Have Winter Blues? Think Spring Blues!

By Amanda

Although some claim that there can never be a true “blue” flower, gardeners and growers have worked to come as close to blue as the human eye can tell. Blue flowers illuminate in the sunlight and provide a striking, contrasting statement with their green foliage. In the spirit of planning for spring, I have highlighted some of my favorite blue flowers to try this season.

Blue Perennials are perfect for a hardy, romantic statement in the garden.

• For those gardening in shade, try the African Lily; its waist-high, beautiful foliage sets off the full, strikingly-blue blooms.
• Blue Wild Indigo can be planted in sun or shade and will provide a beautiful contrast to your favorite white blooms.
• For a blue ground cover, try the Creeping Phlox Emerald Blue. This favorite perennial is easy-to-grow and fast-spreading, making it a hardy blue statement in any garden.
• For a blue climber, try the Passion Flower Vine. It’s wonderfully unique blooms are white with blue highlights – perfect for winding around trellises and a fast-grower.

Try planting several blue Spring Bulbs for a unique, dramatic statement in a sunny part of the garden.

• The Starflower Bulbs Queen Fabiola bloom a rich, deep blue and are named after Belgium’s Queen. Try planting these bulbs among low-growing plants, so the stunning flowers poke up through the foliage.
• The Semi-Dinnerplate Dahlia Blue Boy is a favorite for its large, full blue blooms and tall foliage.
• The Gladiolus Bulbs Nori and Blue Moon Mix provide wonderful splashes of blue and do not take up much room in the garden – perfect for tucking in with other colors.

Try planting an all-blue wildflower meadow for a cool, relaxing statement.

• Blue Flax is native to the US and is an extremely hardy and easy-to-grow perennial; its blooms are a lovely powder-blue.
• Baby Blue Eyes is a beloved, quick-blooming annual that will make a lovely statement in any sunny area.
• Try planting Morning Glories along a fence for a quick-blooming, bright statement of blue.

There are endless possibilities for blue blooms this season; try planting an all-blue garden bed or nestle striking blue flowers in with other colors such as white or yellow, to cool down the color scheme. Happy Gardening!