Whether you are planting a garden or a potted plant, there are some common blue flower types you should know about. These include Columbine, Iris, Hydrangea, and Gentian.
Hydrangea
Among the most iconic garden plants, hydrangeas come in a variety of colors, including blue. Although blue is not widely used in flowering plants, there are some hydrangea species that are able to display the color under certain conditions. These blue flowers are usually produced by Bigleaf Hydrangeas.
Some of the most common varieties of hydrangeas, such as Penny Mac, are known to bloom in blue. These flowers are produced by the Hydrangea macrophylla species. These plants need acidic soil to produce blue flowers.
In order for blue flowers to appear, the pH of the soil should be 5.5 to 5.7. This pH indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions. Adding acidifying soil additives to the soil can be worked into early spring fertilization.
Irises
irises are a group of flowers belonging to the genus Iridaceae. They come in many varieties and have been valued as herbal medicines for centuries. Their bright colors have been used to create flowers for cut flower arrangements. These plants are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
The most popular irises are the bulbous varieties such as the Dutch iris. The Siberian iris, on the other hand, is a tetraploid, meaning that it contains four sets of chromosomes. This results in stocky plants with larger flowers.
Other types of irises have a more delicate form, such as the Japanese iris. These plants grow on rhizomes and are drought resistant. They require full sunlight and a moist, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. They are easy to grow and are popular in water gardens.
Bird-bill dayflower
Unlike other weeds, Bird-bill dayflower has a nice, long season of bloom. They also work great in borders or containers. In the wild, they grow in moist, rocky soils, in part shade in woodlands. They’ll do just fine with a bit of mulching in the colder months. They’re a favorite along a hiking trail in the Sandia Mountains Wilderness.
They’re also quite handsome. Their glam green leaves are long and narrow. The leaf blades are linear, albeit with some fancy foliation. They are maroon streaked. They also have the obligatory stipules.
The best part is that this weed will come back year after year. Aside from being a plant that grows in all climates, it will also tolerate a bit of frost.
Columbine
Often known as an eagle’s claw flower, the Columbine is native to North America. It’s also called a “blue flower” because of the blueish purple color of its sepals. It can be grown outdoors in any climate, although it prefers dappled shade in hotter climates.
The foliage of the Columbine is delicate, so you may want to cut it back after it flowers. This will encourage new foliage. Moreover, cutting the foliage back after flowering will also prevent infestation by leaf miners.
The Columbine is a short-lived perennial that blooms in spring. It’s a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which also includes roses and lavender. It thrives in well-draining soil and dark organic matter. It is also resistant to pests. It can be grown outdoors or indoors.
Gentian
Several different types of Gentian are available. They range from a small herb to a rainforest tree. They can be used for landscape design, to accent a potted plant, or as a part of a shaded rock garden. They are also excellent for cutting.
Gentians are found in cool, temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They grow well in well-draining soil rich in humus. They are most commonly rock garden plants.
Gentians can be grown in rockeries, rock gardens, and in raised beds. Gentians require free-draining, moist soil and partial shade. They are also attracted to shade-loving plants such as coral bells, hostas, and lady’s mantle.
Hyacinth
During the late winter and early spring, the world is filled with the fragrance of flowering hyacinths. They are great for planting in beds and borders, as well as container gardens. They are also good for funeral arrangements.
There are many different varieties of hyacinths, including white, pink, and blue. Some varieties are naturalized, meaning that they’ve naturally grown in the woods. Some are hybrids, which combine the traits of both parents. These include Hyacinthus orientalis and Hyacinthus ‘Jan Bos.’ Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’ has big, columnar spikes of royal blue florets.
Purple Sensation features lance-shaped bright green leaves and highly fragrant petals. This hyacinth blooms for several weeks in the spring.
