Blue flowers are rare and makeup only 10% of flowering plants. They are used in gardens worldwide to add an exotic touch, in homes, and for celebrations. Blue flowers have many meanings. They are associated with intellect and spirituality. Many claim they have a calming effect and help improve sleep. The symbolism associated with the blue includes trust, wisdom, confidence, and faith. Blue flowers are not to be overlooked when considering flowers for your home and garden.
As you read this, you can learn about the following:
* 16 different types of blue flowers
Dark Blue Flowers
Grape hyacinths range in color from dark blue to baby blue. The flowers grow in small clusters like grapes and are long-lasting. They adapt well to all types of fertile soil and spread quickly. In gardens, they need full sun in the spring and more shade as the season gets warmer. The grape hyacinth is associated with rebirth and childlike joy.
Cornflowers are sought after for their deep blue pigment. They are easy to grow from seeds and require full sun and regular doses of water. Cornflowers produce intense blue flowers from spring all the way through to fall. Their scent attracts many garden pollinators. Cornflowers, also known as bachelor buttons, were worn by men as an indicator of their love for their betrothed. If his love was not returned the flower withered. Cornflowers also make a unique ingredient in recipes and salads.
Morning glories produce beautiful dark blue flowers that bloom in the morning and die by the afternoon. The plant’s vines climb and spread out up to 15 feet. When planting in your garden they need full sun and moderately dry soil. If the soil is too fertile, the vines produce more foliage than blooms. This is a highly toxic plant when ingested and should not be planted where children and pets have access to them. In spite of their toxicity, the flower is associated with love, affection, and purity. Morning glories are not only a beautiful addition to your garden but a thoughtful detail for weddings and special occasions.
Delphiniums are the official flower of July Birthdays. It is popular for both gardens and for cut flowers. This sensitive perennial should be planted in an area with moist soil and a location that is sheltered from wind and storms. This flower symbolizes fun, lightheartedness, and attachment. It is often given as an encouraging gift to those pursuing their dreams.
Irises are a beautiful flower said to be the flower of the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of love. The flower represents faith, hope, wisdom, and valor.
Violets represent affection, love, happiness, and modesty. Not only are they a beautiful addition to your garden, but they add that special touch to salads and desserts.
Impatiens flowers come in two varieties, flat shaped and orchid shaped. Blue impatiens were first discovered in 2003 in the world’s deepest canyon in Tibet. This perennial blooms from early spring through the first frost. Impatiens represent motherly love and affection.
Gentians are unusually shaped woodland plants whose royal-blue flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Gentians symbolize femininity, intrinsic value, and beauty. They thrive in full to partial sun locations in your garden and depend on consistently moist soil.
Blue calla lilies are a popular choice for weddings, baptisms, and funerals. They symbolized gratitude, serenity, peace, tranquility, and gratitude.
Columbines, the state flower of Colorado, is a perennial found in meadows and woodlands. They bloom in early spring attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. In gardens, they thrive in full sun, mild summer heat and moist soil. Plants on a whole have a life span of three to four years. Columbines are a favorite for cut flowers. Symbolically, they stand for courage for a new endeavor making them a perfect graduation gift.
Globe thistles are members of the Aster family. They are native to Asia and Europe. In Greek, its name means hedgehog obviously referring to the spikey, pom pom-like flowers that can reach 2 inches across. The flowers attract both bees and butterflies. The thistle retains its color when cut making it a great choice for dried flower arrangements in the fall.
Blue orchids are native to India and its neighbors of Asia. To successfully grow, you need to mimic the cool, tropical mountain conditions it originated from. Be sure your orchid has full sun until noon and early after when it needs shade from strong heat. Keep the well-draining soil moist; water several times a day if needed. Don’t water in the early evenings to prevent root rot. Because the blue orchid is associated with the ocean, it symbolizes tranquility and delicate beauty.
Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors including blue. The colors of the large ball-like flowers are determined by the acidity of your soil. On a scale from 0 to 14, the optimum pH level for blue flowers is between pH 5.2-5.5. Test your soil regularly to monitor the pH level. Adjusting acidity level is as easy as using ready-to-use organic acidifiers or mulch made from pine needles or pine bark. The extra attention and care pay off when you get deep rich blue blooms. The hydrangeas are a gorgeous addition to fresh flower arrangements and make a thoughtful gift symbolizing heartfelt love.
The blue clematis is a climbing plant that does very well in a location with full sunlight and well-drained soil. It blooms continuously throughout the season. The blue clematis is associated with faithfulness, courage, and ingenuity.
The bellflower, as its name suggests, has bell-shaped, deep blue flowers with a yellow center. The plants do well in full sun and well-drained locations. The bellflower symbolizes humility, constancy, and gratitude. Because it was once associated with fairies, it is also known as fairy thimbles.
Periwinkles are stout plants that produce deep blue flowers. It is used by gardeners as a ground cover because it spreads quickly and creates balance when planted under taller plants. It grows successfully when planted in partial sunlight and well-drained soil.
Conclusion
Add a touch of the exotic to your garden by incorporating blue flowers. Most are easy to maintain and are a fun conversation piece for your visitors.