Have you ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to the calming presence of blue? It’s not just a coincidence – blue is a primary color that has a profound impact on our emotions and surroundings. Its soothing quality makes it synonymous with serenity, wisdom, and tranquility, which are reflected in the endless expanse of the sky and ocean. In fact, incorporating blue flowers into your garden can create an elegant focal point and imbue your outdoor space with these positive feelings.
But did you know that true blue blooms are actually a result of plant pigments reflecting light in a unique way? This fascinating fact only adds to their allure. While they may be rare, there are still many options for growing your own serene blossoms. Since they require special care and gentle treatment, it’s best to cultivate them in containers where they can thrive.
Aster
While Aster is often associated with the warmth of summer, its ideal conditions don’t necessarily require sweltering temperatures. In fact, this charming flower can also thrive in a more subdued shade of blue. Depending on the specific variety, Asters can grow anywhere from compact to quite tall. One of the most notable features of Asters is their vibrant blooms, which typically burst forth during the summer and fall months.
Balloon Flower
A gem for cold climates, Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly referred to as Balloon flower, boasts an unique characteristic – its unopened buds resemble balloons. As these buds unfurl, they transform into vibrant stars. With a range of colors including pink, white, and blue, this versatile perennial can thrive both in the ground and in containers.
To ensure optimal growth, it’s crucial to provide the Balloon flower with partial sunlight during the morning hours and shade during the warmer afternoons, allowing it to conserve energy.
Bellflower
Campanula’s charm lies in its delicate, bell-shaped blooms that cluster together to form a compact tuft. This captivating flower comes in a range of hues, including soft pink, gentle violet, pure white, and radiant blue. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, where it can thrive amidst natural surroundings. Alternatively, placing it in a small container can create the illusion of a floral explosion, adding instant curb appeal to any outdoor space.
Beth’s Blue
The mesmerizing blooms of Beth’s Blue (Isotoma axillaris) resemble tiny stars shining bright blue, with their yellow-hued centers nestled amidst mid-green foliage. This charming flower thrives when paired with other blossoms that require a subtle backing to shine, yet it confidently stands alone as well.
For those seeking to cultivate their own star-shaped blue blooms, start by selecting a soil mix designed for effortless drainage.
Then, place the pot in an area where it will receive a combination of sunny and partially shaded conditions.
Blue Daisy
The captivating charm of blue daisies stems from their adorable appearance, with the bright yellow centers resembling a warm sun radiating its energy outward. Notably, these lovely flowers are quite versatile and can be propagated through seeds or cuttings in soil that drains well and is bathed in an abundance of sunlight.
Blue Fan Flower
Blue fan flower and Fairy fan flower are essentially one and the same species, characterized by its striking ability to create a tapestry of vines covered in small blue fan-shaped flowers. When suspended from a porch or wrapped around a fence, this species can create a lush, verdant layer that adds visual interest to any outdoor space.
In terms of ideal environment, it’s essential to provide a balance of sunlight and shade during the hottest hours, ensuring the optimal growth and development of this beautiful plant.
Blue Phlox
The blue phlox flower exhibits a remarkable bloom period, stretching from early to late spring. One of its most distinctive features is its intoxicating aroma, reminiscent of lavender’s sweet fragrance. When grown in containers filled with well-draining soil, this lovely flower provides an added sensory delight, as its pleasant scent and delicate beauty come together to create a truly captivating experience.
Brunnera
Brunnera’s flowers exhibit a subtle beauty, as they bloom in a pale blue hue that can easily be overlooked from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, the unique heart-shaped leaves and delicate petals of the blue blossoms reveal themselves, captivating the viewer and evoking a sense of affection.
Clematis
If you’re willing to provide a spacious container, you can successfully grow Clematis. One key consideration is ensuring the roots have ample room to develop. This flowering beauty offers an array of vibrant colors, including stunning blue hues. To coax the best from your Clematis, select a location that receives generous sunlight and prepare a sturdy trellis for it to grasp and thrive.
Columbine
One of the most understated yet charming blue flowers, this variety is remarkably adaptable and thrives in both colder and warmer climate zones with equal ease. Its unique blossoms are particularly noteworthy, featuring a star-shaped arrangement of blue petals that beautifully frame a cluster of bright yellow stamen. As for its growing conditions, Columbine prefers to bask in warm sunspots and receive regular hydration.
Cornflower (Bachelor’s Button)
The Cornflower, a charming wildflower with its distinctive blue tufts, has gained popularity among garden enthusiasts due to its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. Its rustic charm can transport you back to childhood memories of playing in grandparent’s farmhouses. With its low-maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in neglect, it’s no wonder why this flower is often sought after for private gardens.
In fact, the Cornflower’s carefree nature makes it an ideal choice for busy gardeners who still want to enjoy the beauty it brings.
Delphinium
When it comes to combining delphiniums with other flowers, they really shine when paired with shorter and cascading blooms. The unique blue hue of their blossoms adds height and a touch of whimsy to any floral arrangement. While they’re often used as edging flowers, they can also thrive in containers, offering another way to showcase these charming blooms.
Dwarf Morning Glory
The dwarf morning glory, also known by its preferred name, thrives in warm climates where direct sunlight is abundant. This charming flower showcases a lush green tuft adorned with delicate blue blooms, creating a visually appealing display. Its unique growth habit allows it to flourish equally well in traditional flower pots as well as hanging baskets, making it an excellent choice for adding a pop of color and texture to any outdoor space.
Flax Flower
The flax flower, native to California, is a summer-blooming beauty characterized by its delicate appearance. Its slender stems support clusters of five-petaled flowers, showcasing its intricate structure. What’s truly remarkable about this plant is its ability to produce flax seeds, which serve as a rich source of Lignans – a valuable botanical discovery.
Forget-me-Not
An annual bloom with a penchant for chilly climates, this delicate flower thrives in the unforgiving temperatures. Its versatility is showcased through its ability to not only adorn rock gardens but also containers, where it brings a touch of softness and visual appeal.
Geranium
Cranesbill is a low-maintenance perennial that can provide visual interest for months on end. Its blue blooms are particularly striking, with popular varieties like ‘Rozanne’ and ‘Johnson’s Blue’ offering vibrant displays of color. While it thrives in a variety of settings, this plant is relatively easy to care for – simply ensure consistent watering throughout the growing season.
Plus, its versatility makes it a great choice for hanging baskets or containers, allowing you to add a pop of color to your porch, deck, or patio.
Grape Hyacinth
This striking flower is often mistaken for lavender due to its vibrant blue blooms that emerge in the spring. Despite this similarity, the plant boasts tall stems and is relatively easy to cultivate. Its impressive height makes it an ideal choice for creating a cascading floral arrangement or growing as a standalone tuft, where it will produce clusters of lilac-hued flowers. To thrive, this flower prefers sunny or partially shaded conditions and moderate watering.
Himalayan Blue Poppy
The majestic ‘Queen of Himalayan Flowers’ is a sight to behold when grown in a container, where it can reach impressive heights and unfurl its striking blue blooms adorned with vibrant yellow stamens. For optimal growth, this beauty thrives in well-drained soil and requires regular watering to stay healthy.
Hydrangea
Harnessing the power of plant-friendly sulfur, a plain white hydrangea can be transformed into a stunning blue bloom. This remarkable process is achievable in container gardens, as long as you opt for the largest containers to accommodate the plant’s growth. A key consideration when cultivating hydrangeas in pots is providing them with ideal sunlight conditions – while they thrive in morning sun, they are susceptible to scorching from afternoon warmth.
As such, it’s essential to ensure your plants receive sufficient hydration to prevent burning.
Iris
While irises may appear to be low-maintenance plants, they actually thrive in a moderate to cool climate. The stunning blue varieties are particularly notable for their vibrant hues. When growing irises in containers, it’s essential to provide them with sufficient space to spread out and sufficient sunlight to promote healthy growth.
Japanese Gentian
True blue in full bloom, gentian flowers radiate their vibrant hue from May to September. A low-maintenance delight, this beauty thrives when planted directly into the garden or a container.
Lead Plant
The Downy indigo bush boasts striking features, with delicate purple to blue bells adorning slender stems that can grow quite tall, making it an excellent option for flower pot arrangements where height is a consideration. What’s more impressive is the juxtaposition of its soft gray foliage against the vibrant blooms, creating a visually stunning contrast that makes the blue blossoms truly pop.
Lily of the Nile
The Lily of the Nile’s exotic allure is just as captivating when it’s potted up. To thrive, this plant requires a trifecta of conditions: consistent moisture, balanced fertilization, and a soil that drains excess water with ease.
Lobelia
Lobelia is an annual flowering plant that exhibits a stunning array of white and blue blooms. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for cultivation in various settings, including containers. What’s more, Lobelia thrives in small pots, creating a picturesque ‘waterfall effect’, while larger containers can be used to showcase its beauty alongside other species.
When placed directly on the ground, it adds a charming touch to rock gardens, making it an ideal selection for gardeners seeking to add visual interest under tree canopies.
Monkshood
The blue flower is truly an exceptional bloom that warrants a prominent spot in your plant collection. Reaching heights of 2-4 feet, it produces a stunning display from late summer to early fall. The foliage, ranging in hue from light to dark green, provides a lush backdrop for the showstopping purple-blue blooms.
Morning Glory “Heavenly Blue”
The forget-me-not (Myosotis spp.) is renowned for its vibrant, true-blue blooms, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all skill levels. When cultivating this beauty in a container, attention should be given to providing a suitable location with adequate support for the plant to climb upon, allowing it to thrive.
Petunia
Petunia’s adaptability to thrive in every climate makes it a beloved choice among gardeners. But its popularity also stems from the fact that it produces fragrant blooms in an array of colors, making it suitable for growth in both hanging baskets and containers.
Pincushion Flower
The humble pincushion flower, also known as scabiosa, is another understated yet charming bloom that requires specific care to thrive. For those living in warm climates with moderate sunlight, full sun is ideal; however, individuals residing in hotter climates should provide partial shade to ensure a prolonged blooming season.
Plumbago
To thrive, Plumbago demands a combination of full sunlight and moderate watering, only requiring soil moisture when it feels dry to the touch. If properly cared for, this beautiful plant can be coaxed into producing stunning baby blue blooms that resemble a shrub in miniature form.
Rose of Sharon
This beloved ornamental shrub has garnered widespread popularity among garden enthusiasts. Its stunning blue blooms come in various forms, including Blue bird, Blue chiffon, and Blue satin varieties. When properly cared for, this shrub can reach impressive heights of up to 10 feet, requiring a suitable container that accommodates its growth.
Salvia
Salvia, a versatile and aesthetically pleasing herb, thrives in tropical environments where it can be cultivated as a perennial. However, when grown in cooler regions, it is best suited as an annual plant. When it comes to containers, Salvia requires a medium-sized vessel that allows for its growth potential to unfold.
Sea Holly
Sea holly’s flowering season occurs during the summer months, with the plant reaching heights of 6-18 inches under ideal conditions. Its growth is supported by a preference for well-draining sandy soils and full sunlight, allowing it to thrive in its natural environment.
Summer Snapdragon
Angelonia thrives in scorching summer temperatures, capable of flourishing either as a perennial or annual plant. This versatile species showcases its vibrant colors during this time frame, with blooms available in a diverse range of hues including white, red, purple, pink, and even blue.
Swan River Daisy
The Australian daisy boasts vibrant blue-purple blooms, which can be a delightful sight when properly hydrated. With moderate watering, this beauty can treat you to an extended display of its stunning flowers.
Viola/Pansy
With over a dozen color options, violas offer a kaleidoscope of possibilities for crafting a one-of-a-kind floral arrangement. These charming flowers not only thrive in spring’s warmth but also welcome companionship when potted, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
Virginia Bluebells
The Lantana camara, a butterfly magnet, produces copious clusters of bell-shaped blooms that irresistibly draw in these winged wonders. In the garden, this plant thrives when provided with a potting mix supplemented by organic fertilizer and a spot with dappled sunlight transitioning to partial shade.
