Blue flowers meaning and names guide
Blue flowers are absolutely breathtaking. But they’re one of the rarest flower colours around and can be hard to find. This is because true blue pigment doesn’t exist in any plants or flowers. The blue you normally see is a combination of other pigments, plant minerals and light.
We know anyone would be thrilled to receive blue flowers thanks to their uniqueness. And they actually have many meanings behind them too - making them ultra-symbolic and perfect to give for many occasions. Here, we’ll explore the meaning of blue flowers and give you some ideas inspiration for blue flowers for every season.
What do blue flowers mean?
For centuries, all over the world, blue flowers have symbolised peace, tranquillity and serenity. And through the positive associations brought by being the same colour as the sea and sky, many people feel relaxed and calm around the colour blue. But, in different cultures, in art and literature and different times, their meaning has changed. And now, blue flowers are a symbol of many things.
Love, desire, affection, inspiration, mystery, sympathy, trust, openness and even heroism, there’s not much that a blue flower doesn’t symbolise. During the Renaissance and beyond, blue flowers were used over and over in art and literature and became incredibly famous.
So, no matter what occasion, mood or reason, you can’t go wrong when sending blue flowers!
Learn more about the meaning of flowers.
When should you gift blue flowers?
While there are many reasons to give someone blue flowers as a gift, there are a few occasions where we think blue flowers just mean a little bit more.
For a new baby
Blue is typically associated with masculinity. So, if you know someone who has recently given birth to a beautiful baby boy, giving them a bunch of blue flowers to welcome the new baby will be a gift everyone will appreciate.
To congratulate an engagement
A couple getting engaged is always a cause for celebration. In all the excitement, send the happy pair a bunch of blue flowers to say congratulations. Their association with love and affection makes them a beautiful choice. They’re also often used as the ‘something blue’ in weddings, too.
For a wedding anniversary
Because of their symbolism of trust, openness and love, blue flowers make an amazing wedding anniversary gift. Your partner will definitely be impressed when they arrive back to a thoughtful bouquet of blue flowers!
4 blue spring flowers
Spring is easily one of the most beautiful times of the year. With flowers blooming, baby animals bounding, and colours bursting into the world again, it’s hard not to love spring. Here are 4 blue spring flowers to bring into your home and celebrate the season:
1. Bluebells
Deep violet-blue in colour, you’ll find hundreds of bluebells covering meadows and woodlands like a blanket during the spring. Their delicate, bell-shaped blossom has a sweet fragrance that feels extra welcoming and is perfect to add to a floral arrangement.
2. Blue irises
Irises come in a whole range of blue shades, from pale baby blues to deep navy and sometimes almost black. Known to symbolise wisdom, courage, hope and faith, this pretty spring flower is great to have in the home or gift to someone who may need some extra motivation.
3. Blue hyacinths
Blue hyacinths, with their vibrant hues ranging from sky blue to deep indigo, are not only a stunning addition to any garden, but also carry rich symbolism. Representing sincerity and constancy, these fragrant blooms are perfect for conveying heartfelt emotions or simply adding a touch of elegance to your surroundings. Whether enjoyed in a bouquet or planted in a garden, blue hyacinths are sure to captivate with their beauty and meaning.
4. Blue delphiniums
Hyacinth’s are a super popular spring flower that comes in a rainbow of colours and can be seen in many people’s gardens. They add an extra special something to bouquets and can represent joy and rebirth. Delphinium, or Larkspur as they’re also known, are a very positive flower that typically blooms during late spring and early summer. As July’s birth month flower, they have a meaning of new opportunities and expansion. So, if you know someone applying for that dream new job, you could send them some blue delphiniums to wish them luck.
4 blue summer flowers
From clear blue skies and sparkling blue seas, we can’t get enough of the colour blue in the summer! And so, filling our homes and gardens with gorgeous blue blooms will put a big smile on our faces this season. Here are our favourite 4 blue summer flowers:
1. Blue hydrangeas
Hydrangeas bloom all through the summer and look amazing with their bright, bold colours. Depending on the PH levels of your soil, you might also see them perform their magic colour changing tricks. Blue hydrangeas symbolise beauty and prosperity along with forgiveness and sincere intentions.
2. Periwinkle
Periwinkles are known for rapidly spreading all over the ground in woodland areas during the summer. And they do a really good job of preventing any weeds from popping up, so they’re a very useful flower to have. Symbolising hope and promise, periwinkles are perfect to include in a gift for someone looking for a new job or if you’re in a new relationship.
3. Blue Clematis
Representing loyalty, courage and intellect, blue clematis is a strong climbing plant that produces stunning double flowers. Blooming from May to July, they’ll add a burst of colour to your garden. And they work well as cut flowers to have indoors too. As they get older, their pretty blue colours will turn to a striking silver.
4. Blue Star
Dainty and delicate, the blue star is a tiny flower that makes a big impact. You might be able to guess from the name that the petals create a star shape. In the summer, these flowers will be bright and blue but in the autumn they’ll turn into a gorgeous golden shade. Symbolising endurance, strength and determination, they’re a powerful flower to have at home.
4 blue autumn flowers
While autumn is better known for its cosy browns, reds, oranges and yellows, blue also holds a special place in our hearts this season. There are many blue flowers available to add colour and brighten up bouquets. Here are our top 4 autumn flower picks:
1. Blue aster
As September’s birth month flower, asters are wonderfully vibrant wildflowers that look super pretty in gardens and bouquets. Known for symbolising love, wisdom, faith and innocence, they make great gifts for new babies or birthdays.
2. Blue globe thistle
Blooming from late summer to early autumn, blue globe thistles are interesting looking flowers with golf ball-sized globe-shaped flowers. The darker blue shades are ideal for adding some unique colour to a classic autumn bouquet. And they work really well as dried flowers too, so you can enjoy them for years!
3. Blue lobelia
Perfect for pots and hanging baskets, blue lobelia have a cascading form that will definitely add some drama to your home for autumn. You can also pair them with bright orange lobelias for some contrast. These flowers love the colder weather and have a meaning of love, good luck and prosperity.
4. Blue chrysanthemum
Blue chrysanthemums are rare but not impossible. A few years ago, researchers created the very first blue chrysanthemum by adding two genes to the regular pink and red flower. They aren’t very easy to get your hands on right now but hopefully they will be soon. So, if you manage to find some blue chrysanthemums, consider yourself very lucky.
4 blue winter flowers
With fresh, fallen snow and frosty mornings, winter weddings, and holiday celebrations, blue is the perfect colour for the season and will instantly give your home all of those winter wonderland vibes. Here are 4 blue flowers to consider in your winter bouquets:
1. Glory of the snow
Though they may be small, the blue glory of the snow flowers are mighty. This flower blooms during the last weeks of winter and can often be seen popping from the snow, creating a blanket of colour. Symbolising generosity, forgiveness and standing out during challenging times, they’re the ultimate winter flower.
2. Blue pansies
Blue pansies are adorable, little flowers that will bloom in late summer and last all the way to early winter. Whether used in the garden, hanging baskets, bouquets, or pots, pansies will look good anywhere they go. With a meaning of platonic love, admiration and free-thinking, they’re a great flower choice to give to a close friend.
3. Blue scilla
Blue scilla flowers can usually be seen in woodlands, meadows and even by the sea during the winter season. Small and star-shaped, these flowers are super cute and signify that spring is on its way. They typically symbolise loyalty and fidelity, so, are perfect to give to someone you’ve been in a relationship with for a long time.
4. Blue ipheion
Blue ipheion, or wisely blue as they’re also known, is another small, star-shaped blue flower that blooms during the late winter. They have a very sweet scent, which is surprising as they are actually related to the onion family, but will make wonderful additions to bouquets.
If you want to learn more about different coloured flowers, take a look at our guides to the meaning and types of pink flowers, red flowers, yellow flowers and white flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Flowers
What blue flowers can be found in the UK?
The UK is home to a variety of beautiful blue flowers. Some native species include bluebells, which create breathtaking carpets of blue in woodlands during the spring, and the harebell, a delicate wildflower often found in grasslands and rocky areas. Other blue flowers commonly found in the UK include forget-me-nots, cornflowers, and salvias.
What is the blooming season for blue flowers?
Blue flowers are generally in season during the spring and summer months, blooming from late spring to early summer. Some varieties, like hydrangeas and salvias, may continue to bloom into the autumn, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
What are the prettiest blue flowers?
We like them all, but some of the most stunning blue flowers include blue hydrangeas, cornflowers, and delphiniums. Each of these flowers boasts a unique shade of blue and a distinct charm that can enhance any garden or floral arrangement.
What are the most popular blue flower names?
Some of the most popular blue flower names include blue hydrangeas, delphiniums, cornflowers, and morning glories. These flowers are prized for their vibrant blue hues and are commonly used in gardens and floral arrangements.
What are the rarest blue flowers?
Some of the rarest blue flowers include the Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis), which is known for its striking sky-blue petals and is notoriously difficult to cultivate, and the blue jade vine, a tropical vine with stunning turquoise-blue flowers that are rare in cultivation.
What is the meaning of blue flowers?
Blue flowers are often associated with calmness, serenity, and tranquillity. They can symbolise peace, openness, and the beauty of the natural world.
Are blue flowers romantic?
Blue flowers can be romantic, as they symbolise tranquillity, openness, and the beauty of the natural world. They can convey a sense of calmness and serenity, making them a thoughtful choice for expressing love and affection.
What makes hydrangeas turn blue?
Hydrangeas turn blue or pink based on the pH level of the soil. In acidic soil (pH below 7), hydrangeas absorb aluminium, which helps them turn blue. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), aluminium is not available, so the flowers turn pink.
Are blue roses natural?
Traditional roses lack the specific pigment that would make them blue. Blue roses have been genetically modified or dyed to achieve their blue colour.
When to send blue flowers?
Blue flowers can be sent for various occasions, such as to convey feelings of peace, tranquillity, or to express sympathy. They can also be sent as a unique and thoughtful gift to celebrate a newborn, for birthdays, anniversaries, or to simply brighten someone's day.