You’ll often hear people say that there is no true blue in the garden. Flowers aren’t naturally blue. The closest you’ll find is purple. But while blue isn’t the most common of flower colours, you can find it if you know where to look.
Five Fabulous Blue Flowers
Agapanthus
Known as the ‘flower of love’, agapanthus aren’t just blue – they are beautiful. Originating from South Africa, they are sun-loving plants, and not always hardy. Although the deciduous varieties will often survive the British winter and come back stronger year after year. With their pretty, delicate flowers floating upon slender stems, they can add value to any garden. They are also an incredible nectar source for a range of pollinators, and look wonderful in a vase. Of course, agapanthus come in a range of sizes and colours now, thanks to focused breeding programmes. But blue is the original – and in our view – best.
Hydrangea
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With their great, big, mop-like heads, hydrangeas can’t help but make an impact. And because they have such robust stems, they look great in a vase for two weeks or more. We love them as cut flowers and use them within a wealth of arrangements, but they can also look beautiful as a stand-alone display. And in a garden, the bushes can grow to up to about four feet tall, with a spread of up to 12 feet! Hydrangeas are associated with a range of meanings, from abundance and gratitude to apology. And they come in an assortment of colours as well as blue.
Eryngium
Also known as Sea Holly, eryngium is as spiky as it is elegant. But it is also very, very blue – at least, some species are. Lasting up to 16 days in a vase, these statuesque flowers are something of a florist’s favourite. Appropriately, these spiky plants are thought to symbolise both independence and attraction. And once upon a time, their roots were used as an aphrodisiac. But, as with all plants, you must exercise caution, and we’d strongly advise against consuming any plants you’re not totally certain of.
Iris
There are so many different varieties of iris, that’s why the Greek name translates to ‘rainbow’. And that’s what makes it such a popular plant. And we’ll admit that most of the iris referred to as ‘blue’ are actually more of a purple hue. However, iris sibirica ‘Blue Moon’ is as blue as it gets. They are tall and elegant and perfect for a vase – lasting up to around 10 days when cut. And if you’re looking for something for the garden or to make small posies, ‘Forever Blue’ is a gorgeous dwarf bearded iris.
Morning Glory
OK, so you either love or hate this plant. In a garden, it can be totally invasive. But in the right spot, it’s simply gorgeous. And if you’re looking for blue plants, then this one is hard to beat. It’s an odd one to use in cut flower arrangements, as each bloom only lasts a day. But the vines are long and they flower in succession, so they can provide interest for quite some time. If used as a cut flower, they need a structure to support them – this might mean twigs, or an arrangement of other blooms to weave through. And they symbolise affection and love, so they’re a great flower to gift a loved one.
Blue isn’t a common colour in nature. At lease, not in flora. But it can be found. And if you’re not looking for flowers for cutting, it is plentiful – look at mechonopsis, geranium, bluebells, cornflowers, gentian, muscari, and so many others besides. Blues can be bold and bright or soft and gentle. Whatever your preference, there will be a blue flower to suit. You just need to know where to look.
Are you looking for blue flowers for a special occasion? Get in touch with Blue Florist.