8 Best Shrubs with Blue flowers

This article contains affiliate links

---

---

​Garden planting design is an art which takes both an experience of plants and knowledge of colour balance. It is very often the case a specific colour is needed to compliment a particular garden style or theme.

Blue flowers have long been associated with both tranquillity and serenity. Furthermore blue flowers have always worked particularly well with white, yellow and red blooms. As shrubs often act as the primary base to planting designs their flowers are an important factor!

Consequently, shrubs with blue flowers can become an essential commodity for some gardens. In this article I list and describe 8 fantastic garden shrubs that have blue flowers.

​This selection is sure to add a touch of serenity and elegance into your planting design. 

1. Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Bluebeard'

Native to the arid western United States, 'Victoria' California lilac is an evergreen shrub celebrated for flourishing in dry conditions.

Its deep blue flower clusters resemble aromatic lilacs which emerge on top of woody shrubbery reaching 6-8 feet tall and wide.  Long-lived with minimal watering needs once established, California lilac ‘Victoria’ lends year-round structure to any planting scheme.

The electric blue flower panicles appear in late spring, attracting beneficial pollinators with their rich nectar, bees flock to the blossoms, providing essential pollination

​Ceanothus 'Victoria' (California Lilac)

Silvery green foliage and vivid blue late summer flowers make 'Bluebeard' caryopteris a sight to behold in the garden. This tough, deciduous shrub flourishes in full sunlight and well drained soil.

The long-blooming blossoms feed butterflies while the aromatic leaves release their fragrance when brushed. ‘Bluebeard’ proves itself drought hardy when mature, needing only occasional irrigation during the hottest, driest weather.

​Cutting stems back as growth resumes in early spring promotes bushier plants and more prolific flowering.
​

​Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

The deep blue mophead flowers of ‘Nikko Blue’ Hydrangea are what make this Hydrangea a stunning specimen.

Blossoming from early summer well into fall, the rounded flower clusters appear vivid blue in acidic soils, transforming to pink or purple hues in alkaline conditions. Partial shade and reliably moist, fertile soil keep these shrubs thriving year after year.

Position ‘Nikko Blue’ in mixed borders, or where its flowers can add colour to a partly shaded spot.

​Annual pruning in late winter and consistent moisture produce the lushest growth and most abundant blooming throughout the season.
​

​Rhododendron 'Blue Peter'

The lavender-blue blooms and evergreen leaves of ‘Blue Peter’ rhododendron give it year-round charm. Growing just 3-4 feet tall and wide, this compact shrub injects early spring landscapes with vivid color.

​Its large, funnel-shaped blossoms stand out sharply against dark green leathery leaves for a striking interplay of textures. Dappled shade and rich, acidic soil will provide ideal growing conditions for this shrub. 

Cold hardy even in sub-zero winters, ‘Blue Peter’ rhododendron expands landscape possibilities outward from its native range of East Asia. 

The early pure blue blossoms offer vital nourishment for emerging native bees and other pollinators after long winter months.

​Amsonia tabernaemontana (Blue Star)

​The blue star offers singular spring blooms and golden autumn foliage. This stunning plant grows 2-3 feet tall and wide in sun or part shade and tolerates most soils.

Airy texture comes from the willowy leaves and delicate star-shaped flowers of ice-blue. Blooming late spring into early summer for several weeks, it partners well with bold-leaved plants.

As temperatures cool, the foliage transitions to vibrant yellow for continued seasonal interest. Once established, the blue star’s modest water needs make it quite drought hardy.

​Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight' (Butterfly Bush)

​Deep reddish-purple panicles beckoning butterflies give ‘Black Knight’ butterfly bush year-round landscape value. This tough, deciduous shrub reaches 6-8 feet tall and wide.

Given full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, it thrives with minimal care. The long, cone-shaped flower clusters debut in summer and continue until frost, feeding many beneficial pollinating insects.

Pruning stems back every spring maintains a tidy habit and spurs prolific blooms. An asset to borders and cutting gardens, ‘Black Knight’ also makes an easy-care focal point for pollinator gardens.​

​Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Satin' (Rose of Sharon)

Overflowing with satiny blue blossoms in late summer, ‘Blue Satin’ rose of sharon lends great beauty to garden borders.

This multi-stemmed, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub flourishes with full sunlight in fertile, moderately moist but well-draining soil. Mature plants stand 8-12 feet tall and wide. From July until frost, the 4-6 inch blooms appear in shades of bluish-purple often marked by reddish-purple eyes for delightful contrast.

The flowers proliferate against lush green foliage even during periods of drought once established. Long-blooming ‘Blue Satin’ deserves prime placement in borders where its flowers and form can steal the show.
​

​Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

​Russian sage marries refined silvery-grey leaves with tall, late summer spikes of violet-blue flowers. This tough, drought-adapted perennial thrives in hot, dry sites with full solar exposure and sandy soil.

Its merits for xeriscaping are undisputed. Growing 3-5 feet tall and wide, Russian sage displays excellent upright form and adds welcome fine texture.

Russian sage soldiers through the hottest summers and needs little care in lean soils. This versatile plant blends beautifully with grasses and pastel-hued companions.
​

Thank you for reading our article on the best 8 shrubs with blue flowers! Below I will link to some other articles you may find useful. 

---

---

'As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases'