Mist is perfect for cottage gardens. These annuals bloom from late spring to early summer and grow up to 2 feet tall.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun
9. Blue Chiffon Rose Of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus)
This shrub offers large, lacy blooms in a beautiful blue hue. It grows best in Zones 5-9, and its heat and drought tolerance makes it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. The blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds, creating a lively garden space.
- Type: Shrub
- Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun
10. Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandifloras)
Named for its balloon-like buds that burst into star-shaped blue blooms, Balloon Flower is a perennial that adds a touch of whimsy to your garden. This hardy plant grows well in both sunny and partially shaded areas and is perfect for Zones 3-8.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
11. Birdbill Dayflower (Commelina Dianthifolia)
This unique blue flower opens at dawn and wilts by midday, resembling tiny mouse ears. Despite being considered a weed by some, Birdbill Dayflower is hardy and easy to grow. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great addition to rock gardensor containers.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
12. Azure Aster (Symphyotrichum Oolentangiense)
The Azure Aster is a North American native that blooms from late summer into early winter. Its daisy-like, sky-blue flowers are best grown in dry, sandy, or rocky soil. They thrive in sunny spots and can tolerate some shade.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early winter
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
13. Lupine (Lupinus X Hybrida)
Also known as Bluebonnet, lupine adds vibrant blue spires to your garden. These nitrogen-fixing plants are not only beautiful but help to improve soil for planting, enriching the soil with nutrients and making them an excellent choice for sustainable gardening. They grow best in full sun and thrive in Zones 4-8.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 4-8
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun
14. Borage (Borago Officinalis)
With star-shaped blue flowers, borage is a great companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes and strawberries. It’s easy to grow from seed and adds a unique pop of color from early summer to fall. Not only is it beautiful, but borage is known for its potential health benefits, making it both ornamental and functional.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
15. Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)
Though often considered a weed, Chicory produces lovely blue flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. It thrives in most soil types, particularly in sunny locations, and can withstand drought.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun
16. Clematis (Clematis)
A stunning vine with rich blue blooms, Clematis is a favorite among gardeners for its versatility and climbing habit. Its flowers add a magical touch to any trellis or fence and grow best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
- Type: Perennial vine
- Zones: 4-9
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun
17. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine offers delicate, bell-shaped blue flowers from spring to early summer. Butterflies and birds are drawn to its nectar, making it a lovely addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
18. Desert Bluebells (Phacelia Campanularia)
Native to the hot and dry regions of California, desert bluebells are perfect for adding color to drought-tolerant gardens. Their bell-shaped blue flowers bloom in early spring and require little maintenance.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 6-10
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Exposure: Full sun
19. Blue Violet (Viola Sororia)
These perennial blue flowers are known for their heart-shaped leaves and bloom from spring through summer. While often considered invasive, their ability to attract pollinators like butterflies makes them a welcome sight in many gardens.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
20. Bluecrown Passionflower (Passiflora Caerulea)
A stunning vine with mandala-like blue and white flowers, Bluecrown Passionflower can grow up to 33 feet and produces fruits that some people use in teas. However, the plant contains toxins, so caution is advised.
- Type: Vine
- Zones: 6-9
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
21. Blue Star (Amsonia Tabernaemontana)
Blue Star flowers are known for their delicate, star-shaped blue blooms that appear in late spring. This low-maintenance perennial is perfect for gardeners looking to add subtle beauty to their beds. It grows best in Zones 3-9.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
22. Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandifloras)
Balloon Flower gets its name from the balloon-like buds that burst open into star-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them a great addition to any garden.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
23. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari Armeniacum)
These tiny, bell-shaped blue flowers grow in grape-like clusters and are perfect for creating ground cover in garden beds. Grape Hyacinths bloom in early spring and are known for their sweet fragrance.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
24. Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
With its tall spikes of indigo-blue flowers, Blue False Indigo adds height and drama to any garden. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in sunny spots and requires little maintenance.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun
25. Lead Plant (Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides)
Also known as Plumbago, this low-growing perennial produces bright blue flowers from late summer through fall. Its foliage turns red before dropping, adding extra color to your garden in autumn.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun
26. Periwinkle (Catharanthus Roseus)
Periwinkle is an easy-to-grow ground cover that produces bright blue flowers from spring through fall. This hardy plant is perfect for filling in gaps between other plants or for lining garden paths.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 4-9
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
27. Scabiosa (Scabiosa Caucasica)
Also known as Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa adds a unique texture to any garden with its spiky, ball-shaped blue blooms. It blooms all summer long and attracts butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-7
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Exposure: Full sun
28. Siberian Squill (Scilla Siberica)
These early-blooming blue flowers add a splash of color to spring gardens. Siberian Squill thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows well in Zones 2-8.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 2-8
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
29. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis Sylvatica)
Forget-Me-Nots are beloved for their delicate, dainty blue flowers. They bloom profusely in the spring, covering garden beds in a carpet of blue. These flowers thrive in cool, moist areas.
- Type: Biennial/Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Exposure: Partial shade
30. African Lily (Agapanthus)
African Lilies produce striking clusters of blue, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer. These plants are perfect for containers and can add height to your garden with their tall flower spikes.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
31. Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Betonicifolia)
This rare and stunning flower is known for its striking blue petals and preference for cooler climates. Though it is one of the most expensive thingsto cultivate due to its challenging growing requirements, the result is worth the effort for its breathtaking beauty.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 5-7
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Exposure: Partial shade
32. Globe Thistle (Echinops Bannaticus)
Globe Thistles are easy to grow and offer electric blue, spherical flowers that stand out in any garden. These drought-tolerant perennials bloom from mid to late summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
33. Blue Spur Flower (Plectranthus Barbatus)
Known for its blue, spur-like flowers and vibrant green foliage, Blue Spur Flower thrives in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Its tall blossoms can grow up to 8 feet tall, making it a bold statement plant.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 9-11
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun
34. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides Non-scripta)
With their nodding, bell-shaped flowers, Bluebells create a magical carpet of blue in woodlands and gardens. They grow well in Zones 3-8 and prefer shaded or partially shaded areas.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
35. Blue Violet (Viola Sororia)
Blue Violets are small but striking blue flowers that are often used in woodland gardens. Their heart-shaped leaves and delicate blooms attract butterflies and pollinators.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
36. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella Damascena)
Love-in-a-Mist has delicate, fern-like foliage and pale blue flowers that bloom from spring to summer. These annuals are perfect for cottage gardens and naturalistic planting schemes.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 2-11
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun
37. Lupine (Lupinus X Hybrida)
Lupines offer tall spires of blue blooms that can add height and drama to any garden. As a nitrogen-fixing plant, lupines improve the soil while adding beauty to your garden beds.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 4-8
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun
38. Flax (Linum Usitatissimum)
Flax flowers have delicate blue petals that sway in the breeze. This easy-to-grow plant is not only beautiful but also useful, as its seeds are commonly used for food and health purposes.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
39. Blue Star (Amsonia Tabernaemontana)
Blue Star is a versatile perennial that produces star-shaped blue flowers in late spring. It’s a great choice for low-maintenance gardens, as it thrives in a variety of conditions.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
40. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus)
Known for their sweet fragrance, Sweet Peas offer charming blue flowers on climbing vines. They thrive in sunny spots and will bloom throughout the spring and summer.
- Type: Annual
- Zones: 7-10
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun
41. Bluecrown Passionflower (Passiflora Caerulea)
This unique blue flower has mandala-like petals and blooms throughout the summer. Bluecrown Passionflower is a vine that can grow up to 30 feet and produces eye-catching, exotic flowers.
- Type: Vine
- Zones: 6-9
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
42. Bluebeard (Caryopteris X Clandonensis)
Bluebeard offers compact, deep blue flowers late into the season. This shrub is a favorite among pollinators and blooms from midsummer through fall.
- Type: Shrub
- Zones: 5-9
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall
- Exposure: Full sun
43. Chicory (Cichorium Intybus)
Though often considered a weed, Chicory produces lovely blue flowers that bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon. It thrives in most soil types, particularly in sunny locations, and can withstand drought. It’s one of those plants with some amazing factsbehind its medicinal and culinary uses.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-9
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Exposure: Full sun
44. Clematis (Clematis Spp.)
Clematis is a versatile climbing plant that produces stunning blue blooms. These flowers are perfect for covering fences, trellises, or arches.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 4-9
- Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
- Exposure: Full sun
45. Lungwort (Pulmonaria Officinalis)
Lungwort offers clusters of blue, bell-shaped flowers and is one of the few blue perennials that thrive in shade. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for woodland gardens.
- Type: Perennial
- Zones: 3-8
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Exposure: Partial shade
Conclusion
Adding beautiful blue flowers to your garden can provide a unique and calming aesthetic. With so many varieties available, from the delicate Forget-Me-Nots to the striking Bluebeard, you have endless options to transform your garden into a blue wonderland. Whether you prefer perennials for long-lasting blooms or annuals for bursts of vibrant color, these 45 blue flowers will make your garden stand out and flourish throughout the seasons.
FAQs
What Do Blue Flowers Symbolize?
Blue flowers often represent serenity, peace, and calmness. In various cultures, they have also symbolized love, desire, and beauty.
Which Blue Flower Is The Easiest To Grow?
Many blue flowers, like Cornflowers and Balloon Flowers, are easy to grow and maintain, making them great choices for beginners.
What Is The Rarest Blue Flower?
The Himalayan Blue Poppy is considered one of the rarest blue flowers due to its challenging growing requirements and specific climate needs.
Can Blue Flowers Grow In Shade?
Yes, flowers like Lungwort and Siberian Bugloss thrive in partial to full shade, making them ideal for shaded garden areas.
Do Blue Flowers Attract Pollinators?
Many blue flowers, such as Lavender and Globe Thistle, are great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
Conclusion
Incorporating blue flowers into your garden brings a unique sense of serenity and elegance. These blooms not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also attract pollinators and create a tranquil outdoor environment. By selecting a variety of blue flowers that suit your garden's conditions and your personal preferences, you can create a captivating and harmonious landscape that stands out throughout the seasons.