9 Stunning Blue Perennial Flowers For Your Garden

There’s nothing quite like a beautiful garden to brighten up your outdoor space and bring a touch of natural beauty to your home. And if you’re looking for a way to add a pop of color to your backyard, blue perennial flowers can be an excellent choice.

9 Stunning Blue Perennial Flowers for Your Garden

From delicate pale blues to bold deep hues, there are plenty of stunning blue flowers to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore 9 of the most beautiful blue perennial flowers that you can add to your garden for a serene and soothing touch.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, these flowers are sure to bring joy and beauty to your backyard for years to come.

Why Should You Plant Flowers In Your Garden?

There are many reasons why you should consider planting flowers in your garden, whether it’s a small patch of land or a large backyard. Here are some of the benefits:

  • Beauty: Flowers are a great way to add beauty and color to your outdoor space. They can brighten up your garden, add visual interest, and create a sense of tranquility.
  • Pollinators: Flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden, which can help with plant reproduction and improve the overall health of your garden ecosystem.
  • Aromatherapy: Many flowers have a sweet scent that can fill the air with a pleasant aroma, creating a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
  • Health benefits: Some flowers have medicinal properties and can be used in herbal remedies. Additionally, spending time in nature and gardening has been shown to have mental and physical health benefits.
  • Educational: Planting flowers can be a fun and educational activity for children and adults alike. You can learn about different types of flowers, their life cycles, and how to care for them.

Overall, planting flowers in your garden can provide a range of benefits and enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your outdoor space.

What Are Perennials?

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, unlike annuals that complete their life cycle within one year. Perennials typically die back to the ground in the winter and then reemerge in the spring from the same root system.

They can produce flowers and foliage year after year, making them a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a lasting and sustainable garden.

Perennials come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be used in many different types of gardens, including borders, rock gardens, and container gardens. Some examples of popular perennial flowers include peonies, hostas, and daylilies.

How To Plant Perennials?

Planting perennials is a relatively simple process that can be broken down into a few basic steps:

  1. Select the right location: Perennials require different amounts of sunlight, water, and soil types, so choose a spot in your garden that meets the needs of the specific plant you are planting. Most perennials require well-draining soil, and some may need partial shade.
  2. Get the soil ready: Loosen the soil in the planting area with a shovel or garden fork and remove any weeds or debris. If the soil is clay-like or heavy, mix in some compost or other organic matter to increase drainage.
  3. Dig the planting hole: Create a hole that is a bit wider and deeper than the root of your plant. Be careful not to plant too deeply – the top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface.
  4. Plant the perennial: Put the plant inside the hole and fill with soil, pressing to eliminate any pockets of air. Make sure to water thoroughly.
  5. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to the bottom of the plant to keep it moist and prevent weeds.
  6. Care: Water your plant regularly, especially during the first few weeks while it is getting established.

Once established, many perennials require less water than annuals. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming, and fertilize as needed according to the specific requirements of the plant.

By following these basic steps, you can successfully plant perennials and enjoy their beauty and benefits year after year.

Caring For Perennials

Here are some tips for caring for perennials:

  • Watering: Perennials require regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Water deeply once a week, rather than lightly more frequently, to encourage deep root growth. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases. Water the plant at the bottom instead.
  • Mulching: Adding some organic mulch, like bark or shredded leaves, can help keep in moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds. Apply a 2-3 inch layer around the bottom of the plant, taking care not to bury the stem.
  • Deadheading: Removing spent flowers regularly can encourage continued blooming and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. Cut off the flower stem just above a healthy leaf.
  • Fertilizing: Perennials generally do not require heavy fertilization, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote growth and flowering. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label.
  • Pruning: Many perennials benefit from a light pruning in early spring to remove dead or damaged foliage and promote new growth. Cut back the plant to just above a healthy set of leaves.
  • Division: Over time, some perennials may become overcrowded and require division to maintain their vigor and flowering.

Dividing a plant involves digging up the entire clump, dividing it into smaller sections, and replanting them. This is typically done in early spring or fall, depending on the plant.

If you follow these tips and pay attention to the specific requirements of your perennials, you can help ensure that they thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Why Choose Blue Perennials?

Blue perennials are a popular choice among gardeners for several reasons:

  • Calming and Soothing: The color blue is often associated with calmness and serenity, making blue perennials an ideal choice for creating a peaceful and relaxing garden environment.
  • Versatility: Blue perennials come in a wide range of shades, from pale sky blue to deep navy, and can be used in a variety of garden styles, from formal to cottage gardens.
  • Eye-catching: The color blue stands out in the garden and can be used to create a focal point or draw the eye to specific areas of the garden.
  • Complementary: Blue perennials can complement other colors in the garden, such as pink, yellow, and white, and can help create a cohesive and harmonious color scheme.
  • Pollinators: Many blue perennials, such as salvia and agapanthus, are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help promote a healthy garden ecosystem.

9 Blue Perennials For Your Garden

If you’re looking to add a pop of cool, calming blue to your garden, look no further than these 9 beautiful blue perennial flowers. From delicate pastel shades to bold, eye-catching blooms, these perennials offer a range of colors and textures to suit any garden style.

Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing oasis or add a striking accent to your landscape, these blue perennials are sure to impress. So, without further ado, let’s explore our top picks for blue perennials to plant in your garden.

1. Hyacinth

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a popular spring-blooming bulbous plant that is native to the eastern Mediterranean. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is grown for its fragrant, colorful flowers that bloom in dense clusters on upright stems.

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in the fall, typically from September to November, in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure.

They require a period of cold dormancy in order to bloom and are often forced indoors during the winter months for early spring flowering.

Hyacinth flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and blue, with many shades and variations within each color group. They are known for their strong, sweet fragrance and are often used in perfumes and potpourri.

The bulbs contain a substance called scilliroside, which has diuretic and emetic properties and has been used to treat edema, coughs, and other respiratory conditions.

While hyacinths are relatively easy to grow and care for, they can be susceptible to bulb rot and other fungal diseases. It is important to plant them in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering or planting in areas with poor drainage.

Hyacinths are a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden or indoor space, and their colorful blooms and sweet scent are sure to brighten up your springtime.

2. Larkspur

Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a popular garden plant known for its showy spikes of vibrant blue, purple, pink, and white flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer.

Larkspur is an annual or biennial plant that is typically grown from seed. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade exposure. It grows up to 3-4 feet in height and has deeply lobed, palmate leaves.

The flowers come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white, with some cultivars having bi-colored or multi-colored blooms.

The flowers are produced on tall spikes that can reach up to 6 feet in height, making them an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to a garden.

Larkspur has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and pain relief. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

It is relatively easy to grow and care for, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases and pests like aphids and spider mites. It is important to provide adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Larkspur is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add vibrant color and vertical interest to any garden. Its easy-to-grow nature and wide range of colors make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

3. Clematis

Clematis is a genus of flowering vines and shrubs that belong to the Ranunculaceae family. They are native to various regions around the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.

Clematis plants are highly valued for their showy and diverse blooms, which range in color from white and pink to red, purple, and blue. The genus contains over 300 species, including both evergreen and deciduous varieties.

These plants can grow up to 30 feet in length, with the vines twining around supports or climbing up trellises, walls, or fences. They typically prefer well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure, and their hardiness depends on the species and cultivar.

Clematis blooms in late spring or early summer, with some varieties blooming again in the fall. The flowers come in a range of shapes, including bell-shaped, star-shaped, and saucer-shaped, and they can be single or double-flowered.

Some cultivars have fragrant flowers, while others have showy seed heads that add interest to the garden even after the blooms have faded.

Clematis is relatively easy to grow and care for, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases like clematis wilt and pests like aphids and spider mites.

It is important to provide the plant with adequate support and regular pruning to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. Clematis is a diverse and beautiful plant that can add vibrant color to any garden.

Its diverse blooms, long bloom time, and climbing habit make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

4. Iris

Iris is a genus of beautiful and unique perennial plants that belong to the Iridaceae family. They are characterized by their distinctive flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, including blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white.

Iris blooms have an unusual shape, with three large, upright petals and three smaller, downward-curved petals that form a striking contrast. The plants grow from rhizomes, which are fleshy, underground stems that store food and water.

They prefer well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure, and they are relatively easy to grow and care for. In addition to their ornamental value, Iris plants have a long history of use in traditional medicine.

Some species have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin infections, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Iris is also a popular subject in art and literature, with its unique and striking blooms inspiring countless works of poetry, painting, and other forms of artistic expression.

5. Colorado Blue Columbine

Colorado Blue Columbine, scientifically known as Aquilegia caerulea, is an exceptional and captivating perennial plant that is indigenous to the western regions of North America.

Its unique and striking bell-shaped flowers come in a spectrum of blue hues, ranging from a pale sky blue to a deep, velvety indigo, with contrasting white or yellow centers that draw attention to their intricate details.

Colorado Blue Columbine boasts delicate, fern-like leaves that provide an excellent backdrop to the enchanting blooms, lending a graceful charm to its appearance. Growing up to 1 to 2 feet tall, this plant thrives in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade exposure.

Colorado Blue Columbine has a rich and diverse history, with indigenous tribes using the plant for medicinal purposes and its status as the official state flower of Colorado. 

This plant also attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, making it an essential part of any pollinator garden.

In addition to its cultural and ecological significance, Colorado Blue Columbine is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant that will add a splash of color and charm to any landscape. 

Its unique and captivating blooms, combined with its ease of cultivation, make it a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

6. Wild Blue Phlox

Wild Blue Phlox, also known as Phlox divaricata, is a stunningly beautiful perennial plant that is native to eastern North America.

This plant is recognized for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that grow in dense clusters of vibrant blue hues, giving a wild and natural look to any garden.

The plant’s unique and attractive blooms typically appear in early spring and last for several weeks, providing an early season feast for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

Wild Blue Phlox prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and thrives in well-draining, moist soil.

The plant is known for its hardiness, ease of growth, and tolerance to cold weather, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance addition to their gardens. 

Wild Blue Phlox also has a long history of medicinal use, with indigenous people using it to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs and colds.

As well as its decorative and medicinal value, Wild Blue Phlox is also an important component of many ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a range of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Wild Blue Phlox is a captivating and versatile plant that adds beauty and interest to any garden. 

Its attractive blooms, ease of growth, and ecological significance make it an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of natural charm to their outdoor space.

7. Himalayan Blue Poppy

Himalayan Blue Poppy, also known as Meconopsis betonicifolia, is a captivating and rare perennial plant that is native to the Himalayan region of Central Asia. 

Its unique and exquisite blooms are breathtaking, featuring large, saucer-shaped flowers that range in color from soft sky blue to a deep, rich shade of blue-purple, with contrasting yellow stamens that add to their visual appeal.

Himalayan Blue Poppy requires specific growing conditions to thrive, such as moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to protect it from intense sunlight. 

These conditions can make it a challenging plant to grow, but its stunning appearance and rarity make it a highly sought-after addition to any garden.

Himalayan Blue Poppy has medicinal properties, with its roots being used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory issues and digestive problems.

It is also significant in folklore and mythology, with its delicate blooms symbolizing grace, beauty, and transience. Its fragility and fleeting nature make it a symbol of the impermanence of life.

8. Lupine

Lupine is a colorful and strikingly beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. 

This hardy perennial plant is found in a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to meadows and prairies, and is known for its showy spikes of pea-like flowers that bloom in an array of vivid colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, yellow, and white.

Lupine has a unique and attractive foliage that is characterized by palmate leaves that are arranged in a whorl-like pattern on the stem. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and prefers full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and moderate moisture.

Lupine is an important plant for pollinators, as its flowers attract a variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant also has a rich cultural history, with indigenous people using it for medicinal and culinary purposes, and it is the state flower of Texas.

Its striking flowers, unique foliage, and ecological significance make it a valuable addition to any collection of flowering perennials.

9. Pansy

Pansies are delightful and popular annual or biennial plants that are native to Europe and western Asia. 

They are known for their charming, delicate blooms that come in a wide range of colors, including shades of purple, blue, pink, red, yellow, white, and orange, often with contrasting marks and patterns on the petals.

Pansies are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade and a range of soil types. They are perfect for adding pops of color to garden beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

The flowers are edible and can be used to decorate cakes, salads, and other dishes, while the plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory and digestive problems. 

They are often planted in the fall to provide early spring blooms, making them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color to their outdoor spaces during the cooler months.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating blue perennials into your garden is a great way to add a pop of color and interest to your outdoor space.

From the delicate blooms of the Himalayan Blue Poppy to the striking spikes of Wild Blue Phlox, these nine perennial plants offer a variety of unique features and benefits.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these blue perennials are sure to make a beautiful addition to your backyard.

Diane Peirce
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