21 Blue Perennial Flowers with Names and Pictures (2024)

Every gardener or homeowner desires to brighten every corner of the home or garden. You can create a picturesque, botanical picture with a collection of different colors. One color that you may need in your space is blue. While we already have a massive guide about blue flowers, many of those are grown as annuals. So what better way to celebrate this fantastic flower than by looking at some of them that will return every year?

Flowers in this color are usually available in numerous shades and can complement just about any garden paradise or landscape area of your home. Most blue perennial flowers also generally differ in shape and size, thus giving you a myriad of varieties to select from.

In the list below, you’ll learn about 21 of the most beautiful blue perennials, together with some fundamental tips on caring for each. You will also get a profound understanding of why each flower is excellent. If you give them adequate attention, your garden will be singing the blues from the beginning of the first season to the end of the last season. Let’s jump in!

Azure Aster

Scientific Name: Symphyotrichum oolentangiense

Azure aster is a rhizomatous perennial that forms branch leafa*ge through the summer season. Eventually, they blossom into stunning perennial flowers. These blue perennials will sprout from start of fall to the beginning of winter.

Azure aster flowers do well in USDA zones of 3 to 9. The flower grows up to 60 to 90 cm tall and 45 to 60 cm wide. You will be required to expose them to direct sunlight to allow full blossoming. However, this doesn’t mean they cannot bloom in shaded areas.

When it comes to soil, avoid using one that is extremely wet and instead plant them in sandy, dry, or rocky soils. They also do well in acidic soil, with the soil acidity ranging between 5.5 to 7.5. Although they are not vulnerable to pests and diseases, always ensure sufficient air circulation to prevent foliage diseases such as powdery mildew.

Balloon Flower

Scientific Name: Platycodon grandiflorus

Ballon flowers are less complicated when it comes to growing. The name is based off of its puffy, balloon-shaped buds that result before they blossom into shapes that resemble stars.

It does well in warm environments, so it is usually best to plant in the springtime. This flower requires loamy soils that are not overly wet. It also requires full sunlight but can also blossom under partial shade.

Balloon flowers will blossom in the entire period of the summertime. It is not susceptible to pests and diseases and will bounce back with gorgeous showy blooms every year. The flower needs regular support to keep them upright. They are best suited in USDA zones 3 up to 8.

Bird-Bill Dayflower

Scientific Name: Commelina dianthifolia

Bird-bill dayflowers are beautiful blue perennial flowers that get its name from the behavior of their own flowers. Each day, the flowers open by sunrise and withers by midday.

The flower gives rise to three petals whose shape resembles mouse’s ears. Bird-bill dayflowers are very robust. They produce flowers through the summertime and early fall.

Bird-bill dayflower does well inmoist and wet soil conditions as well as in rocky soil. To grow this plant, it is imperative to ensure it gets adequate sunlight, although it can still do well in partially shaded areas. It thrives well in USDA zones of 6 up to 9.

Bluebell

Scientific Name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Bluebell flower, also known as English bluebell, is a blue perennial that give rise to picturesque flowers that resemble a bell. They have a sweet yet very strong scent but become detectable when walking through a bluebell wood. These flowers attract numerous pollinators, which makes them an incredible selection for gardeners/homeowners who like to have butterflies and birds around them.

The flower is commonly found in areas with minimal sunlight. However, they can still thrive in full sunlight but will do better in relatively shaded spaces with a lot of charming dappled sunlight. They do well in moist soil conditions as long as they are in soil that is not overly wet.

Bluebells are grown from bulbs, which can survive frost and extreme temperatures. They flourish from the beginning to the end of spring and vanish by midsummer.

Blue Delphiniums

Scientific Name: Delphinium grandiflorum

Blue delphiniums are a typical selection in wildflower bouquets. They are blue perennials grown for their ostentatious spikes of colorful perennial summer flowers in charming shades of different colors, including blue.

Although they are delicately small and gorgeous, they can be very tall. Therefore, ensure that they have additional support to grow to their optimal potential.

These plants enjoy full sun, but they can still thrive in partial shade. The soil needs to be moist and well-draining.

Blue False Indigo

Scientific Name: Baptisia australis

Blue false indigos are solid perennials that are upright with gray-green leaves and gorgeous long racemes of indigo-blue blooms that sprout in April through June. The plant can develop up to five feet high. Due to their incredible height, they are exciting to observe when they are next to fences or integrated with other plants.

It grows well in full sun but also does well in moderately shady environments. If the plant is planted under full shade, it must receive additional support to remain upright. The plant can endure drought and infertile soil. This makes them an ideal plant as they can adapt to almost any environment.

To breed blue false indigos, you can get seeds to plant them at the beginning of fall. However, it is imperative to know that blue false indigo can take an extended duration for the plant to flower.

The Blue Star

Scientific Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana

The blue star is a beautiful plant that gives pale blue star-shaped flowers. They are herbaceous perennials that add so much beauty to any garden or landscape.

The plant can adapt to different environments. Bluestars can grow in average, well-drained soil that is not overly wet. However, it can still thrive in dry areas, as well.

Although they can flourish in partial shade, they enjoy growing under full sun. They will require minimal maintenance such as pruning or staking when grown under full sun. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time gardeners.

The plant blossoms in late spring or early summer, with the blooms appearing in the second year of its life.

Delphinium

Scientific Name: Delphinium

Delphinium should be your next favorite plant if you are a flower enthusiast. This plant is highly adored and grows in a myriad of colors, with blue being one of them. They can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Delphinium thrives in full sunlight and will blossom stunningly from the months of June through July. They are selective when it comes to soil and enjoy growing in alkaline environments. Also, the soil should be fertile, have zero chemicals, and be adequately drained. Due to this, you will be required to compost your larkspur’s beds to conserve sufficient moisture. Mulching also assists in making the plant experience exceptional growth.

Empire Blue Butterfly Bush

Scientific Name: Buddleja davidii ‘Empire Blue’

This flower is also referred to as Buddleja. It has lance-shaped leaves with blossoming branches graced with tiny blue perennial flowers. It has a strong fragrance, thus making it lovable to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Empire blue butterfly bush enjoys growing in well-drained soil where there is full sunlight the entire day. Therefore, ensure to plant in such an environment to give it a long and continuous blossoming.

Forget-Me-Nots

Scientific Name: Myosotis arvensis

Forget- Me-Nots is an ideal ground cover that gives rise to glossy, dark green leaves and blue or white flowers towards the beginning of the spring season. The flower is exceptionally gorgeous, with five-petaled, blue blossoms with yellow centers from the stems.

The plant does not require much attention and does best in a damp shady area but can accommodate full sun.

Himalayan Blue Poppy

Scientific Name: Meconopsis betonicifolia

Himalayan blue poppy is incredibly stunning with its beautiful flowers. These blue perennials will thrive in a shaded garden. However, this plant is a little fussy, and it would be hard for these plants to exploit their full potential when subjected to unfavorable conditions.

The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic, well-drained, and not overly wet for their growth. To boost their growth, it is essential to supplement them with humus. They like growing in colder summers, thus they would not suitable in hot environments.

Hyacinth

Scientific Name: Hyacinthus

What’s not to adore about the hyacinth? Hyacinths are cherished plants that look best in blue. However, this plant does not thrive in all growing conditions as it enjoys full sun and fertile soil that is free from chemicals. Also, the soil should be well-drained and partially wet with an average PH level.

Hyacinths are less complicated to grow as long as you give them maximum attention. They blossom for only about 2 to 3 weeks during the middle of spring.

If you want to enjoy the full hyacinth beauty, ensure to plant them as soon as possible in the autumn to experience blossoms.

Hydrangea

Scientific Name: Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea is one of the most spectacular garden plants that you can have in your garden paradise. It is available in various colors, making them a perfect foundation for your landscape. The blue hydrangea has several shades depending on the soil’s alkalinity.

To reap the best out of this flower, avoid exposing it to direct, hot afternoon sun. However, this flower enjoys being exposed to the morning sun.

Hydrangea begins sprouting towards the start of the spring and can extend all the way to the end of the summer season if well maintained. It can endure frigid winter weather and blossom again after the years.

Iris

Scientific Name: Iris

Irises are one of the most simple blue perennials to grow. They are one of the most charming flowers that are available in various colors and can bring a fresh summer mood to your garden.

They come in more than 300 different species throughout the world and broadly thrive in different soil and sun conditions. By incorporating various types of irises, you can have them flourish from early spring to summer.

The various types of irises have different heights and sizes, which make them ideal for a well-thought-out all-time blossoming garden.

Leather Flower

Scientific Name: Clematis

Leather flowers are widely recognized as one of the best perennial vines for your garden paradise. Leather flowers in the summer season are large and have showy blooms.

Those blooming during the fall consist of smaller petals, but make a thick forest. Regardless of their blooming time, these vines make an incredible statement.

A climbing plant is a fantastic option for adding aesthetics to fences, walls, and various ornaments in your garden. Although leather flowers are available in numerous colors, the blue variety is particularly eye-catching.

It grows well in well-drained soils and blossoms continuously if exposed to direct sunlight for an extended period.

Lily of the Nile

Scientific Name: Agapanthus africanus

The alluring lily of the Nile has a striking appearance with its various shades of blue. These blue perennials generally thrive in full sunlight and require approximately 8 hours of sun exposure every day.

However, the plant is delicate and cannot flourish in scorching conditions. So, it is vital to grow lilies of the Nile in shaded areas if temperatures are excessively high where you live.

These flowers thrive in moist, fertile organic soils, which are acidic to alkaline. For viable growth, this plant may need to be watered frequently during the entire growing period. However, no watering is needed once the leaves turn yellow. It blossoms from June to July.

Lungwort

Scientific Name: Pulmonaria officinalis

Lungwort is a beautiful dainty blue bloom that brightens up towards winter’s end. The plant is actually quite small, only going up to 6 to 12 inches. This makes it a great low growing perennial that you can plant just about anywhere. It can spread up to 18 inches wide.

The plant doesn’t like direct sunlight, but it also may not thrive if it is under trees. It requires frequent watering for it to remain healthy.

Lungwort is not fussy, and it is resistant to diseases and pests. Although slugs and mildew can be distressing to this plant, they can be quite easy to control. Lungwort grows well in well-drained and moist, fertile soil.

Lupine

Scientific Name: Lupinus

Although lupines come in many colors, they produce the most beautiful flowers. The plant can grow up to 4 feet high and 1.5 feet wide.

For exceptional outcomes, the plant should be grown under full sun. Also, the soil must be fertile, well-drained, and adequately moist. They flourish pretty long, extending throughout the springtime and the summer.

Perennial Geranium

Scientific Name: Geranium sylvaticum

Perennial geraniums form a lovely bunch, outspread leaves and flowers in a vast range of hues. They are one of the flowers that blossom more and grow very tall. Its deep blue color is breathtaking and can be experienced from June to the chilly winter. It thrives in multiple seasons since it can endure lower temperatures.

Perennial Geranium enjoys growing in well-drained soils and does exceptionally well under full sun or partial shade. It is not vulnerable to pests and diseases such as slugs and aphids. If you are looking for a plant that requires minimal attention, consider perennial geraniums.

Periwinkle

Scientific Name: Catharanthus roseus

Periwinkle is a short bush that forms gorgeous and aromatized flowers with the color of the sky and the sea. Usually, this flower is applied as a ground cover due to its short nature. It blossoms quickly and is an excellent option for taller plants when used as a foundation cover.

The plant works best in well-drained soils and under moderate sunlight. So, for it to thrive, consider planting it in the moderate shade where it will access sunshine at a regulated quantity to avoid them from burning.

Periwinkle can thrive in dreaded dry areas and requires minimal watering, thus making it so easy to grow and care for.

Pincushion Flowers

Scientific Name: Scabiosa japonica

Pincushion flowers are thick perennials that form a cluster of flowers, blossoming with blue blooms from late spring through winter. They can grow up to 18 inches and extend up to 15 inches wide.

The plant enjoys full sun for optimal flower production. You can provide them with more shade to offer them protection in scorching conditions.

They grow well in well-drained soil, which is relatively moist and has an average pH. If well taken care of, these plants can endure drought.