If you love blue flowers and foliage, you’ll be amazed at how many varieties of plants are available to add a touch of blue color to your garden. From the popular blue petunia to the bright blue cornflower and the beautiful blue irises, there’s something for everyone. We’ll also discuss some trees and shrubs with blue foliage, such as the blue spruce and the blue atlas cedar, and some of the most popular blue foliage plants, including agave, dianthus, hosta and yucca. Let’s dive right in!
Popular Blue Foliage Plants for Your Garden
When it comes to plants with blue foliage, there are a few popular options. Agave, dianthus, hosta and yucca are all excellent choices for adding a splash of color to your garden. Each of these plants offer unique characteristics that make them stand out in the landscape. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Although there are no trees that grow blue leaves, some features may cause the green leaves to be blue. The most common trees with bluish-white foliage are the blue spruce and the blue atlas cedar. These trees have hairs on their leaves that give them a subtle, yet beautiful, blue tint.
Eucalyptus gunnii plants are the most popular blue foliage shrubs, but there are others to choose from as well. Brachyglottis has a bluey-grey foliage, while Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ is an even smaller version of the eucalyptus. Both varieties offer an interesting and unique look for your garden.
Adding Blue Color to Your Garden with Rhododendrons
If you’re looking for a true blue flowering plant, then ‘Bob’s Blue’ (Rhododendron ‘Bob’s Blue’) is the perfect choice. This dwarf species is hardy in zones 7 to 9 and produces beautiful blue-lavender blossoms in spring and early summer. Another option is Rhododendron ‘Blue Diamond’, which blooms between mid-spring and early summer. Both of these plants are sure to add a stunning display of color to your garden.
But if you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, then why not try the ‘Blue Tit’ Rhododendron? This evergreen shrub produces small dark leaves that last all year and is perfect for use as a yard border or hedge. It thrives in zones 6 to 10 and produces beautiful blue flowers that will add a unique touch to your landscape.
Adding Interest to Your Garden with Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’
But if you’re looking for something that really stands out in the landscape, then why not try Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’? This sun-loving perennial has upright stems with silver leaves that are veined in white, making it one of the best silver perennials around. It’s hardy in zones 4 to 9 and enjoys well-drained soil. With its unique foliage and vibrant blooms, it’s sure to add interest to your garden all year round.
When it comes to caring for your artemisia ludoviciana ‘Valerie Finnis’, the key is to provide it with plenty of sun and dry soil. It does best in full sun to partial shade, but should not be left in standing water as this can cause the plant to die due to its preference for dry-to-average moisture levels. Additionally, its drought tolerance makes it an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application.
Blue Perennials for a Colorful Garden
Are there any blue perennials? One of the most popular blue blooms that is sure to add a splash of color to your garden is irises. These charming flowers are available in various colors and can bring a fresh summer mood to your landscape. They are one of the easiest plants to grow and require minimal care. Irises prefer well-drained soil, full sun, and should not be left in standing water as this can cause them to rot. For best results, it’s important to divide iris clumps every few years in order for them to stay healthy and bloom profusely throughout the season.
However, if you’re looking for a blue flower that will truly stand out among the rest, cornflower is one of the bluest of all blue flowers. Also known as bachelor’s button, this annual can be grown from seed and is an ideal choice for cut flower arrangements. They are easy to grow and thrive in most soils with full sun or partial shade. Cornflower produces plenty of blooms throughout the season which makes it a great choice for adding color to your garden beds.
But if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, Ceanothus is an evergreen shrub with beautiful blue flowers in late spring and early summer. When Ceanothus is in bloom, it creates a beautiful blue cloud effect. This plant does best in well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate light shade but will not produce as many blooms.
Ceanothus is a great choice for adding interest and color to your garden year-round. Finally, the blue petunia is a popular annual flower that blooms from spring to fall and does well in containers. It’s easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to gardening or don’t have a lot of time on their hands. Blue varieties of petunias are sure to add a pop of color and vibrancy to any garden!
Conclusion
Blue flowers and foliage can add a unique and beautiful look to any garden. Whether you are looking for a blue petunia, cornflower, iris, Rhododendron, Eucalyptus, or even a tree with blueish-white foliage, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. With proper care and attention, these plants can bring a fresh summer mood to your garden and will last for many years.