Complete Gardening
Explore a fascinating collection of 17 blue perennials that grace gardens with their stunning hues every spring. These reliable plants return year after year, offering not only beauty but also ease of care and resilience. Perfect for gardeners looking to add a splash of blue to their landscape, these perennials vary in height, bloom time, and unique features. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate charm of Forget-Me-Nots or the striking elegance of Himalayan Blue Poppies, there’s something here to inspire every garden enthusiast.
1. Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
In the early days of spring, the Siberian Squill emerges as a delightful herald of the season. Its tiny, bell-shaped blue flowers create a gentle carpet that thrives in lawns and woodland gardens. Standing at just 4-6 inches, this perennial naturalizes easily, spreading its charm year after year. The Siberian Squill is perfect for those who adore subtle beauty. A fun fact: its bulbs are often planted in large numbers to create stunning blue drifts. These little gems require minimal care, making them a favorite for busy gardeners.
2. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Virginia Bluebells bring a whimsical touch to the garden, unfolding their trumpet-shaped flowers in mid-spring. Initially appearing as pink buds, they soon transform into enchanting sky-blue blooms. Reaching 1-2 feet in height, these perennials thrive in shaded areas. Their ability to self-seed ensures a vibrant display each year. Imagine a woodland carpeted with these charming flowers—a sight to behold! Despite their delicate appearance, Virginia Bluebells are surprisingly robust, adding a splash of color to any garden setting. Their ephemeral nature makes them all the more special.
3. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)
Forget-Me-Nots capture the essence of nostalgia with their enduring allure. Their delicate blue petals encircle bright yellow centers, creating a picturesque scene from spring to early summer. Standing 6-12 inches tall, these perennials are known for their ability to self-seed, ensuring a continuous display. They symbolize true love and memories that last. Ideal for borders and containers, Forget-Me-Nots thrive in moist, shaded areas. A charming fact: they were once believed to protect lovers from unfaithfulness. These little beauties are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any garden.
4. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’)
With its heart-shaped silver leaves, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ adds a touch of elegance to any garden. The contrast between its foliage and the tiny blue flowers is nothing short of captivating. Blooming in mid-spring, this perennial grows to a height of 12-18 inches. It’s a perfect choice for shady borders and woodland gardens. Known for its resilience, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ withstands varying conditions and provides a stunning backdrop for other plants. Did you know? Its leaves are reminiscent of the intricate patterns of frost on a windowpane. A true garden treasure!
5. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
Grape Hyacinths are a feast for the senses, with their cobalt-blue flowers emitting a delightful grape scent. These dense spikes bloom in early to mid-spring, reaching heights of 6-8 inches. A favorite for borders and rock gardens, they create a vibrant splash of color. Their unique appearance resembles tiny clusters of grapes, capturing the imagination. Grape Hyacinths are hardy and easy to grow, making them a must-have for any gardener. Interesting tidbit: these plants can even thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions, proving their adaptability and charm.
6. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort is a true garden chameleon, with flowers that transition from pink to blue as they mature. This early spring bloomer stands 9-12 inches tall, offering speckled foliage that remains attractive even after blooming. Lungwort thrives in shaded, moist areas, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens. Its name harks back to the Middle Ages, when it was believed to cure lung ailments. Today, Lungwort is cherished for its beauty and resilience. This perennial adds a touch of intrigue to any landscape, captivating those who appreciate its unique transformation.
7. False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
False Indigo is a standout perennial, with tall spikes of indigo-blue, pea-like flowers that command attention. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it reaches heights of 3-4 feet. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for sunny borders and prairie-style gardens. Its deep roots make it incredibly resilient, even in challenging conditions. Did you know? Native Americans once used it as a dye, a testament to its rich, vibrant color. False Indigo’s majestic presence and easy-care nature make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a bold statement.
8. Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
With its fern-like foliage and clusters of lavender-blue flowers, Jacob’s Ladder adds grace to any garden. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it stands 1-2 feet tall. This perennial thrives in cool, shaded areas, providing a soft, delicate appearance. The name ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ refers to the plant’s ladder-like leaf arrangement, capturing the imagination. An intriguing fact: it was once used in traditional remedies for fever. Today, Jacob’s Ladder is admired for its beauty and low-maintenance nature. A charming addition to shaded borders or woodland gardens.
9. Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
The Himalayan Blue Poppy is nothing short of breathtaking, with its true-blue petals standing out in any garden. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it reaches heights of 3-4 feet. This perennial thrives in cool, moist climates, offering a stunning display. Its striking color and delicate form make it a garden centerpiece. Fun fact: the Himalayan Blue Poppy is a national symbol of Bhutan, revered for its rare beauty. While it requires some care, the reward is an unforgettable splash of blue that captivates garden enthusiasts.
10. Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Blue Star enchants with its star-shaped pale blue flowers that appear in late spring. Growing 2-3 feet tall, it offers a soft, airy presence in the garden. As autumn approaches, its foliage turns a striking golden hue, adding seasonal interest. Blue Star is perfect for borders and naturalized areas, thriving in full sun to partial shade. A fascinating detail: it was once used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Its adaptability and graceful form make Blue Star a beloved choice for those seeking elegance and versatility in their garden landscape.
11. Perennial Geranium (Geranium ‘Rozanne’)
Perennial Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a true garden workhorse, with violet-blue flowers that bloom from late spring to fall. Growing 1-2 feet tall, it offers excellent ground cover. This long-blooming perennial is celebrated for its resilience and beauty. Its flowers attract pollinators, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem. A quirky fact: ‘Rozanne’ was voted Plant of the Centenary at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a top choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, low-maintenance addition that offers continuous color and charm.
12. Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
Globe Thistle captivates with its spiky, steel-blue globe-shaped flowers. Blooming from mid to late summer, it stands 2-4 feet tall, adding architectural interest to gardens. This drought-resistant perennial is perfect for sunny borders and xeriscapes. Its unique appearance attracts pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. An interesting tidbit: despite its thistle-like appearance, it’s not invasive, making it a gardener’s ally. Globe Thistle’s striking form and easy-care nature make it a standout choice for those seeking something different and visually intriguing in their garden.
13. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a charming addition to any garden, with its lavender-blue spikes that bloom from late spring to fall. Growing 1-3 feet tall, it attracts bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s vibrancy. This deer-resistant perennial is perfect for borders, offering a soft, flowing form. A playful fact: cats are irresistibly drawn to its aromatic foliage. Catmint’s carefree nature and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite for gardeners seeking a touch of whimsy and resilience. Its soothing color and texture provide a calming presence in any landscape.
14. Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
Delphiniums are the skyscrapers of the garden world, with tall spikes of intense blue flowers that captivate the eye. Blooming in early summer, they can reach heights of 3-6 feet. These perennials are perfect for adding vertical interest to borders. Despite their majestic stature, they may require staking for support. A delightful tidbit: the name Delphinium comes from the Greek word for dolphin, due to the shape of the flower bud. Delphiniums’ regal appearance and vibrant color make them a garden favorite for those seeking a dramatic display.
15. Bellflower (Campanula spp.)
Bellflowers bring a touch of elegance with their bell-shaped blue blooms. Ranging from 6 inches to 3 feet tall, they grace gardens from spring to summer. Varieties like C. persicifolia, the peach-leaved bellflower, are known for their height and longevity. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade, offering versatility in garden design. A charming insight: in folklore, bellflowers were believed to bring fairies into the garden. Their delicate form and vibrant color make them a delightful addition, perfect for gardeners seeking beauty and whimsy.
16. Veronica (Veronica spicata)
Veronica adds vibrancy to gardens with its vivid blue spikes that bloom in early to mid-summer. Standing 1-2 feet tall, it’s ideal for borders and attracts pollinators, contributing to a lively ecosystem. This perennial’s compact form makes it suitable for small gardens and large landscapes alike. An engaging fact: Veronica is named after Saint Veronica, who is said to have wiped Jesus’s face with a cloth. Its striking color and easy maintenance make Veronica a beloved choice for gardeners seeking color and vitality in their design.
17. Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
Plumbago offers a true-blue floral display from late summer to fall, standing 6-12 inches tall. Its flowers are complemented by red fall foliage, adding seasonal contrast. This perennial is perfect for ground cover, thriving in sunny to partially shaded areas. A fascinating fact: Plumbago’s botanical name, Ceratostigma, means “horned stigma,” referring to the flower’s distinctive shape. Its ability to withstand heat and drought makes it a resilient choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, colorful addition to their landscape, offering beauty and functionality.