Native Blue Blooms for Indigenous Gardens: 7 Blue-hued Native Plants to Cultivate
In the vibrant world of gardening, blue flowers have a special charm that captivates many enthusiasts. Here's a selection of native blue flowers that are perfect for gardens across different regions and climates, each with unique characteristics and growing conditions.
1. **Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)**
These enchanting flowers start pink and gradually turn light blue as they mature. They thrive in rich soil that retains moisture, best in USDA zones 4 to 9. A spring ephemeral, they die back after blooming.
2. **Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)**
This shrubby plant provides deep blue flowers in late spring, attracting bumble bees and butterflies. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and is hardy to USDA zones 3-9. It's nectar-rich for large native bees and serves as a host plant for various butterflies.
3. **Prairie Salvia (Salvia azurea)**
With tall stems adorned with blue flowers in mid to late summer, Prairie Salvia attracts pollinators like bumble bees and hummingbirds. It grows in USDA zones 5 to 9, preferring sunny locations with dry to average moisture soils. This waterwise plant can tolerate various soil types from clay to sand.
4. **Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)**
This low-growing groundcover features violet-blue flowers in mid-spring and downy, heart-shaped leaves. Native to Wisconsin, it's suitable for gardens with partial shade and is a low-maintenance bloomer in mid-spring.
5. **Indigo Blue Dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyschiana)**
This vibrant plant boasts needle-like leaves and blue flowers in early summer. It grows in USDA zones 3 to 8, preferring sunny locations with adaptable soil conditions. Known for its drought-tolerance and easy-going nature.
6. **Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis)**
These sky blue flowers bloom from April into fall with proper deadheading, attracting honey bees. They grow in USDA zones 5 to 10, preferring sunny locations with occasional watering. This short-lived perennial reseeds easily.
7. **Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)**
Resembling forget-me-nots, Siberian Bugloss thrives in partial shade. It boasts delicate blue flowers and beautiful foliage, best in USDA zones 3 to 8. Known for its easy care and low maintenance.
Other native blue flowers worth mentioning include Blue Flag Iris, Mealycup Sage, Virginia Dayflower, Colorado Blue Columbine, and Blue Cardinal Flowers. Each offers a unique addition to your garden, providing a variety of blooming seasons and attracting a host of pollinators.
Remember, Blue Cardinal Flowers, also known as lobelia, are not considered invasive. Mealycup Sage attracts hummingbirds and is hardy to USDA zones 7-10. Virginia Dayflower demonstrates increased tolerance or resistance to pests and disease, and is suitable for naturalized beds and wetland spots, hardy to USDA zone 5. Colorado Blue Columbine is popular in garden design, blooming from spring to midsummer with a bi-color appearance that attracts pollinators.
By incorporating these native blue flowers into your garden, you're not only creating a beautiful display but also supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity. Happy gardening!
Incorporating native blue flowers into home-and-garden landscapes can bring a unique charm to any lifestyle, providing a variety of blooming seasons and attracting a host of pollinators. Some examples include the Virginia Bluebells, Blue Wild Indigo, Prairie Salvia, Common Blue Violet, Indigo Blue Dragonhead, Cape Forget-Me-Not, and Siberian Bugloss. Each of these flowers has unique growing conditions and offers a special addition to your home-and-garden, contributing to a thriving ecosystem and supporting local wildlife.
