Plants with blue flowers are difficult to find growing naturally. It is very rare to find types of real blue flowers growing in the wild, as many flowers that seem to be blue are shades of purple, lilac, or lavender rather than being “true blue” flowers. However, there are some types of naturally blue flowers that are stunning to look at. You can also find some blue flowers in hybrids or cultivated plants.
The reason why blue flowers are so rare is that plants don’t naturally produce blue pigments. According to some estimates, only 10% of the more than 280,000 species of flowering plants are true blue flowers. So, while there are some flowers that are classed as “true blue,” they are difficult to find. Examples of plants producing blue flowers are Canterbury bells and butterfly peas.
Some types of deep blue flowers don’t occur naturally. Often growers add blue dye to water which causes white flowers to turn blue. Some scientists use genetic engineering to create blue flowers that don’t exist naturally. This is why you sometimes see stunning blue roses or orchids that are dark blue. These are not natural blue orchids but white flowers dyed blue.
The Meaning of Blue Flowers
Blue flowers have a special meaning and have come to symbolize certain emotions. Gifting a bunch of blue flowers can mean inspiration, support, and trust. Blue flower bouquets can also express sympathy and support for someone going through hard times. The fact that blue flowers are so rare shows that you really think about the person.
In this article, you will find out about some of the most stunning blue flowers you can grow in your garden with their picture. Some of these blue flower examples are due to crossing specific plants to produce blue-colored flowers. Other plants with beautiful blue flowers are in shades of colors that are almost blue.
Types of Blue Flowers With Names and Pictures – Identification Guide
Let’s look at some of the most beautiful blue flowers that exist. With plants that produce flowers in many colors, you will also find out about the true-blue cultivars.
Blue Hydrangea Flowers
Hydrangea flowers can come in various blue shades, from light pastel to darker blue
Extremely popular worldwide, hydrangeas produce beautiful clusters of fragrant blue flowers naturally. Hydrangeas produce very distinct and easily identifiable flowers. Belonging to the family Hydrangeaceae, these popular shrubs produce blue flowers throughout the summer.
For hydrangeas to produce blue flowers naturally, they need to grow in acidic soil. The species Hydrangea macrophylla grows amazing blue-colored mophead flowers in soil that is below 7 pH. However, only a few species of hydrangea grow blue or purple flowers that depend on the soil acidity.
If you want to make sure your blue species of hydrangea produce dark blue flowers, keep the soil acidic with soil sulfur.
Giving a gift of flowers that include pastel blue hydrangea flowers can symbolize strong feelings of continual love.
Stunning blue hydrangea cultivars include ‘Blue Danube,’ ‘Nikko Blue,’ or ‘Blauer Prinz.’
Bluebells
Bluebells are a type of blue flowers that can give beautiful look to your garden
English Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is the common name for the bulbous spring-flowering plant that produces dainty sweet blue flowers. A related species is the plant called Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica).
When wild bluebells bloom in spring, they turn the ground into a beautiful carpet of light to deep blues and violets. These low-growing wild plants have up to 12 bell-shaped flowers hanging off a single stem.
Species of bluebells grow in clumps of leafy plants and reach heights of around 12” to 24” (30 – 60 cm). Blue is the most common color of these early bloomers and it’s rare to find white or pink flowers. You can also plant bluebell flowers in your garden to compliment other spring-flowering perennials such as tulips, daffodils, and lily of the valley.
Blue Delphinium Flowers
Delphinium is a perennial flowering plant with beautiful blue flowers
One of the prettiest blue flowers that blooms in the summertime is from the genus delphinium. These summer bloomers are from the Ranunculaceae family meaning they are related to buttercups.
Delicate blue-colored petals form exquisite flowers on the end of long stems. Species of blue delphinium can grow between 4” (10 cm) and 6 ft. (2 m) tall. The beautiful flowers consist of 5 petals that range in color from violet-blue to red, pink, and white. The plant is called delphinium (Greek for dolphin) as the blue flowers look like a dolphin.
Some species of delphinium have blue and white clusters of flowers that form a tall cone-shaped flower. Other blue delphiniums have light blue-lavender frilled double blooms that give the flowers a showy look.
Beautiful blue delphinium cultivars include ‘Highlander Blueberry Pie’ (blue and purple flowers), ‘Summer Blues’ (light blue),’ and ‘Delfix Blue’ (darker blue).
Blue Hibiscus Flowering Shrubs
‘Azurri Blue Satin’ hibiscus has large pale blue flowers with purple center
The blue hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) is one of the most unusual types of blue flowering plant. As with most types of hibiscus, these light blue flowers are very showy with delicate petals like crepe-paper.
Although these are called a blue type of flowering bushy plant, blue hibiscus flowers are a more lilac or dark purple colored type of flower. In fact, some people call this the Lilac hibiscus.
One beautiful blue hibiscus cultivar is the Rose of Sharon ‘Azurri Blue Satin’ hibiscus. This large bush grows around 10 ft. (3 m) tall and flowers throughout the summer. The striking blue flowers contrast with beautiful green foliage. The flowers are a light blue color with dark purple centers and purple veins.
One of the beauties of planting these types of hibiscus plants is that you get stunning blue summer flowers with little maintenance.
Grape Hyacinth
Grape hyacinths are perennial bulbs that produce small blue flowers
Aqua blue is a common color found in species of Grape hyacinth (genus Muscari) flowers. Sometimes, blue grape hyacinths are called bluebells or bluebonnets. They are beautiful ornamental plants for any garden.
Grape hyacinths are a blue species of spring-flowering plant. The tiny perennial flowers form conical shapes that look like small colorful blue spikes. Depending on the species and soil quality, these early bloomers can be any shade of blue from light blue to deep dark blue. In fact, Hyacinth ‘Midnight Mystic’ can be such a deep shade of dark blue that it almost looks like black flowers.
Due to their small size, grape hyacinths are an excellent choice as container plants or border plants. They grow to around 6” to 10” (15 – 25 cm) tall.
Iris
Iris produces tall blue flowers in various shades of blue, depending on the cultivar
There are around 300 species of iris plants in the world, many of which produce pretty blue flowers. The elegant iris flowers are well-known for their frilled petals, ruffled look, and stunning color combinations.
Considered as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world, blue bearded irises are some of the showiest of all the iris plants. The name ‘bearded iris’ comes from the frilly petals that look similar to a beard. Other types of iris flowers have long blade-like petals. Irises can grow quite tall and reach a height of 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) and the flowers can be as large as 4” (10 cm) wide.
Some species of iris have dark blue petals with a bright yellow center. The pretty blue petal colors are in varying shades ranging from deep blue to light sky blue.
Other popular types of irises have navy blue edging around light blue petals. These ruffled petals contrast with orange ‘beards’ and pure white petals in the center of the flower.
Giving blue irises as a gift is a symbol of wisdom, friendship, and hope. The pretty flowers and wonderful scent will bring joy and peace to anyone.
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)
Agapanthus flowers can be light blue or baby blue as well as various purple shades
Also known as the African lily, this famous flowering plant is proof that blue flowers do exist in the wild. Lily of the Nile is not a true type of lily from the order Lilium. The species Agapanthus africanusis in the family Amaryllidaceae.
This pretty blue flowering plant is called a ‘lily’ due to the trumpet-like flowers it produces. The sweet blue flowers can be any shade of bluish color ranging from pale blue to deep purple. The pretty flowers have petals that fan out and curve back to form a tubular trumpet flower.
The clusters of sky-blue flowers have a striking appearance when they form a globe shape. These impressive clusters sit on the top of tall stems that are up to 6 ft. (2 m) in length.
Blue Wild Indigo Flowers
Blue Wild Indigo has small and delicate blue-purple flowers
The appropriately named Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis) is an interesting plant that produces graceful bluish-purple flowers in the wild. This dainty blue plant in the family Fabaceae is also called ‘Blue False Indigo,’ ‘Indigo Weed,’ and ‘Rattleweed.’
Growing in the wild, Blue Indigo plants have small pea-like sweet blue flowers growing up a stem. These start to bloom in late spring and early summer and color shades range from pale blue, pastel blue, and dark violet.
Gentians
Species of blue gentians can be annuals, biennials or perennials
Another type of blue flower that exists in nature is found on plants belonging to the genus Gentian. These delightful small plants have flowers that are an intense blue color when they flower in late spring.
There are over 400 species of gentians in the world, many of which have small blue flowers. The 5 petals making up the flower are lance-shaped and form a star. The deep blue colors contrast with a white center of the flowers.
Spring gentians are one of the most sought-after blue flowers for rock gardens or borders. They only grow to about 3” (7 cm) tall but look stunning as they create a sea of rich blues when they flower.
Bluestar
Bluestar is a perennial flowering plant with soft, sweet baby blue, star-shaped flowers
The name ‘Bluestar’ exactly describes the color and shape of this pretty and easily identifiable flower. Clusters of bluestars grace thin stems to create an explosion of various shades of blue.
Bluestar is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae and grows in the wild in North America. This famous plant has great ornamental value in gardens due to its pretty blue spring flowers. Some types of Bluestar have small white and blue star-shaped flowers.
Love in a Mist
Nigella damascena is an annual flowering plant with light blue small flowers
‘Love in a Mist’ is the common name for an annual flowering plant that has shades of light blue to aqua blue small flowers. The botanical name for this plant is Nigella damascena and it is also called Devil in the Bush. This plant belongs to the same family of yellow flowers such as buttercups.
The most common colors of this summer-flowering plant are various shades of blue. Some varieties of Love-in-a-Mist also produce white, pink, or light purple flowers. Each small bushy plant can have up to 25 star-shaped flowers. The thin type of soft spiky green foliage gives this unusual plant a distinct fuzzy appearance.
Blue Morning Glory Flowers
Morning Glories are blue perennial flowers with white and yellow center
Morning Glory flowers are stunning examples of dark blue and white flowers in the family Convolvulaceae. This family includes blue-flowering plants from the Ipomoea, Astripomoea, and Convolvulus genera. Some species of Morning Glory are some of the bluest flowers you will come across.
Although Morning Glories can have yellow, pink, purple, or red flowers, blue is the most striking color. Some truly outstanding flowers are deep blue funnel-like flowers with a white and yellow star-shaped pattern in the center. Other shades of blue include rich navy-blue shades, light indigo, or pale blue that almost looks white.
Morning Glories are summer-flowering perennials that enjoy warm climates. The blue flowers measure 1” to 2” (2 – 5 cm) across and look spectacular against the lush green foliage.
Impatiens
‘Impatiens namchabarwensis’ is a blue species of impatients plant
There are over 1,000 species of impatiens in the family Balsaminaceae. Many varieties of this flowering plant have varying shades of blue such as sky blue, light blue, and royal blue.
There are 2 types of impatiens flowers – two-lipped flowers or flat flowers. Some of the flat-flower species have a star shape and the two-lipped flowers are quite showy and gaudy.
Blue is not the most common or popular type of impatiens flowers. In fact, in the wild, true blue impatiens are quite rare and are found in the Himalayas. The name of this authentic wild blue species is ‘Impatiens namchabarwensis.’ These are annual flowers that grow well in containers and produce marine-blue flowers with yellow markings.
Pansies
Some pansy cultivars have various shades of blue and white with yellow center
Many species of pansies in the genus Viola have flowers in varying shades of blue. These popular flowering plants are annuals or perennials, depending on the climate and species.
Pansy flowers can be any shade of blue from very pale blue to deep bluish purple. Some of the bluest pansy flowers are so dark that they almost look black. The coloring on pansy petals also makes them a fascinating species of plant.
Some pansies are single-colored flowers with large oval petals. Other species can be bi-colored with different shades of blues that fade into lighter shades. There are also white pansies with delicate blue shading around the edges. Some of the most spectacular pansies are the ones that are blue, yellow, and white.
Just the names of some pansy cultivars give an idea of their amazing colors. For example, ‘Sorbet Lemon Blueberry Swirl,’ ‘Icy Blue,’ and ‘Celestial Blue Moon.’ Even the ‘Common Blue Violet’ is an attractive flower with its deep lilac coloring and blue veins.
Cornflowers
Cornflower is an annual plant with flowers that are most commonly an intense blue color
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a type of blue flower that exists in the wild. This extremely beautiful flower is from the family Asteraceae, the family of daisies, gerberas, and sunflowers. These common wild blue flowers are also called ‘Bachelor’s Button. They are one of the few flowers that have the blue pigment protocyanin to give them their recognizable intense blue color.
The flower heads on cornflower stems are made up of blue thin spindly petals. The showy flowers look similar to thistle heads and can be around 2” (5 cm) wide. The plant grows up to 18” tall (45 cm) and looks best when grown in clumps. Some types of cornflowers have disc-shaped florets with dark purple centers.
Anemone
Anemones have several cultivars with blue flowers. In the picture: ‘Blue Poppy’ (left) and Blanda ‘Blue Shades’ (right)
There are about 200 species of flowering plants in the genus Anemone and a few of them produce purple or blue flowers. Anemones are perennial plants with delightful simple flowers made up of broad oval petals. These extremely pretty flowers are identifiable by their bright vibrant colors and wispy flowers.
One of the most stunning examples of a blue anemone is the ‘Blue Poppy.’ This has multiple rows of steel blue petals and a navy blue button center. The Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Shades’ is a cultivar that has a yellow center and rays of royal blue petals. Although not classed as a blue flower, the anemone ‘Bordeaux’ has burgundy red velvety petals with an unusually dark blue button-like center.
Anise-Scented Sage
Salvia guaranitica is a species of Salvia with blue clusters of small flowers
Also called Hummingbird Sage (Salvia guaranitica), Anise-Scented sage is a bushy perennial shrub that has purple and blue flowers. The species of salvia, Salvia guaranitica, has small flowers with various shades of blue petals.
Other species of sage (salvia) that have pretty blue flowers include ‘Blue Enigma,’ ‘Blue Ensign’, Argentine Skies,’ and ‘Black and blue.’
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