Types of Blue Flowers and Their Symbolism

Blue is the rarest colour found in the natural world of flowers, making these blooms exceptionally valued and sought after. Their calming hue often represents serenity and inspiration, adding depth to any garden or arrangement.

This guide will explore a whole list of striking types of blue flowers, covering their unique meanings, best uses, and essential care tips, providing you with the perfect resource for choosing them for your next bouquet or garden project.

What Defines a “Blue Flower”?

You might think blue is a straightforward colour to find in nature. However, identifying a "true blue" flower is more complex than it first appears. That’s because, in horticulture, many flowers marketed as blue are actually shades of violet, lavender, or deep purple. This is because true blue pigments are difficult for plants to produce naturally.

The colour we see in flowers mainly relies on the structure of the petals or the acidity of the soil, affecting the pigment present (such as with hydrangeas). Hence, plant breeders work tirelessly to isolate and enhance the specific genes that produce these sought-after blue cultivars, making the resulting blooms exceptionally special. When viewing floral photography, remember that filters and light can often exaggerate the blue tones.

21 Types of Blue Flowers

To help you discover the variety available in this exquisite colour, here is a breakdown of a range of charming blue blooms.

1. Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus)

• Appearance: Thistle-like texture with deeply fringed, vibrant blue petals; often appears in simple, wild meadow settings.
• Symbolism: Hope, dedication, and elegance; in the language of flowers, it can signify delicacy.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rustic and wildflower bouquets, buttonholes, and informal gifting.
• Care Tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage more blooms; excellent for drying.

2. Globe Thistle (Echinops)

• Appearance: Spiky, rigid, perfect globe-shaped flower heads surrounded by silvery-blue leaves; highly textural.
• Symbolism: Nobility, independence, and protection.
• Uses in Arrangements: Masculine arrangements, contrasting texture in bouquets, and dried floral décor.
• Care Tips: Extremely hardy and drought-tolerant; excellent vase life.

3. Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica)

• Appearance: Elegant, three-petalled blooms with falls (downward petals) and standards (upright petals); often has yellow or white flashes.
• Symbolism: Faith, hope, and wisdom.
• Uses in Arrangements: Mixed spring bouquets, traditional floral designs, and thoughtful gifts for encouragement.
• Care Tips: Plant rhizomes shallowly; cut flowers last well but should be recut frequently.

4. Hydrangea (Blue Varieties)

• Appearance: Large, dense, pom-pom clusters of small flowers; colour ranges from powder blue to deep indigo.
• Symbolism: Gratitude, deep understanding, and heartfelt emotion.
• Uses in Arrangements: Statement pieces, wedding centrepieces, and large, luxurious bouquets.
• Care Tips: Needs moist, well-drained, acidic soil to maintain a true blue colour; very thirsty once cut.

5. Delphinium

• Appearance: Tall, stately spires densely packed with individual flowers; colours include bright cobalt and soft sky blue.
• Symbolism: Lightness, swiftness, and beautiful spirit.
• Uses in Arrangements: Vertical accent in grand arrangements; popular in wedding arches and high-end event décor.
• Care Tips: Requires staking in the garden; cut flowers benefit from deep water; the stem is hollow, so cut carefully.

6. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis)

• Appearance: Tiny, star-shaped, true-blue flowers with a yellow or white eye; often grown in dense clusters.
• Symbolism: True love, remembrance, and fidelity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Tucked into bridal bouquets, sentimental gifts, and as rustic filler in cottage-style arrangements.
• Care Tips: Self-seeds readily; handle gently as the stems are fragile.

7. Gentian (Gentiana)

• Appearance: Upright, trumpet-shaped flowers, often in a deep, intense blue; petals usually close on overcast days.
• Symbolism: Charming beauty, inherent loveliness, and justice.
• Uses in Arrangements: Small, jewel-toned table arrangements and sophisticated groupings.
• Care Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; lasts well indoors if kept cool.

8. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)

• Appearance: Tightly clustered, tiny bell-shaped flowers resembling a bunch of grapes; deep indigo to bright blue.
• Symbolism: Power, confidence, and creative self-expression.
• Uses in Arrangements: Small table arrangements, spring bouquets, and cheerful windowsill displays.
• Care Tips: Extremely hardy; best used in simple groupings to showcase their form.

Bluebell (Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta)

• Appearance: Delicate, bell-shaped flowers hanging in clusters on arching stems; soft, muted blue or violet-blue.
• Symbolism: Humility, constancy, and everlasting love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Used sparingly due to protected status in some areas; best for natural, woodland-themed décor.
• Care Tips: Prefers partial shade; best left undisturbed in the garden.

10. Eryngium / Sea Holly

• Appearance: Spiky, star-like flowers with blue-tinged metallic foliage; highly architectural and textural.
• Symbolism: Admiration, independence, and attraction.
• Uses in Arrangements: Adds contrasting texture to bouquets, used in modern or rustic arrangements, and is excellent for drying.
• Care Tips: Very sturdy and long-lasting; benefits from deep water when cut.

11. Anemone (Blue Varieties)

• Appearance: Single or semi-double cup-shaped flowers with silky petals and a dark central eye; deep blue or violet-blue.
• Symbolism: Anticipation, sincerity, and unfading love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Popular in spring wedding work, romantic bouquets, and small, elegant vase arrangements.
• Care Tips: Very fragile; cut flowers should be used immediately and kept cool.

12. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

• Appearance: Buds swell into a distinctive balloon shape before opening into a five-pointed star flower; rich blue-violet colour.
• Symbolism: Unwavering love, honesty, and return of a friend.
• Uses in Arrangements: Informal bouquets and arrangements used to celebrate the return or reunion of a loved one.
• Care Tips: Stems leak a milky substance when cut; sear the end of the stem briefly before arranging.

13. Phlox (Blue Varieties, e.g. Phlox divaricata)

• Appearance: Clusters of small, star-shaped flowers; colours range from lavender to soft, powder blue.
• Symbolism: Sweet dreams, agreement, and harmony.
• Uses in Arrangements: Informal, cottage-style bouquets, filler in mixed arrangements, and simple centrepieces.
• Care Tips: Prone to powdery mildew; water the base of the plant, not the leaves.

14. Blue Columbine (Aquilegia Coerulea)

• Appearance: Unique, spurred flowers that resemble bonnets or bells; typically bi-coloured with blue petals and white spurs.
• Symbolism: Folly, faith, and abandoned love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Used in naturalistic and whimsical bouquets and cottage garden displays.
• Care Tips: Short-lived cut flower; best appreciated in the garden.

15. Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis)

• Appearance: Translucent, papery petals in a startling Himalayan sky blue; often has a yellow centre.
• Symbolism: Imagination, extravagance, and eternal sleep.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rarely used commercially due to extreme fragility; a treasured garden sight.
• Care Tips: Extremely difficult to grow outside specific cool, high-altitude climates; very fragile when cut.

16. Lobelia (Blue Varieties)

• Appearance: Dense, trailing clusters of small, two-lipped flowers; bright blue to deep violet.
• Symbolism: Malice (historic), but often used today to signify love and purity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Trailing elements in hanging baskets, small filler in bouquets, and window box displays.
• Care Tips: Needs plenty of water and partial shade; cut stems are short-lived.

17. Salvia (Blue Cultivars)

• Appearance: Long spikes densely packed with tubular flowers; vibrant cobalt blue.
• Symbolism: Healing, wisdom, and good health.
• Uses in Arrangements: Informal summer bouquets, arrangements for colleagues, and windowsill displays.
• Care Tips: Extremely attractive to pollinators; water regularly in warm weather.

18. Lupin (Blue Varieties)

• Appearance: Tall, pea-like flowers forming dense, candle-like spires; rich shades of blue and purple-blue.
• Symbolism: Imagination, happiness, and admiration.
• Uses in Arrangements: Cottage garden bouquets and tall, rustic centrepieces.
• Care Tips: Requires deep, well-drained soil; cut flowers last well with fresh water.

19. Plumbago (Blue)

• Appearance: Loose clusters of five-petalled, sky-blue flowers that grow on a sprawling shrub or vine.
• Symbolism: Good wishes, protection, and deep affection.
• Uses in Arrangements: Trailing accents in tropical arrangements and simple, airy vase displays.
• Care Tips: Highly heat-tolerant; easy to grow in warm climates.

20. Morning Glory (Blue)

• Appearance: Large, trumpet-shaped flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon; often a velvety deep blue.
• Symbolism: Affection, mortality (due to short lifespan), and unrequited love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rarely used as a cut flower due to short bloom time; best for garden viewing.
• Care Tips: Fast-growing annual vine; requires support for climbing.

21. Brunnera (Brunnera Macrophylla)

• Appearance: Tiny, bright sky-blue flowers that emerge in airy sprays above large, heart-shaped leaves.
• Symbolism: Forget-me-not (due to similar look) and lasting passion.
• Uses in Arrangements: Delicate filler in spring bouquets, small posies, and woodland-themed décor.
• Care Tips: Prefers shade and moist soil; handle stems gently when cutting.

Symbolism & Occasions for Blue Flowers

The colour blue naturally resonates with feelings of calm, peace, and serenity, mirroring the sky and the sea. This makes blue flowers universally appreciated for their soothing quality.

Specific blooms also carry their own unique messages:

• Blue hydrangea symbolises deep, heartfelt emotion and understanding, making it perfect for expressing gratitude.
• The blue iris stands for faith and hope, often used during transitions.
• The forget-me-not is an enduring symbol of true love and remembrance.

Therefore, blue flowers are ideal for sympathy arrangements, as they convey tranquillity; for corporate gifts, as they represent trust; for weddings, signifying fidelity; and for everyday décor, providing a calming atmosphere and a sophisticated touch to the home.

Care & Handling Tips for Blue Flowers

To ensure your blue flowers remain vibrant and last as long as possible, always start by trimming the stems at an angle immediately upon receiving them and placing them in clean water mixed with floral preservatives.

Due to their specific pigments, blue flowers often benefit from being kept in cooler areas away from direct sunlight, which can cause them to fade quickly. Humidity is generally beneficial, but ensure your flowers receive good air circulation to prevent mildew.

If growing blue hydrangeas, remember to maintain acidic soil, as this is crucial for pigment formation. For most garden varieties, planting them in the shade or partial sun, depending on the type, will help preserve their colour intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the most iconic blue flower types gardeners love?

Gardeners adore the blue hydrangea for its dramatic, changing colours and the blue delphinium for its striking height and intense spires of bloom. The tiny, persistent forget-me-not is also a much-loved classic due to its sentimental symbolism and ability to naturalise gardens beautifully.

How do blue flower cultivars get bred (true blue vs engineered pigments)?

Most blue cultivars are bred by enhancing existing anthocyanin pigments, which often result in a violet or purple appearance. True blues, like those found in some roses, are typically achieved through genetic engineering or artificial dyeing, as the genetic pathway for a true blue pigment is rare in most plant families.

Which blue flowers are best for cut bouquets vs garden beds?

For cut bouquets, the best choices are those with a long vase life, such as blue iris, delphinium, and agapanthus. for garden beds, blue hydrangea (where the soil meets the right conditions), Forget-Me-Nots, and perennial Salvia are excellent, providing reliable, vibrant colour year after year.

How long do blue flowers last in vases, and how can their vase life be extended?

Most blue cut flowers, like delphinium and iris, last between 4 and 7 days. To extend their vase life, keep them in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, and change the water daily, adding fresh floral preservatives to nourish the stems.

Can blue flowers thrive in tropical climates (e.g. Singapore)?

Yes, some blue flowers can thrive in tropical climates like Singapore, provided they receive suitable care. Blue salvia and blue agapanthus are generally more resilient to heat and humidity.

Do all blue flowers have a significant fragrance?

No, not all blue flowers have significant fragrance. While some, like certain irises, have a light scent, many blue varieties, such as agapanthus and asiatic lilies (which are occasionally bred to be blue-toned), are unscented.

Are blue flower colours stable or do they fade over time?

Blue flower colours are not colour stable and may fade over time, particularly if exposed to excessive heat or direct sunlight, which speeds up pigment breakdown. Certain blue flowers, notably the hydrangea, can even shift colour depending on the soil's acidity (pH level).