by Amanda

There is no better way to cure the 'winter blues' than starting to plan your spring planting! 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. What is your favorite blue flower? Feel free to comment below or post on our Facebook Page!