Blue perennial flowers: 17 to brighten up your garden
Updated: May 14, 2023
Is it just me or do blue perennial flowers create a calming atmosphere in your garden, too? It’s probably because the color blue is connected to serenity and tranquility — exactly what you need to make your garden feel more relaxing and inviting.
Blue perennial flowers also have a long lifespan and return year after year. That means if you plant them now, they’ll keep coming back like old friends — and you’ll get to enjoy their gorgeous blue color every growing season.
Here’s my list of the best blue perennials for any landscape… from container gardens to flower beds. Let me know your favorites in the comments below.
1. Polemonium (Polemonium caeruleum)
Commonly known as Jacob's Ladder, is a perennial plant with clusters of blue or purple flowers and fern-like foliage. It is often used in cottage gardens or as a border plant.
Polemonium (Polemonium spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
2. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
A bulbous perennial plant known for its dense spikes of highly fragrant, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus spp.)
Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
3. Agastache (Agastache spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of small, blue or purple flowers and aromatic foliage.
Agastache (Agastache spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
4. Centaurea (Centaurea montana)
Commonly known as mountain cornflower, is a perennial plant with blue or purple flowers, it is native to Europe and is often used in cottage gardens or as a border plant.
Centaurea (Centaurea spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
5. Aconitum (Aconitum spp.)
Commonly known as Monkshood, it's a perennial plant with spikes of blue or purple hooded flowers and deeply lobed leaves.
Aconitum (Aconitum spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
6. Nepeta (Nepeta spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of small, blue or purple flowers and aromatic foliage. Commonly known as Catmint.
Nepeta (Nepeta spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
7. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
A perennial plant with large, round clusters of blue or purple flowers. It is known for its lush foliage and is often used in shrub borders.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
8. Veronica longifolia (Veronica longifolia)
A perennial plant with spikes of small, blue or purple flowers, it is also known as spiked speedwell.
(Veronica longifolia)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
9. Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of large, showy blue or purple flowers and palmate leaves.
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun
10. Aquilegia vulgaris (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Commonly known as columbine, is a perennial plant with blue or purple, spurred flowers and finely divided foliage.
Aquilegia vulgaris (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
11. Brunnera macrophylla (Brunnera macrophylla)
Commonly known as Siberian bugloss, is a perennial plant with blue or purple flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves.
Brunnera macrophylla (Brunnera macrophylla)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
12. Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of large, showy blue or purple flowers and finely divided foliage.
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
13. Echinops (Echinops spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of small, blue or purple flowers and thistle-like foliage.
Echinops (Echinops spp.)
Height: 90-120 cm (36-48 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
14. Geranium rozanne (Geranium Rozanne)
A perennial plant with blue or purple flowers and deeply lobed leaves.
Geranium rozanne (Geranium rozanne)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
15. Phlox (Phlox spp.)
A perennial flower that comes in a variety of colors, including blue and purple, it is known for its large clusters of blooms and sweet fragrance.
Phlox (Phlox spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
16. Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of blue or purple flowers and spotted leaves.
Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
17. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
A perennial plant with spikes of small, blue or purple flowers and aromatic foliage.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Blue perennial flowers work great in container gardens and flower beds because they complement other colors in your garden, providing a beautiful contrast. You can also plant only blues and create a monochromatic color scheme. Or mix them with whites for a totally unique garden.
A lot of these perennial flowers on this blue list are ideal for use in borders and flower boxes because of their low height. And regardless of height, they're all great at attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies — blue is a favorite for these little guys.
Overall, blue perennial flowers provide a sense of serenity and tranquility that can enhance the beauty of any garden. Which ones will you start growing? Let me know in the comments below.
And if you’re looking for even more colors. Check out white perennials, purple perennials, pink and even yellow perennial flowering plants in these links.
