Last Updated on May 8, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Meanings and symbolisms for colors have been here for as long as we could remember.
Strikingly, it is our human nature to associate more meaning than what is already there, making layers of symbolisms for red leaves, black notebooks and of course, the focus of this one, blue flowers.
You might already know some of the obvious answers but you will be astounded to know that blue flowers have greater and more specific meanings depending on what they are. If you are interested in these, better read on.
Read also:
Blue flowers meaning and symbolism
Blue flowers have invited a wide range of meaning and symbolism thanks to literature during the period of Romanticism and Western writers who have grown fond of them.
For one, writer Heinrich von Ofterdingen, in his last and unpublished novel, associated blue flowers to signify heroism.
Blue flowers also appear in the works of English poet Robert Frost and in a lot of Victorian writing.
Aside from the obvious meanings of peace, serenity and tranquility due to blue being the color of sea and sky, blue flowers stand for affection, desire, love and inspiration.
More than that, blue flowers also connote a continuous search for the infinite and the metaphysical. Blue flowers are also the emblem of ambitious and goal-driven people who will do anything to accomplish them.
Across cultures, blue flowers are also the color of better days and undying support. Giving it to a friend who’s just been on a down curve signifies looking forward for better days or for someone who is recuperating or struggling to move forward. And since blue flowers are considered rare, they also stand for spirituality, self-awareness and great intellect but it is also a flower for grief and mourning.
But like other flowers, each type of blue flower will represent other things that are not limited to the meaning associations of the color blue. It could range from positive meanings to negative ones.
This is important to note because in our modern context, giving flowers as gifts convey messages. As such, we will present some of types of blue flowers, briefly describe them for distinction and provide some their associated meanings for future reference.
50+ Types of blue flowers
There are hundreds of blue flowers out there. Some of them are more familiar than most, some we will only encounter in this list today. Whichever the case, blue colored flowers are always refreshing to look at because they are rare. With that point, here are some types of blue flowers you should know about.
#1. Agapanthus
It is also known as the African lily or the Lily of the Nile. This spring flower is a favorite because of its deep indigo to powder blue petals.
It has funnel shaped flowers and slender stems. In terms of meanings and symbolisms, this flower stands for love, beauty, purity and fertility.
#2. Anemone
This blue flower imbibes a lot of meanings and symbolisms aside from being known for its simple beauty and fragrance.
It is a symbol of anticipation, settling in and protection from evil and bad omens. In the Victorian era, this flower stands for fragility. For early Greeks and Christians, anemones are symbols of a dead/forsaken love.
#3. Aster
From the Greek word astro meaning star, this star-shaped flower has more than 50 varieties.
It is significant in the folklore and belief systems of the Greeks, English and Germans drawing from the pleading of the crying goddess Astraea who wanted to become a star as an act of protest for losing the earth.
In flower symbolism, the aster stands for peace, patience, elegance, instinct and afterthought.
#4. Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus, Chinese bellflower)
This blue flower is native to East Asia and is also known as the Chinese/Japanese balloon flower. It got its name from its balloon shaped buds that will fully blossom into large petals when it opens. It represents gratitude and eternal love.
#5. Bellflower (Campanula)
As the name implies, this flower is bell-shaped and is famous in flower arrangements. It blooms from summer to spring.
It particularly represents reverence, grace and humility. In literature, the bellflower is said to be the favorite niche of fairies and sprites.
#6. Blue daisy (Felicia amelloides)
This sky blue flower with yellow centers are favorite pop up flowers in arrangements because they spark cheerfulness. It is called Felicia and it is native to South Africa.
In Norse mythology, it is associated with the goddess Freya, hence, also symbolizing motherhood and new beginnings.
Read also: Types of daisies
#7. Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)
It is also known as the Baptisia plant. It is a striking garden plant with low maintenance requirements.
It is historically significant because it was used by Native Americans and early European settlers as dye way before the real indigo was used.
#8. Blue hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii)
The blue hibiscus is also called the Rose of Sharon and while nativity is contested because they say that there are no natural blue colored hibiscus, all of the characteristics of the hibiscus including appearance is on point.
In general, the hibiscus flower is a symbol of femininity hence, also known to signify fertility, glory, radiance and power. Aside from this, it is also known to represent serenity and depth.
#9. Blue mist shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
It is more fondly called as bluebeard because while it flowers in clusters, it also comes with a streak of hairy puffs. It is loved by birds and is extremely drought tolerant. It represents striving for achievement.
#10. Blue orchid
It is one of the rarest orchids out there, hence, drawn to many symbolisms. For the Aztecs and the ancient Greeks, the blue orchid is a symbol of strength and vigor. For the Chinese, it is a medicinal flower that treats cold, flu and infections.
In the modern context, it signifies fertility, luxury, beauty and perfection.
Read also: 31+ Types of orchids
#11. Bluestar (Amsonia)
It is a famous garden flower because of its striking blue colored flowers and gold foliage giving it a high ornamental value especially in Northeastern regions where it is a native of. In flower symbolisms, the blue star represents endurance and grace.
#12. Brunnera
This one is also known as the perennial forget me nots endemic in woodlands of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. A slow growing flower, it means faithful love, memories and nostalgia.
#13. Chicory
Only blooming under the sun is not the only striking thing about this blue-lavender flower.
It may look rough and thrives in gravelly soil and weedy fields, the leaves of this plant are actually edible and are often added to green salads to neutralize the smell of the mixed greens. Symbolically, it represents perseverance and martyrdom.
#14. Clematis (Leather flower)
A natural survivor who can climb in walls and trellises in an organic pattern, the clematis is associated with ingenuity. Other than this, it also signifies courage, intellect and undying loyalty.
#15. Columbine (Aquilegia)
A favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies and moths, it adds a delicate touch to your garden.
Symbolically, it stands for love as its name is derived from the Latin word Columba which literally means love. Thus, this flower represents love and affection but also courage to face new challenges.
#16. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus, bachelor’s button)
It also goes by the name bachelors’ button but it got its name because it was considered as a weed in cornfields during the medieval times. It goes with many hues but the blue cornflower is a rare one.
It has a strong political and military symbolism specifically in France, Germany, Estonia and Prussia. Today, it signifies abundance, wealth, prosperity but also pride.
#17. Delphinium (Larkspur)
Literally from the word dolphin because it is a flower string blooming from one spike like a leaping dolphin, delphinium is one of the simplest yet most stunning blue flowers out there.
It is a go-to flower gift for new offices, ventures and moving because it signifies expansion and seizing new opportunities.
#18. False indigo (Baptisia)
It is also called the Baptisia plant. It is similar with the blue false indigo.
#19. Flax (Linum lewisii)
This blue flower is native to California blooming with five indigo-blue flowers. It is more famous because of its seeds that are processed to extract flaxseed oil known for its high protein content and is a popular dietary supplement.
It is the national flower of Belarus and archivally present in the medical papyri of the ancient Egyptians.
#20. Forget me not (Scorpion grasses, Myosotis)
Believe it or not, the name of this blue flower actually came from combined Greek words which meant mouse’s ears (indicative of its shape) before it evolved into forget me not.
It is also a mainstay in German literature as it represents the last words of the two young lovers who drowned in the Danube River.
With this, forget me nots signify remembrance and is used by the international Alzheimer medical organizations to raise awareness and support for patients of degenerative diseases.
#21. Gentiana
It basically blooms everywhere and is known for its bright, trumpet-shaped petals blooming on short stalks.
It was named after the last king of Illyria, King Gentius who widely cultivated the flower for medicinal purposes. Today, the Gentiana stands for beauty, charm and passion.
#22. Globe thistle (Echinops ritro)
This perennial comes in white, purple and blue colors. It belongs to the Aster family with spiky flowers that could sting when it comes in contact with the skin.
It blooms the entire summer (8 weeks) and it is a favorite garden border. It represents bravery, endurance and fortitude.
#23. Glory of the snow (Scilla forbesii)
Its name is symbolic in itself already since this blue flower blooms at its peak during the last trail of winter. Although they look small and frail, the glory of snow actually stands for generosity, forgiveness and standing out during challenging times.
#24. Grape hyacinth (Muscari)
This fragrant flower is known for its bell shape and clustered blooms, hence, grape, which brings life to any flower arrangement.
In flower symbolism, the grape hyacinth does not only stand for serenity and sincerity but also rashness.
#25. Heavenly blue (Ipomoea Tricolor, Morning Glory)
It is one the most beautiful morning glory variants with its heart-shaped leaves, trumpet-shaped large blooms and its deep azure blue color.
It is an annual, fast growing vine that thrives in full sun and is generally disease resistant. It symbolizes trustworthiness.
#26. Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
It comes in powder blue color and is the national flower of Bhutan. It is monocarpic which means that after blooming once, they will die. While they share the poppy’s hairy leaves, the Himalayan blue poppy is considered a false poppy. Like other poppies, it is also a symbol in remembering the first world war.
#27. Hyacinth
This blue flower is said to be named by the Greek god Apollo after the young, athletic boy named Hyakinthos.
It signifies sport or play in the symbolism of flowers but the blue hyacinth in particular stands for devotion, sincerity, joy and rebirth.
#28. Hydrangea
Considered as a wedding bouquet flower, hydrangeas is one of the most culturally symbolic blue flowers out there.
Aside from being a fourth-anniversary flower, it is also a good gift as it signifies beauty and prosperity but also rejection of affection.
For the Victorians, women who pick these flowers will be unfortunate to find suitors. For the Japanese, blue hydrangeas stand for forgiveness and sincere intentions.
#29. Impatiens flower (Touch me not)
This is also called touch me not. They are famous annual blooms because of their tolerance to shade.
They are also popular bedding and border flowers because of their deep hues of white, red, pink, yellow, purple, and coral blue. And as the name implies, it stands literally for impatience.
#30. Iris
Named from the Greek goddess Iris, the goddess of rainbows, the blue iris flower is connected to faith and hope. Ancient Greeks would put blue iris flowers in the graves of women for them to have a good journey towards the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptians used blue iris to strengthen their connection to divinity and to Ra. In medieval France, the Bourbon Kings used the blue iris as an emblem of power and royalty.
#31. Larkspur
It is considered as a perennial Delphinium and is another favorite for potpourris. Its bright yet delicately small flowers blooming on tall stalks are considered as July flowers.
Other than that, it signifies achieving success, celebration, new beginnings, protection and seizing life.
#32. Lily of the nile
It is also called the African lily. It is similar to agapanthus.
#33. Lobelia
It is also called the waterfall azure mist that is perfect in achieving cascading wedding bouquets.
Although beautiful, it can be toxic because of its substance called lobeline, known to be more dangerous than nicotine. As such, it signifies arrogance and malevolence (there is even a Victorian phrase, the malevolence of Lobelia, which means betrayal).
#34. Love in a mist (Nigella damascena)
This delicate looking flower is hardier than you would expect. Also called the devil in the bush, this blue flower is known to signify balance or the binding of the good and the bad in all things.
It also stands for deep fascination towards someone. Interestingly, it is also considered as a Venus herb, associated with femininity.
#35. Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
Such is the name of this flower because of its lung-shaped leaves. True to it, herbalists of the yonder years and pharmaceutical industries of today bank on the lungwort (from leaves to flower) in treating respiratory and digestive diseases.
It is also a beautiful garden flower specifically as underplants for trees. It is also called Bethlehem sage, and soldiers and sailors. It represents love and admiration.
#36. Lupine (Lupinus)
Also called the Lupin, this flower comes in many bold colors including a stand-out deep blue. It is a bold addition to flower arrangements as it provides a whimsical effect on the entire ensemble.
In flower symbolism, lupine stands for imagination but also of inspiration, happiness and bouncing back from trauma.
#37. Monkshood (Aconitum, wolf’s-bane, leopard’s bane, mousebane, women’s bane, devil’s helmet, queen of poisons)
It is a popular flower during the medieval times because it is also known as wolfsbane (as in during the times of vampires, werewolves and witches).
It contains a toxic substance called aconitine which will literally stop the heart from pumping and the nerves from functioning. As such, it signifies warning or the presence of an impending danger. It also stands for foes pretending to be friends.
#38. Morning glory
It is the exact symbolism for the duality of things as it is known to bloom in the sunlight and wilts in the sunset.
As a symbol of balance, it signifies both a celebration of love and unrequited love, good moments and grief, etc.
#39. Oxford blue (Eryngium bourgatii)
This flower takes the shape of a cone with deep blue flowers and silver-blue spikes that makes it striking and unique to look at.
It has small leaves and longs, skinny stems and can thrive in both full sun and shade. It is considered as both an ornamental and ground cover.
#40. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata, maypop)
Also called passion vines, the passionflower has more than 500 other flowering species. It is one of the most catchy and beautiful flowers to grow in fences and trellises.
It has base petals which come in white, pink and orange colors, a hairy sub-petal that comes in tinges of blue and maroon and a blooming clustered ‘berries’ to top it all off.
It has a wide range of medicinal properties which treats anxiety, insomnia, nausea and acts as sedative. It is also significant in Judeo-Christian tradition as it is said to signify the passion of Christ.
#41. Perennial geranium
This perennial never runs out of blooms. They are adaptive, thriving in full sun and partial shade. It is essentially disease and deer resistant making it a popular ground cover and erosion controller. It stands for happiness and positivity.
#42. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Its small lavender to blue flowers are commonly seen in countryside homes specifically as bedding flowers or as accent fences.
In flower symbolism, the periwinkle signifies hope and promise of a blossoming relationship or goals. It also stands for support and nostalgia. Above all, it is associated with the Virgin Mary and is associated with meanings of eternity.
#43. Salvia (Salvia divinorum, Sage of the diviners)
More commonly known as sage, the flower salvia represents healing and is the ultimate get well soon flower that you should give. It is a beautiful ornamental plant good for garden borders.
One interesting fact about this blue flower is its psychoactive components. It is said that when chewed or turned as tea, it would cause hallucinations. The name salvia is taken from the Latin word salvere which means to be healthy or to feel well.
#44. Scabiosa (Pincushions)
It is also called pincushion. This butterfly magnet flower is low maintenance and blooms beautiful lavender, blue flowers year-round.
It has compact and round flowers (20 to 50 of them in one stem) akin to pins in a pincushion, hence the name. It signifies peace and love.
#45. Sea holly (Eryngium)
This flower is usually mistaken for globe thistles. The key difference is its silver-blue bract and stems. When hit with light, they look metallic. Sea hollies are commonly used in gravel soils and in houses near the sea.
Although spiky, this flower is a favorite addition to potpourris. It is also called eryngium and in the flower language, it symbolizes austerity, independence as well as attraction.
#46. Siberian squill (Scilla siberica)
It is a special blue flower because of its long petals with blue stripes. It is considered as an early spring bloomer with its deep blue, bell-shaped flowers.
In contrast with its Greek word derivation skilla which means to injure, disturb and excite, this blue flower stands for constancy and fidelity.
#47. Starflower (Lysimachia borealis)
It is a perennial wildflower that is endemic in woodlands and wetlands. As the name suggests, it has star-shaped flowers that are very unique because it does so without stalks.
It is also known as borage herb significant medically in treating coughs, colds and flu. It is also used in purifying blood and specifically aids in a hormonal condition called adrenal insufficiency. It signifies polishing and perfection.
#48. Sweet pea
This one is an annual flower popular for being perfect border flowers for woodland gardens. They have been around for 300 years and are native to Sicily.
They are hardy flowers albeit their weak-looking stems and have sweet, strong smells. In flower symbolism, the sweet pea represents delicate pleasure and beautiful/blissful goodbye.
#49. Veronica (Speedwells)
It is also known as speedwell and works as ground cover and ornamental. Ground cover veronicas bloom in spring with tiny indigo-blue petals. Ornamentals bloom in the summer and they do so in clustered spikes.
The ornamental veronica is good for garden borders because of its dark, velvet indigo-blue color. It represents honesty and fidelity.
#50. Violets
The best thing about violets is that they practically bloom where they are planted even with minimal care and harsh soil, water and weather conditions.
They are considered biennials and because they self-seed, you will find them in another location the next time they grow.
In flower symbolisms, it stands for humility, modesty and spiritual wisdom in the flower symbology.
Conclusion
There are more blue flowers out there that we have not tackled yet and they also have their fair share of meanings and symbolisms in the flower language. Time and again, we get to understand that flowers are more than what they are and each flower color has an array of attached meanings to it.
And it does not stop there because in this post, we acknowledged that blue flowers, independently, have significations in themselves that we might have known only now or must have completely taken for granted. Now that we know these things, it is hard to look at blue flowers plainly again because they are not only rare, they are also endowed with interesting symbolisms.