Perennials are the backbone of any garden, offering lasting beauty and vibrant colours that return every year. Among the most sought-after colors for gardens are shades of blue, which bring a cool, calming atmosphere to any landscape. Blue perennials can be a standout feature, whether planted in borders, containers, or as a focal point in your garden beds. These hardy plants not only bloom year after year but also thrive in a variety of climates. Here’s a list of 20 stunning blue perennials that promise to bloom beautifully year after year.
1. Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Bluebells are one of the most beloved blue perennials. Known for their elegant bell-shaped flowers, they bloom in early spring and are perfect for adding a touch of magic to shaded areas in your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun to part shade
- Grows up to 12-18 inches tall
- Best planted in clumps for a fuller look
2. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage is an herb that features star-shaped blue flowers. It’s perfect for adding a bit of charm to vegetable gardens and flower beds alike.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows up to 18 inches tall
- Attracts pollinators like bees
3. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)
As their name suggests, these small, delicate blue flowers are hard to forget. These perennials are a great addition to any garden, offering a pop of blue in both shaded and sunny spots.
Key Features:
- Part shade to full sun
- Grows 6-12 inches tall
- Works well as a ground cover
4. Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
Delphiniums are one of the tallest blue perennials, often used as a dramatic backdrop in garden beds. With their spikes of blue flowers, they add vertical interest to any garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 4-6 feet tall
- Thrives in rich, well-draining soil
5. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny isn’t only known for its green leaves, but also for its small, bright blue flowers that add color to any garden space. It’s a great choice for hanging baskets and ground covers.
Key Features:
- Full sun to part shade
- Grows 6-8 inches tall
- Ideal for containers or as a ground cover
6. Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii)
Commonly known as catmint, Nepeta produces masses of blue to purple flowers all season long. This plant is loved by both gardeners and pollinators alike for its fragrant foliage.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 12-24 inches tall
- Tolerates dry soil conditions
7. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Salvia is a reliable blue perennial that adds color and fragrance to your garden. Its spikes of blue flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and bees.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Deer resistant
8. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Known for its silvery foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers, Russian Sage is perfect for a drought-tolerant garden. This plant thrives in full sun and brings a light, airy feel to the garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 3-4 feet tall
- Tolerates dry conditions
9. Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia is a colorful, cascading plant with rich blue flowers that bloom from spring to fall. This plant is ideal for adding to hanging baskets or containers.
Key Features:
- Full sun to part shade
- Grows 8-12 inches tall
- Ideal for containers and hanging baskets
10. Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chicory is known for its vibrant blue flowers, which are commonly seen along roadsides. It’s a wildflower that’s easy to grow in a wide range of conditions and adds a natural, rustic look to your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 3-5 feet tall
- Drought-tolerant
11. Echinops (Echinops ritro)
Known as globe thistles, Echinops produces spherical clusters of blue flowers that are perfect for adding texture and interest to your garden beds. This plant is loved by bees.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 3-4 feet tall
- Prefers well-drained soil
12. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Balloon flowers are named for their unique balloon-shaped buds that open into star-like blue flowers. They’re a fun and unique addition to any garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 18-24 inches tall
- Prefers well-drained soil
13. Aubrieta (Aubrieta deltoidea)
Aubrieta is an excellent choice for ground cover. It produces dense mats of purple-blue flowers that look stunning in rock gardens or along borders.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 6-8 inches tall
- Ideal for rock gardens
14. Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca)
Blue Fescue is a compact, ornamental grass with silvery-blue foliage and airy flower spikes. It adds texture and color to the garden, especially in rock gardens or borders.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 8-12 inches tall
- Best in well-drained soil
15. Baptisia (Baptisia australis)
Baptisia is a perennial with blueish-purple flowers that bloom in early summer. Known as false indigo, this hardy plant is perfect for adding height and structure to your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun to part shade
- Grows 3-4 feet tall
- Drought-tolerant once established
16. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Balloon flowers are known for their unique, balloon-like buds that gradually open up to reveal star-shaped blooms. The plant is great for rock gardens or as a border plant.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 12-24 inches tall
- Best in well-drained soil
17. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a well-loved blue perennial, known for its fragrance and soothing color. This herb thrives in full sun and is perfect for adding both beauty and fragrance to your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Ideal for dried flower arrangements
18. Poppy (Papaver orientale)
While poppies are most commonly known for their red flowers, there are also varieties with blue blooms that can add bold color and drama to your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 18-24 inches tall
- Prefers well-drained soil
19. Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)
With its spiky, blue flowers, Sea Holly is an excellent addition to coastal or drought-tolerant gardens. Its unique shape and color make it a favorite for garden designers.
Key Features:
- Full sun
- Grows 2-3 feet tall
- Ideal for coastal gardens
20. Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
Harebells are delicate, bell-shaped blue flowers that often grow in meadows and woodland edges. They’re perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Key Features:
- Full sun to part shade
- Grows 12-18 inches tall
- Tolerates a variety of soil types
Conclusion
These 20 blue perennials are sure to bring a splash of color and beauty to your garden year after year. Whether you are looking for a subtle addition or a bold focal point, these plants offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and bloom times to fit any garden style. Not only will they provide beautiful blue flowers, but they will also attract pollinators and enhance your garden’s overall health. Be sure to consider your garden’s needs and growing conditions when selecting these lovely blue perennials to ensure they thrive.
Deepak Grover is a dedicated content writer at OTE News, specializing in government affairs, public policy, and current events. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for factual reporting, he ensures readers receive accurate and insightful news. Deepak holds a degree in Political Science and has experience in research-driven journalism.
When not writing, he enjoys reading historical books, exploring hiking trails, and staying updated with global political trends. His commitment to ethical journalism makes him a trusted voice at OTE News.