In the world of flowers, nothing is more sought after and inspiring than flowers in a crisp, cool blue. But many flowers that adorn this color do not do so naturally but rather from being dyed.
We will look at 53 types of blue flowers that you can find in nature. We’ll discuss each species’ common names, features, important growth factors, and symbolisms of the breed. We’ve also included pictures of each of these stunning flowers.
Types of Blue Flowers
Start your journey into the world of blue flowers by checking out these 53 types of blue flowers.
1. Cornflower
Family: Copositae or Asteracea
Type: annual
Hardiness zone: USDA 2 to 11
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: 1 inch a week
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: 7.2 to 7.8 – slightly alkaline
Blooming season: first blooms erupt in late spring and blossom through the summer.
Common names: Bachelor’s button, named because bachelors wore a flower to show feelings for a girl they loved. Blue Boy. Blue Diadem. Bluet (in England). Bluebonnet (Scotland). Ragged Sailor. Ragged Robin.
Flower shape: 1 ½” double blossoms with ten fringe petals
Symbolism: symbolic of the Estonian political party. Represents social liberalism of the Swedish National Party. Cornflower blue is the color of the Prussian army. World War veterans wear the flower in France in remembrance of the Armistice of 1918.
Interesting facts
- Attracts pollinators – butterflies and bees
- National flower of Poland and Estonia
- Classifies as an endangered species in many countries
2. Anemone
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 10
Sun: Partial to full
Water: Slowly watered for lightly moist soil
Soil conditions: lightly moist
Soil pH: moist, rich with 5.6 to 7.5 neutral to acidic
Blooming season: Spring through fall
Common names: Windflower, poppy windflower, Grecian windflower, Japanese – A. hupehensis
Flower shape: 2” to 5” in diameter simple single bloom (sometimes double flowers)
Symbolism: Good luck, used spiritually to create peace of mind.
Interesting facts
- It contains protoanemonin – a toxic oil.
- Symptoms include serious digestive troubles and skin irritation.
- Poisonous to humans and pets
3. Mountain Larkspur
Family: Delphinium
Type: Annual
Hardiness zone: 3 through 10
Sun: Full
Water: 1”
Soil conditions: light, well-draining
Soil pH: 6.1 to 7.3
Blooming season: Late June through August
Common names: bare stem larkspur. Tall mountain larkspur. Blue Mirror. Knight’s Spur. Lark’s Heel. Lark’s Clark.
Flower shape: 10” to 24” tall clusters of flowers with four small petals and five sepals
Symbolism: Passion and first love, grace, positivity, dignity, charm, openness
Interesting facts
- The birth flower of July
- Highly toxic due to delphinine and ajacine alkaloids
- Unsafe for children, pets, and livestock
- Symptoms of poisoning include muscle spasms and weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, weak pulse, burning mouth and lips, numbness of throat, convulsions, paralysis of the respiratory system.
4. Monkshood
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 to 7
Sun: Full sun or partial shade
Water: consistently moist with frequent watering during the growing season
Soil conditions:
Soil pH: neutral to acidic
Blooming season: Mid-summer
Common names: wolfsbane. Aconitum napellus, devil’s helmet, leopard’s bane, blue rocket, mouse-bane
Flower shape: 5 sepals with the top curving down to create a hood that hides the petals
Symbolism: caution, death, misanthropy
Interesting facts
- Highly poisonous to pets and children
- Gloves should be worn when handling and hands washed after
- The name monkshood came from this flower’s hooded resemblance to the cowl on a monk’s habit
- Wolfsbane comes from using ground roots to kill wolves
5. Clematis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: herbaceous, evergreen, and woody deciduous vines
Hardiness zone: 4 through 9
Sun: 6 hours of full sun in cool soil (like adding a 2” layer of mulch)
Water: 1” weekly – more during hot, dry periods
Soil conditions: rich, loamy, well-drained soil
Soil pH: around 7
Blooming season: Late spring through fall
Common names: Vase vine. Old man’s Beard. Leather Flower. Virgin’s Bower. Traveler’s Joy
Flower shape: climbing vines that grow from 3-feet up to 20 feet and taller, depending on the variation. Tubular, flat, or bell
Symbolism: faithfulness and courage
Interesting facts
- Some variations have a delicate fragrance.
- Old Man’s Beard comes the plant’s long, fluffy seed heads.
- Clematis comes from klematis, Greek for a vine.
- Every part is toxic, causing ulcers and a burning sensation in the mouth.
- Leaves and seeds of C. ligusticifolia were once a substitute for black pepper.
6. Flax
Family: Linum usitatissimum
Type – annual herb
Hardiness zone: 5 through 9
Sun: full direct sunlight for most of day
Water: generous moisture but avoid waterlogging or drenching
Soil conditions:
Soil pH: 5 to 7
Blooming season: mid-spring to summer
Common names: Linum Usitatissimum. Linseed. Linum Usitatissimum. Common flax, flax plant
Flower shape: five sky-blue sepals containing ten brown or yellow seeds
Symbolism: home. Domestic symbol. purity for Egyptians
Interesting facts
- Over 300 cultivars
- Flax is the source of linen and linseed oil.
- Usitatissiumum translates to most useful, as every plant part is useable.
- The soft fiber in the flax stem is the source of linen, a textile three times stronger than cotton.
- Flaxseed is a superfood with many Omega-3 fatty acids and over 800 times more lignans – an antioxidant – than other plants.
- Flowers only bloom for one to two days.
7. Salvia
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: annual or perennial
Hardiness zone: 5 through 9
Sun: full sunlight
Water: well-drained soil
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Blooming season: summer through autumn
Common names: wild sage,
Flower shape: densely packed tubular blossoms
Symbolism: healing, good health, wisdom, and a long life
Interesting facts
- Nearly 1,000 shrubs, making it the largest genus in the sage family.
- Part of the mint family, Salvia is a spice and makes teas.
- Attracts pollinators – bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Garden sage (Officinalis) belongs to the Salvia family.
- Has medicinal and herbal purposes
- Used as a memory enhancer by Ancient Romans and Greeks
8. Blue Star
Family: Amsonia tabernaemontana
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 11
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: regular watering to prevent soil from drying out
Soil conditions: loam, chalk, sand, clay
Soil pH: neutral 6.2 to 7
Blooming season: late spring to early summers (March to May)
Common names: Arkansas Amsonia, Eastern blue star, Hubricht’s Amsonia
Flower shape: small flowers formed into fluffy clusters of shrub clumps 2-3 feet wide and tall
Symbolism: Determination, strength, endurance
Interesting facts
- Blue Star is also called ambrosia due to the fluffy star-shaped flowers.
- Toxic to pets and people due to a milky white sap causing skin irritations
- Truest blue of all flowers
9. Blue Daisy
Family: Asteraceae
Type: perennials, annuals, and small shrubs
Hardiness zone: 8-11
Sun: full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH
Blooming season: Spring to fall
Common names: Felicia. Marguerite Daisy
Flower shape: standard daisy head with showy petals and bright yellow center
Symbolism: innocence, purity, happiness
Interesting facts
- Attractant to bees, spiders, butterflies, wasps, thrips
- Believed that the name comes from the Latin Felix, meaning happy
10 Lupine
Family: Fabaceae
Type – Perennial or Annual
Hardiness zone: 4 through 8
Sun: full
Water: weekly if there’s no rain
Soil conditions: well-draining, moist, rich
Soil pH: acidic to neutral
Blooming season: spring to summer
Common names: Bluebonnet, Lupine
Flower shape: tall, spired spikes
Symbolism: wolves, moon, admiration, hunger for life, voracity, positive outlook, happiness, and a new opportunity
Interesting facts
- The state flower of Texas – bluebonnet – is a lupine, not a flower.
- The name Lupine comes from the Latin lupus, or wolf.
- Lupine transfers nitrogen from the air to the soil, giving the dirt more fertility.
- Lupine seeds have been used as food for over 6,000 years.
11. Love-in-a-Mist
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type – annual
Hardiness zone: 2 through 11
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Water: if there’s no rain, water once or twice a week; otherwise, water as needed.
Soil conditions: well-drained, average, dry, loam, gravelly, clay-loam
Soil pH: 6.6 through 7.5
Blooming season: late spring to autumn
Common names: Nigella, Nigella damascena, devil-in-the-bush, wild fennel
Flower shape: 2 feet tall with several week bloom season; forms 1½” flowers with five-petaled sepals with five double or semidouble smaller petals
Symbolism: love and harmony, representing a bond between people
Interesting facts
- Love-in-a-mist comes from the way the ferny, fennel foliage creates a mist over the fluffy flowers
- Toxic to humans
- The genus name Nigella comes from the Latin word – Niger – meaning black, due to the black seeds.
- Damascus – the species – is a city where the plant grew in the wild.
12. Oxford blue
Family: Apiaceae
Type – Perennial or Annual
Hardiness zone: 4 through 9
Sun: full sun
Water: only during droughts
Soil conditions: any, with good drainage
Soil pH: versatile
Blooming season: summer
Common names: Sea holly, Eryngium bourgatii
Flower shape: rounded cone-shaped with prickly bracts and thistle leaves; 18” to 36” in height
Symbolism: severity, independence, attraction
Interesting facts
- Attractant for bees, butterflies, and birds
- Some toxicity, so it’s not good around pets or children
- Wear gloves during handling and wash hands
- There are around 250 species of Eryngium
- The genus Eryngium came from an ancient Greek plant – Eryngium Campestre
13. Perennial Geranium
Family: Geraniaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 9
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: as needed to prevent dry soil; frequently in full sun but not overhead
Soil conditions: well-draining
Soil pH: 5.8 to 6.3
Blooming season: June through heavy winter
Common names: cranesbill, hardy, true, wild, and bloody geranium
Flower shape: one-inch cup-shaped blooms that float on stalks woven through nearby plants
Symbolism: good health, friendship, happiness, folly, stupidity
Interesting facts
- Over 300 species
- Cranesbill comes from the seedpods, which look like a crane beak.
- Often confused with annual geraniums – Pelargonium x hortorum hybrids or zonal geraniums.
14. Ipomoea Flower
Family: Convolvulaceae
Type: trees, perennials, climbers, annuals, shrubs
Hardiness zone: 2 through 11
Sun: full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
Blooming season: spring through summer
Common names: Morning Glory, Kangkung
Flower shape: showy, funnel-shaped
Symbolism: duality, either mortality or love
Interesting facts
- Over 500 species of shrubs, climbers, trees, herbaceous plants
- Attractant for moths, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
- Genus name is from Greek “isp,” meaning worm and “homoios” or resembling.
- Seeds contain lysergic alkaloids, which can cause vomiting, hallucinations, and diarrhea from being a similar chemical to LSD. In large doses, ingesting the seeds is dangerous.
- Flowers open from morning until noon.
15. Violets
Family: Violaceae
Type – Perennial, annual, subshrub
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: regular watering once the soil dries out
Soil conditions: well-draining, moist, rich
Soil pH: 5.4 to 6.2
Blooming season: cool season – spring or fall (both)
Common names: viola, pansies, violets, Johnny-jump-ups, sweet violet
Flower shape: 4” to 10” height and width
Symbolism: love, protection, honesty, healing, dreams, determination, remembrance, or the idea to set goals, peace, expansion, growth, and mental clarity
Interesting facts
- More than 500 species
- Flowers are edible
- Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
- Produces rich, sensual aroma
16. Globe Thistle
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Sun: Full
Water: weekly for the first few months, then only when there are signs of drought stress.
Soil condition: rocky, shallow, dry
Soil pH: 5.1 to 6.5
Blooming season: mid-summer to early autumn
Common names: Echinops ritro
Flower shape: spherical spiky
Symbolism: independence and nobility
Interesting facts
- Coming into contact with the flower can give a painful sting.
- Attractant for bees and butterflies but resilient to rabbit and deer
- The genus comes from Greek ekhinos – hedgehog – and opisis – head.
17. Lily of the Nile
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 6 to 11
Sun: Partial shade to full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-draining, moist, fertile soil
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, or alkaline
Blooming season: fall or summer
Common names: African Lily. Agapanthus. Flower of Love
Flower shape: round clusters of showy, funnel-shaped blooms in height from 8” to 6.’
Symbolism: purity, love, fertility, beauty
Interesting facts
- Ten species in the genus Agapanthus
- Genus name translated from Greek words agape – love – and anthos – flower; lovely flower or flower of love.
- Medicinal and magical flowers, worn to protect against thunderstorms or by women to boost fertility and give strength. Treats chest pains, paralysis, colds, heart disease, and cough
- African aphrodisiac
18. Birdbill Dayflower
Family: Commelinaceae (spiderwort) dianthifolia
Type – Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 7
Sun: Full sun
Water: Average water needs with regular watering
Soil conditions: well-draining moist
Soil pH: 5.6 to 7.5
Blooming season: summer to early autumn
Common names: Commelina dianthifolia, Bird-bill Dayflower, Western Dayflower, Mouse Ears, Blue Dayflower, Asiatic Dayflower
Flower shape: up to 15” tall with three blue petals, the smallest on the bottom.
Interesting facts
- It can be an invasive weed because it’s resistant to weed killers and regrows from damaged stems.
- Forms blooms that look like a cocoon
- Blooms one flower at a time, opens in the morning, and withers before mid-day
19. Periwinkle
Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane)
Type: perennials
Hardiness zone: 3 through 11
Sun: Full sun to full shade
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-drained, moist soil
Soil pH: 6 to 7.8
Blooming season: Spring to the first frost, depending on species
Common names: Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle, Pink Periwinkle
Flower shape: five small petals that form a star shape with a tubular center
Symbolism: trust, faith, everlasting love, chastity (in Christianity), purity, friendships, new beginnings, serenity, sense of calm, fond memories, benevolence, sadness, and nostalgia
Interesting facts
- Species in the Vinca genus and Catharanthus roseus share the name Periwinkle.
- Periwinkle comes from pervincire; a Latin word meaning entwine or bind.
- Vinca and Madagascar Periwinkle are medicinal.
- Caranthus roseus is thought to believe it has cancer-treating alkaloids.
- Attracts pollinators like bees, moths, butterflies
20. Blue false indigo
Family: Baptisia Australis
Type: perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 9
Sun: part shade to full sun
Water: 1” every few weeks
Soil conditions: well-drained, medium to dry average
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Blooming season: spring to late summer
Common names: Blue wild indigo, wild indigo, false indigo, Baptisia australis, indigo weed, rattle bush, rattleweed, horsefly weed
Flower shape: erect racemes up to 12” forming flower spikes of lupine spires
Symbolism: spiritual peace of mind, luck,
Interesting facts
- Named as the NC Wildflower of the Year in 1992
- Keep this flower away from fire, as it is rated medium flammable.
- Butterfly attractant
- False indigo comes from using this flower to replace true indigo for making blue dyes.
21. Bellflower
Family: Campanulaceae
Type: Perennial, annual, or biennials
Hardiness zone: 4 through 8
Sun: sun or partial shade
Water: average
Soil conditions: retains moisture
Soil pH: 6 to 8
Blooming season: spring through fall
Common names: Campanula, Tall Bellflower, American Bellflower
Flower shape: bell or cup-shaped flowers
Symbolism: gratitude, romance, constancy, vanity, support, bell, everlasting love, healing, tranquility, wealth, success, happiness, platonic love,
Interesting facts:
- Over 500 species of the Campanula genus can have the name bellflower.
- Attracts pollinators and bees
- It is mildly irritating to kids and pets, although it classifies as harmless or low risk.
22. Forget Me Not
Family: Boraginaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: semi-shaded
Water: wet to evenly moist
Soil conditions: well-drained, rich soil
Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
Blooming season: spring through summer
Common names: scorpion weed, True Forget-me-not, Marsh scorpion grass, Love-me, Snake Grass flower, Mouse-Ear scorpion grass
Flower shape: five-round petals surround a yellow center
Symbolism: true love, remembrance, resilience, memory, fidelity, desire for loyalty, faithful love, humility,
Interesting facts
- Myosotis comes from the Greek words mus – mouse – and ous or Otis – ear, referring to the flower’s mouse ear shape.
- The common name comes from German vergissmeinnicht – meaning forget me, not.
23. Gentian
Family: Gentianaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 4 through 7
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: calcareous, loam, well-drained, moist
Soil pH: neutral to acidic
Blooming season: July to August
Common names: stemless gential, gall weed, pale gentian, yellow gentian, felwort, bitter root, wild gentian, bitterwort, Radix Gentiana Lutea, Gentiana
Flower shape: 2” length in a dark blue bottle shape
Symbolism: passion, sweetness, loveliness, charm, emblem of numerous organizations, cities, and countries
Interesting facts
- The name comes from an Illyrian king – Gentius – who figured out the herb’s tonic antidotal properties.
- Gentius can treat wounds or work as an antidote for numerous poisons. And it can fix the digestive tract.
- Attractant for pollinators like butterflies, moths, bees, hummingbirds, flies, bats
24. Chicory
Family: Asteraceae
Type: perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 9
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: 1” to 2” weekly
Soil conditions: well-draining sandy to clay
Soil pH: 6.5 to 7.2
Blooming season: late spring through fall (June to September)
Common names: blueweed, coffee weed, ragged sailors, blue daisy, blue sailor, blue dandelion, bunk, hendibeh, cornflower, horseweed, wild bachelor’s buttons, succory, wild endive, hendibeh, wild chicory, chicory herb
Flower shape: singularly arranged in a strap-shaped petal with toothed edges
Symbolism: magical – favors, luck, divination, strength, invisibility, frugality, the opening of locks, curse removal, bring success, open locks, and creates invulnerability
Interesting facts
- Although there are only two types of chicory – Witloof, which is grown for its roots – or Radicchio – produced for the leaves, each type has multiple variations.
- Chicory can be animal fodder, medicine, or a food source, often used to give coffee a nutty taste in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Chicory root can boost digestion, prevent diabetes, reduce stress issues, manage bone conditions like osteoarthritis, and protects the liver.
25. Sweet Pea
Family: Fabaceae
Type: Annual
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: Partial shade to full sun
Water: weekly during the growing season to keep the soil moist
Soil conditions: well-drained rich
Soil pH: 7 to 7.5 alkaline
Blooming season: summer through fall
Common names: Lathyrus odoratus, everlasting pea, perennial pea,
Flower shape: climbing plants with folded leaves that look like the wings of a butterfly
Symbolism: meaningful exchanges with a special someone; departures. Goodbye. Blissful pleasure – pleasure, delight, beauty. Truth, chastity, strength, loyalty, gratitude
Interesting facts
- Despite belonging to the legume family as sweet pea, this flower is poisonous.
- They were once believed to have magical properties to deepen wisdom and boost spiritual strength.
- Once used as a fragrance in perfumes due to heady aroma.
26. Impatiens flower
Family: Balsaminaceae
Type: Annual or tender perennial
Hardiness zone: 10 through 11
Sun: Full to part shade
Water: 2” to 4” weekly, depending on temperatures (above 85F needs daily watering)
Soil conditions: well-draining, rich
Soil pH: 6 to 6.5
Blooming season: late spring through summer
Common names: busy Lizzy, jewelweed, touch-me-not, snapweed, patience
Flower shape: 2 to 5-centimeter diameter with five petals of single or double blooms for a flat or ruffled look
Symbolism: motherly love, impatience
Interesting facts
- Over 1,000 variations
- The Latin name impatiens means impatient, referring to the flower’s opening at first sight of light.
- Highly vulnerable to insects, like mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids, thrips, spider mites, slugs, and snails
- A form of downy mildew decimated the Inpatient population in 2004, halting commercial sales until 2019 when mildew-resistant hybrids hit the market.
27. Iris
Family: Iridaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 9
Sun: full sun
Water: deeply and consistently without overwatering
Soil conditions: well-draining, moist, rich
Soil pH: Slightly acidic or neutral
Blooming season: late spring through summer
Common names: friendship, hope, purity, wisdom, passion, faith
Flower shape: three large outside petals (falls) and three on the inside referred to as standards
Symbolism: bravery, hope, trust, wisdom, faith, transformation, royalty, charm, purity, ecstasy, elegance, flawless beauty, compassion, new beginnings, respect, happiness
Interesting facts
- Iris was the messenger for Zeus and Hera and goddess of the rainbow, which she used to carry messages between the heavens and earth.
- It’s also believed that the goddess Iris traveled with female souls as they moved to the afterlife.
- Purple irises on graves are still a Greek tradition, helping guide the departed on their journey to their final resting place.
- It consists of over 200 species of every color.
- The state flower of Tennessee
- The birth flower of February
- Symbolic flower of 25th-wedding anniversary
- Symbol of the French monarchy – Fleur-de-lis
- Toxic to pets and people
28. Blue Hibiscus
Family: Malvaceae
Type: Perennial or annual (tropical)
Hardiness zone: 5 to 8
Sun: six hours of full sun to partial shade
Water: regular or infrequent
Soil conditions: average, well-drained, medium moisture
Soil pH: 6.5 to 6.8
Blooming season: year-round
Common names: Lilac hibiscus, Alyogyne huegelii, Hibiscus huegelii, West coast gem, swan river
Flower shape: 4” wide trumpet-shaped silky
Symbolism: freedom, free emotions, sincere emotions, freedom from people
Interesting facts
- Produces hundreds of flowers yearly, each lasting one to two days
- Largely unaffected by pests
- Native to western parts of Australia
29. Brunnera
Family: Boraginaceae
Type – Biennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 7
Sun: full shade
Water
Soil conditions: well-drained, slightly moist
Soil pH: 6 to 8
Blooming season: Early to mid-spring
Common names: False Forget-Me-Not, Siberian Bugloss, Bugloss, Brunnera macrophylla, large-leaf brunnera, heartleaf
Flower shape: tiny flowers bunched into heavy sprays, blue with a white center
Interesting facts
- Native to Russia, Eastern Europe, and Siberia
- Bugloss translates to ox tongue in Greek.
- Often mistaken for Forget-me-nots.
30. Poor Man’s Weatherglass
Family: Primulaceae
Type: Annual
Hardiness zone: 7 through 8
Sun: partial to full sun
Water: regular waterings without overwatering
Soil conditions: well-draining sandy
Soil pH: 5.6 to 8.5
Blooming season: May through August
Common names: Shepherd’s Dial, Pimpernel, Shepherd’s clock, poor man’s barometer, Adder’s Eyes, Lysimachia arvensis
Flower shape: showy, ¼” shaped like a wheel with 5-parted solidary petals with a dark center
Symbolism: change
Interesting facts
- Petals only open during bright weather and close before 2 in the afternoon or when rain is approaching
- Technically classified as herbaceous
31. Aster
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3, 6 through 8
Sun: full sun to light shade
Water: regularly at roots
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: neutral to acidic
Blooming season: late summer through fall (Alpine asters bloom from May to June)
Common names: Frost flowers, Starworts, Michaelmas Daisies, Symphyotrichum, New England Asters,
Flower shape: 1” to 1.5” complicated, tiny tubular arranged in a central disk, surrounded by petals – ray flowers – in a different color
Symbolism: talisman (or symbol) of love, daintiness, stars
Interesting facts
- Asters fall into two main groups – New York (Aster nova belgii) or New England (Aster novae anglias)
- Among the easiest perennials to grow
- Attractant to butterflies, birds, and bees due to color and heady fragrance
32. Blue Mist Shrub
Family: Lamiaceae
Type: perennial
Hardiness zone: 5 through 9a
Sun: full sun
Water: regularly when young then as needed during dry seasons
Soil conditions: loamy, loose, well-draining
Soil pH: Slightly acidic or alkaline but prefers neutral
Blooming season: late summer to first heavy frost
Common names: blue spirea, Bluebeard, Caryopteris x clandonensis
Flower shape: large clusters of small and pale fuzzy lilac-blue
Interesting facts
- Attractant for bees and butterflies
- Hybrid of C. mongholica and C. incana
- Flowers resemble mist or blue smoke clouds
33. Glory-of-the-snow
Family: Liliaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-draining gritty
Soil pH: 6.1 to 7.8
Blooming season: March to end of spring
Common names: Chionodoxa forbesii, C. gigantea, C. luciliae,
Flower shape: 8 to 10 star-shaped with six petals ½” to ¾” wide, nearly flat upward-facing with a white center
Interesting facts
- Chinodoxa comes from chion – snow – and doxa – glory
- It gets its name because it often blooms through the snow in early spring
- A relative and former member of the Scilla genus
- Great for rock gardens, woodlands, and raised beds
34. Himalayan Blue Poppy
Family: Papaveraceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7b, 7a, to 8
Sun: part shade
Water: evenly moist
Soil conditions: well-drained moist clay
Soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic
Blooming season: Early to mid-summer
Common names: blue poppy, Lingholm, Meconopsis betonicifolia
Flower shape: large showy cup-shaped, with a silky texture and transparent look, golden stamens, 4 to 6 petals
Symbolism: national flower of Bhutan
Interesting facts
- Two species – Meconopsis grandis and Meconopsis baileyi (formerly Meconopsis betonicifolia)
- Baileyi received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society
- Not technically a poppy; referred to one due to a similar look
35. Hyacinth
Family: Asparagaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 4 to 8
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: During the growth and blooming season, it needs regular watering. ½” per week
Soil condition: well-drained, loose
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, or alkaline
Blooming season: spring March to April
Common names: common hyacinth. Hyacinthus orientalis. Garden hyacinth. Dutch hyacinth.
Flower shape: short (6” to 12”), dense spike clusters of reflexed petaled bell flowers with densely-packed 1” florets
Symbolism: first sign of spring. Flower of Apollo – Greek god of the sun. Jealousy (original meaning). Mourning. Royalty. Spiritual. Impressive. Respect. A request for forgiveness. Beauty. Peace. New life. New beginnings. Power.
Interesting facts
- Hyacinthus orientalis bulbs contain a poison – oxalic acid – that causes skin irritation
- Dried petals and Hyacinthus scents are used in amulets to attract peace, happiness, love, abundance, and ease grief.
- A hyacinth flower on the nightstand is said to chase off bad dreams and promote better sleep
- World Hyacinth Day is March 7th
- Highly fragrant
36. Passionflower
Family: Passifloraceae
Type: Perennial, Annual, shrubs, trees
Hardiness zone: 5 through 9
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: deeply water after planting. Then one to two times a week during the growing season. During no rain, water 1” to 1.5.”
Soil conditions: well-drained, moist
Soil pH: acidic to neutral
Blooming season: summer – June to September
Common names: maypop, passion vine, granadilla
Flower shape: five or ten petals on a flat base forming a reflex or flat circle
Symbolism: the crucifixion of Jesus. The passion of Christ.
Interesting facts
- Passionflowers planted in pollinator gardens produce edible fruits that taste like apricot
- Flowers only stay open for one day
- Some types are toxic to pets and small children
- The Passiflora genus consists of over 500 species
37. Veronica
Family: Plantaginaceae
Type: Perennial or Annual
Hardiness zone: 3 through 11
Sun: partial to full sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-drained, moist
Soil pH: acidic, alkaline, neutral
Blooming season: spring through fall
Common names: Speedwell
Flower shape: tall spikes of tubular or saucer showy blooms
Symbolism: enduring beauty. Withstanding difficulties in life. Joyfulness. Recovery. Healing. Protection. Open to new experiences. Calmness. Peace. Trust.
Interesting facts
- Veronica genus has more than 500 species
- Speedwell can be small plants, shrubs, or small trees
- The name Speedwell comes from the petals only lasting for a few days
- Veronica comes from St. Veronica, who wipes the face of Christ during the crucifixion
38. Hydrangea
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Type: Perennial shrub
Hardiness zone: 5 through 9
Sun: morning sunlight and afternoon shade
Water: moist but not wet. 1” per week during the growing season
Soil conditions: well-drained, moist, rich
Soil pH: 4.5 to 5.5 for blue flowers, above 6 for pink flowers
Blooming season: spring through fall
Common names: climbing, smooth, Oak-Leaf, bigleaf, panicle, mountain hydrangea
Flower shape: varies by species. Forms groupings of tiny flowers as balls, cones, or clusters
Symbolism: an apology. Boastfulness. Gratitude. Heartfelt emotion. Vanity. Bragging. Frigidity. Abundance. Prosperity.
Interesting facts
- Hydrangea comes from Greek hydros – water – and angos – jar
- Symbol of heartfelt appreciation and emotion for 4th wedding anniversary
39. Scabiosa
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Type: Perennial or Annual
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Sun: full sun
Water: Average
Soil conditions: good drainage and rich
Soil pH: 5 to 7.5
Blooming season: summer to autumn
Common names: Pincushion.
Flower shape: crowded florets with long stamens that create the pincushion look
Symbolism: purity, love, peace
Interesting facts
- Scabiosa Comes from scabies – Latin for the itch. It was once believed the plant could cure scabies
- Used medicinally, it can treat fever, skin problems, cough, and internal inflammation
40. Harvestbells
Family: Gentianaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 5 to 9
Sun: Full to partial
Water: moist soil
Soil conditions: sandy to loamy to clay with good drainage
Soil pH: acidic
Blooming season: fall to winter
Common names: Soapwort Gentian. Gentiana saponaria
Flower shape: showy 1.5” tubular with 4 to 5 petals/rays
Interesting facts
- Pollinator attractants for hummingbirds, bees, songbirds
41. Veronica Georgia Blue
Family: Plantaginaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 6 to 9
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Water: medium
Soil conditions: well-drained loam, sand, chalk
Soil pH: acidic to alkaline
Blooming season: spring through summer
Common names: Speedwell. Veronica peduncularis. Veronica umbrosa ‘Oxford blue’ Cambridge Blue.
Flower shape: spires of tiny round flowers with white eyes
Interesting facts
- Won the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society
42. Balloon Flower
Family: Campanulaceae (bellflower)
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: Medium moisture
Soil conditions: loamy, well-draining, rich
Soil pH: 5.5 to 7.5
Blooming season: summer
Common names: Platycodon grandiflorus. Chinese bellflower. Japanese bellflower.
Flower shape: puffy buds swollen to form star-shaped flowers
Interesting facts
- Attracts pollinators – butterflies and bees
- Not the same thing as a balloon plant – a milkweed shrub
43. Blue Orchid
Family: Orchidaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 6 to 11
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: regularly during the growing season
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Blooming season: spring and winter
Common names: Blue Sapphire, Ocean Breeze, Blue Mystique, blue vanda, blue dendrobium, and blue phalaenopsis.
Symbolism: one of a kind. Rarity. Peace. Luxury. Eternal hope. Wealth. Love. Dreaming of blue orchids is a sign to stay true to yourself. Strength – emotional and spiritual. Tranquility. Serenity. Opulence.
Interesting facts
- One of the rarest flowers
- Orchids are the largest plant group in the world – 1,000 genera and 22,000 species
- Greeks associate blue orchids with strength and masculinity
44. Lungwort
Family: Boraginaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
Sun: shade to partial sun
Water: average
Soil conditions: well-draining moist
Soil pH: 7 to 7.5
Blooming season: late winter to early spring
Common names: Pulmonaria spp.
Flower shape: five petals form funnel or bell-shaped clusters
Symbolism: Joy, admiration, devotion. You are my Life.
Interesting facts
- Pulmonaria comes from Lattin Pulmo – lung
- Used medicinally to treat chest congestion, coughs, and pulmonary ailments due to the flower looking like a diseased lung
- Toxic to animals and people
45. Stiff Blue-eyed grass
Family: Iridaceae (Iris)
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 5 to 8
Sun: full
Water: low
Soil conditions: well-drained
Soil pH: acidic to alkaline
Blooming season: spring to summer
Common names: Sisyrinchium demissum. S. macrocarpon. Blue star grass. Dwarf blue-eyed grass. Blue-eyed prairie grass
Flower shape: 6 narrow tepal (petal-like sepals and petals) with yellow stamens and base and pointed tips emerging from opposite bracts
Interesting facts
- From Greek sys – pig – and rynchos – snout
- Not a grass. It belongs to the Iris family
- Petals close at night and open in the morning
46. Empire Blue Butterfly Bush
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Type: Deciduous woody shrub
Hardiness zone: 5 through 10
Sun: full sun to partial shade
Water: drought tolerant
Soil conditions: sand, clay, chalk, loam well-drained but moist
Soil pH: acidic to alkaline
Blooming season: Summer to fall
Common names: Buddleja davidii. Summer lilac
Flower shape: elongated panicles with tiny, tubular blooms that create conal clusters
Interesting facts
- The closest species to have a true blue flower
- A mild aroma that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- Can be invasive
47. Blue Calla Lily
Family: Arum
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 8 to 10
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: Once a week, more often during hot and drought conditions. Indoor plants require constant moisture.
Soil conditions: well-draining moist
Soil pH: acidic
Blooming season: summer to fall
Common names: Zantedeschia aethiopica, arum lily
Flower shape: trumpet-shaped with a large yellow pistil
Symbolism: Jealousy. Lust. Faithfulness. Holiness. Purity. For Christians, it means resurrection and rebirth. Refined beauty and femininity
Interesting facts
- Not a true lily – now belongs to Zantedeschia genus
- The name comes from calla – Greek for beautiful
- Calla lilies are associated with Hera, a Greek goddess, wife of Zeus
- Commonly used for Easter to represent the triumph Jesus had over death
- Toxic for pets and humans
- Labeled as an aggressive weed/invasive species in some of California and Australia
48. Delphinium
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3-7
Sun: full to light shade
Water: 1” a week
Soil conditions: cool and moist loamy well-draining
Soil pH: alkaline
Blooming season: spring
Common names: larkspur. Lark’s spur. Knight’s spur. Meadow flowers. Bird’s claw.
Flower shape: showy disc, dolphin, or trumpet-shaped spike clusters 8” to 20” long
Symbolism: new opportunities. New emotions or feelings. Striving or achieving goals. Protection from danger. The lighter things in life. Positive occasions. Grace. Youth. Dignity. Remembrance. New life.
Interesting facts
- Delphinium comes from delphis – Greek for dolphin
- Represents July birthdays
49. Desert Bluebells
Family: Hyacinthoides, which belong to Asparagaceae
Type: annual
Hardiness zone: 9 and 10
Sun: Full sun
Water: none after established
Soil conditions: well-draining sandy or coarse soil
Soil pH: acidic, neutral, or alkaline
Blooming season: February to March
Common names: Phacelia campanularia ssp. Vasiform. Harebells. Arizona Bluebell. California Bluebell. Desert Bells.
Flower shape: Large (24” tall, 18” wide) bell-shaped with protruding yellow anthers and rounded, hairy, oval leaves
Symbolism: everlasting love. Constancy. Humility. Gratitude.
Interesting facts
- Found growing in the Mohave Desert in California
- Flowers bloom for around one month
- Bluebell is a translation of unmarked hyacinth in Greek
50. Columbine
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 3 through 8
Sun: full sun in cool climates or dappled shade in hotter locations
Water: evenly moist
Soil conditions: amended, well-drained, organically rich
Soil pH: acidic or neutral
Blooming season: early spring through summer
Common names: Aquilegia spp. Granny’s Bonnet.
Flower shape: spurred bell-shaped
Symbolism: aspiration. Reach for the stars. Endurance. Tenacity. Taking risks. Nothing gained if nothing ventured. The fool in Tarot cards. Folly. Romance and love. Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit of Christianity. Intelligence. Devotion. Piety. Visions or dreams in Celtic mythology
Interesting facts
- Attracts bees and hummingbirds
- Toxic to pets and humans
- Aquilegia is Latin for eagle, referring to the spurred petals
- Colombine is Latin for dove because the flower looks like a group of five doves
- The state flower of Colorado
51. Grape Hyacinth
Family: Asparagaceae (formerly Liliaceae)
Type: (Perennial or Annual)
Hardiness zone: 4 through 8
Sun: full sun to light shade
Water: significant in spring then dried out later in the season
Soil conditions: well-draining and moist
Soil pH: acidic or neutral
Blooming season: spring – April to May when planted in fall
Common names: Muscari, bluebells
Flower shape: miniature hyacinths – 6” to 8” tall; tight, tiny urn-shaped clusters of fragrant beads that look like little grapes
Symbolism: confidence and power. Creativity. mystery
Interesting facts
- Plant with care, as they spread quickly, making them invasive
- Blooms last around three weeks
- 40 species belong to the Muscari genus
- Muscari comes from Greek moschos, meaning musk
52. Siberian Squill
Family: Asparagaceae
Type: Perennial
Hardiness zone: 2 through 8
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: regularly if planted during fall, one month before frost. Not needed after established
Soil condition: well-drained
Soil pH: acidic
Blooming season: early to the middle of April
Common names: Scilla siberica, wood squill, sapphire star
Flower shape: one to three bell-shaped nodding blooms per stalk, with three to five stems on each plant
Interesting facts
- Flowers last ten to 14 days
- It belongs to the asparagus family
- It contains alkaloids toxic to herbivores, cats, dogs, and humans but attractant to bees
53. Lobelia
Family: Campanulaceae (bellflower)
Type: tender Perennial or annual
Hardiness zone: 10 to 11
Sun: partial shade to full sun
Water: evenly moist
Soil conditions: well-drained and friable
Soil pH: neutral or slightly acidic
Blooming season: summer until the first frost
Common names: edging lobelia, annual lobelia, ILobelia erinus
Flower shape: asymmetrical tiny lanced 2-lipped tubular with the three-lobed lower lip and five petals
Symbolism: beauty, malevolence, devotion, purity, love,
Interesting facts
- Attractant for butterflies
- Excellent for moon or pollinator gardens
- More than 415 species
- Native Americans used this herb to treat asthma, bronchitis, and congestion
Types of Blue Flowers FAQ
Many people have questions about blue flowers, largely because they’re a rarity compared to other flower colors. Check out these frequently asked questions.
What Do Blue Flowers Symbolize and Represent?
Blue flowers commonly inspire a calm feeling. But although it soothes, they also bring forth feelings of comfort and relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Throughout history, blue flowers have had various meanings. For example, ancient Egyptians felt blue meant royalty, like the pharaohs. But Romans linked the color to the Celts, who wore the color for battle.
Blue flowers were symbolic of a flourishing society during the 18th century when it was used for social change and inspiration during the Romanticism movement.
Today, flowers in blue represent strong feelings like love, desire, grand ambitions, beauty, hope, and creativity.
Are Blue Flowers Rare?
It’s estimated that only 10% of all the plants (280,000) have a blue coloring. But many say there is not a blue pigment in the flower kingdom.
Rather, what looks like blue flowers are purple or violet flowers. The closest species to a true blue include the Himalayan poppy, some delphiniums, and sea holly.
Which Trees Have Blue Flowers?
From this list, Ipomoea, Passion Flower, and some species of Veronica can produce elegant blue flowers.
What Makes Hydrangea Flowers Blue?
You can turn hydrangea flowers blue by altering the soil’s pH. The soil content needs to have an acidic pH, falling below 5.5. There are additives you can use to change the soil’s pH value
What Blue Flowers Do Butterflies Like?
Cornflowers, Salvia, Blue Daisy, Lobelia, Empire Blue Butterfly Bush, Balloon Flower, Aster, Blue Mist Shrub, Periwinkle, Cornflower, Salvia, and Oxford Blue.
What Is the Rarest Blue Flower?
Numerous blue flowers classify as rare since most flowers don’t have a blue variation. The rarest include the Blue Fringed Daisy, the Blue Rose, the Blue Clematis, and Blue Gentian.
Conclusion
Nature loves to impress, and nothing is as beautiful – or surprising – as blue flowers. Of course, it’s rarer to see flowers bloom in blue than other colors. But when you do find them, like these 52 species of blue flowers, it’s a true sight to behold.