25 Brilliant Blue and Purple Flowers 

Blue and purple flowers provide a cool companion to brighter hot red, yellow and orange blooms. When planted alone they can create a soothing effect. Popular with gardeners and pollinators alike, the blue and purple flowers listed below are suitable for a range of spaces and growing conditions.

1 Agapanthus

Agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) is an attractive perennial that thrives in warm climates. A perfect choice for a pollinator or butterfly garden, these plants are best planted in full sun. Identified by their long, lance-like foliage, during the spring and summer months 3 ft tall stems rise above the foliage, producing lilac colored blooms.

Surprisingly resilient, Agapanthus is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 11. In cooler areas you can also grow agapanthus in pots, moving them inside during the winter months. Placing the pots on a Metal Plant Caddy makes moving them around your home and garden a simple process. A strong growth habit, when grown in warm conditions, means that Agapanthus can sometimes be considered a weed. While some pruning and dividing may be necessary, the elegant foliage and blooms make Agapanthus a more than worthwhile addition to the garden.

The distinctive blooms of the Agapanthus.

2 Delphinium

One of the most attractive members of the summer garden, Delphiniums are prized for their showy blooms that sit on elegantly tall stems. Not as difficult to grow as some gardeners believe, as our growing guide shows, these attractive perennials flower in a range of colors including attractive blue and purple flowers.

Sometimes called Larkspur, Delphiniums are classed as hardy perennials in USDA Zones 3 to 7. Ideal for full sun or partial shade positions and popular with pollinators, Delphiniums are perfect for mixed flower beds and cottage gardens. They are also ideal for the cut flower garden, where the elegant blue and purple flowers are a fantastic combination alongside lilies and chrysanthemums.

The tall flower spikes of the Delphinium.

3 Canterbury Bells

Also known as Campanula, Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) are attractive ornamental biennials. Typically producing bell shaped blue and purple flowers, Canterbury Bells’ profuse flowering habit can add color to a flower bed or planter throughout the summer months.

Colorful plants, they are also an ideal choice for container gardens, living walls, hanging baskets and rockeries. As well as the commonly found varieties that produce blue and purple flowers you can also find white flowering types. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 10, if you want to know more about growing Canterbury Bells, check out our growing guide.

The small but colorful blooms of the Campanula.

4 Veronica

Veronica, or Speedwell is a reliable, low maintenance and easy to grow perennial. The long lasting spiky blue and purple flowers, you can also find pink and white varieties, add interest and structure to the flower bed. As well as introducing color to the garden, these plants also draw scores of butterflies and pollinators to the area.

The showy blooms of the Veronica plant flower from the base up in early summer. Typically growing in 1 to 2 ft wide clumps, around 2 to 4 ft tall, Veronica is ideal for mixed flower beds, rock gardens, meadows and cottage planting schemes. Best planted in full sun these reliable perennials are hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 11. As well as being low maintenance and popular with pollinators and hummingbirds Speedwell is also largely disease resistant.

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5 Columbine

Hardy wildflowers, sometimes called Aquilegia, these attractive plants come in a range of shades, from vibrant yellows and oranges to cool blue and purple flowers. Native to the woody slopes of North America, while Columbine thrives in the wild some people struggle to establish them in the garden. Our Columbine flower guide will help you get your seeds started. Once established these reliable perennials thrive in full and partial sun positions.

Columbine is an attractive, colorful plant.  

6 Coneflower

One of the more colorful plants on our blue and purple flowers list, the purple blooms of the perennial purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea) are an attractive addition to the garden. As well as filling a space with long lasting colorful blooms, these low maintenance plants draw pollinators and hummingbirds to your garden.

Once established the coneflower is drought tolerant and easy to grow. Thriving in a range of soil conditions, flowering is at its most profuse if the Coneflower is planted in full sun. Native to North America, Native American tribes used these plants as a source of echinacea, an essential oil useful for treating infections, inflammation and bites.

The Coneflower is popular with pollinators.

7 Globe Thistle

One of the most distinctive blue and purple flowers, the Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro) is a quick growing plant producing round blooms that add interest and texture to the garden. A good source of nectar for both bees and butterflies these distinctive plants are both drought and deer tolerant. Rabbits also dislike the plant’s spiky foliage.

Best planted in full sun, Globe Thistles also grow in partial sun, with a little extra care. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9 these are popular members of the wildlife garden. As the blooms fade seed heads form, providing the fall and winter garden with interest and texture.

Globe Thistles add color and texture to a space.

8 Cosmos

A cheerful and colorful addition to the summer garden, Cosmos flowers from the start of summer until the first frosts hit. Long lasting annuals, the plants are hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 10. Cosmos plants are available in a range of colors including attractive blue and purple flowers.

During the warmest months watering regularly and mulching the surrounding soil helps to keep the plants cool and prolong flowering. Ideal for flower beds they are also good in containers.

Cosmos blooms look great in meadow style planting schemes.

9 Grape Hyacinth

Grape Hyacinth or Muscari resembles a miniature hyacinth. These small plants rarely exceed 8 inches in height, but what they lack in size they make up for in color. A distinctive plant, each Grape Hyacinth flower resembles a string of beads which run up and down the stems of the plant.

Typically grown from bulbs these perennials are ideal for container gardens and window box planters where they won’t get overwhelmed by larger plants. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8, the Grape Hyacinth is just as happy in the shade as it is in full sun. Be careful when selecting your planting position, Grape Hyacinths can spread quickly, to the point where they may become invasive.

The bead-like blooms of the Grape Hyacinth. 

10 Foxgloves

Tall and elegant, the next entry on our blue and purple flowers list is a staple of the country garden. During the height of summer Foxgloves (Digitalis) brings both height and structure to a planting scheme. These stately plants are not only easy to grow but they readily reseed, meaning that they return year after year, spreading slowly through the flowerbed.

Native to the UK, Foxgloves are a common sight in many temperate areas of Europe and North America. Another popular pollinator plant, Foxgloves thrive in partial shade positions and are hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 10. If planted in an exposed or windy position the plants may require some support. This is easily provided by loosely tying them to a Jollybower Garden Stake.

Digitalis add height and structure to soft planting schemes.

11 Buddleia

Also known as the Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) these elegant plants are popular for their elongated panicles of blue and purple flowers. Native to Japan and China these are quick growing shrubby plants which produce masses of blooms and green foliage every year.

Best planted in full sun, the Buddleia requires regular watering to encourage the plants to remain healthy and full of color. Despite a quick growth habit, these plants tend to keep their shape well. This makes ongoing maintenance pleasingly straightforward. Sometimes called the Summer Lilac, the Butterfly Bush, as the name suggests, draws scores of butterflies and pollinators to the garden.

Elegant Buddleia panicles are popular with pollinators. 

12 Flax

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a fast growing, attractive annual. Easy to grow, the mature Flax plant produces masses of short lived delicate blue blooms. These emerge throughout the summer months to provide a continuous floral display.

At its best when densely planted, Flax works well in meadow, cottage garden or mixed flower planting schemes. A reliable ornamental common flax is also widely grown for its nutrient rich seed and fiber. The seeds can be used to produce linseed oil, which is rich in protein and omega-3. Typically reaching about 3 ft, the tall thin stems of the Flax plant are a great way to add soft structure to the bed. An annual, hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9 Flax is best planted in full sun and watered regularly.

The open blooms of the Flax plant 

13 Comfrey

A useful addition to the organic garden, Comfrey is a full sun loving perennial which is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9. As well as attracting pollinators, Comfrey is also a useful trap plant, drawing potentially harmful plants away from your fruit and vegetable crops. Other Comfrey benefits include the plants deep roots, which help to stabilize the soil while the plants can also be used to create an effective liquid plant fertilizer.

As well as being beneficial, Comfrey is also easy to grow while the blue and purple flowers provide an attractive addition to any flower or organic garden.

Comfrey is one of the most beneficial plants on our list.

14 Forget-Me-Nots

Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis scorpioides) are small biennials, known for their dainty blue florets. The flowers, measuring half an inch wide, sit on long, delicate stems. A popular ornamental that can be used in container gardens and window boxes as well as flower beds, Forget-Me-Nots typically produce blue and purple flowers, however white and pink flowering types are also available.

Best planted in partial shade, these plants are largely disease and pest resistant however powdery mildew can be problematic after flowering. Forget-Me-Nots readily reseed. If you are not careful they can quickly spread throughout the garden, sometimes becoming invasive.

A low growing plant, Forget-Me-Nots can quickly spread through a space.

15 Candytuft

Another low growing inclusion on our list of blue and purple flowers, Candytuft (Iberis prutii) is a great, low maintenance plant for providing groundcover. It can also be used for edging paths and borders. While the plants can spread, Candytuft is known for its slow growth habit meaning that it is easy to control and is not considered invasive.

Best planted in partial or full sun, Candytuft is a reliable hardy perennial in USDA Zones 4 to 8. Easy to grow, while the Candytuft is commonly white, varieties producing blue and purple flowers are available.

The colorful blooms of the low growing Candytuft.  

16 Gentians

Gentians are known for their brilliant blue flowers. A surprisingly small plant, varieties can range from 4 to 12 inches in height. The low growing varieties are prized for their natural spreading ability, making them a colorful ground cover option.

First emerging in early March, Gentian’s large tubular blooms can remain on the plants until the first frosts or snowfall of the year. A popular choice for rock gardens, Gentians (Gentiana verna) are also good water side and bog plants. There are currently over 800 different recorded varieties of Gentains and numerous more hybrids. A reliable perennial which thrives in full or partial sun, Gentains are typically hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 7. Many produce brilliant blue blooms, however you can also find white, red and yellow flowering varieties.

Gentian blooms are large and long lasting.  

17 Hyacinth

One of the most fragrant plants on our list of blue and purple flowers, Hyacinths are also one of the most popular spring plants. Commonly grown from bulbs the spikes of blue and purple flowers, light up borders and flower beds.

One of the easiest bulbs to cultivate, you can also grow Hyacinths in pots or even in water. Best planted in the fall, Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) typically reaches 6 to 12 inches tall and 5 inches wide. Happiest in full sun, if you are planting in the soil the bulbs do prefer a slightly acidic profile. However as long as the soil is not too extreme and is well draining they should be fine. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 be careful if you have pets. Hyacinth bulbs are toxic to both humans and animals.

A reliable spring flowering bulb, you can also grow Hyacinth in a pot or as a houseplant.  

18 Hydrangea

Flowering from spring until the fall, the Hydrangea is an increasingly popular foundation plant. Ideal for edging or adding definition to a space, you can also grow these colorful shrubs in containers. When in flower the Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a reliable perennial, which is typically hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8.

Interestingly, while the Hydrangea is known for its blue and purple flowers, planting in an acidic soil encourages the blooms to turn blue. Planting in alkaline soil lightens the blooms, turning them pink. Once established these are pleasingly easy to care for plants. With so many varieties on offer, our guide to growing hydrangeas is designed to help you select the ideal plant for your garden.

The blooms of the Hydrangea change color depending on the condition of the soil. 

19 Siberian Iris

One of the most elegant blue and purple flowers, the SIberian Iris (Iris sibirica) is the perfect way to introduce early season color and interest to the garden. Particularly effective in mass plantings in spring borders or pots, the frilly blooms of the Siberian Iris sit above the elongated, long lasting foliage. This remains in place, providing a colorful backdrop to showcase other spring and summer flowering plants, long after the blooms have faded.

Happiest in light, rich soil, the Siberian Iris is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. As they mature the bulbs form into large clumps. While these require dividing every few years like most aspects of SIberian Iris care is pleasingly easy, as our guide shows.

Siberian Iris provides early season color.  

20 Lisianthus

An attractive perennial Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is one of the more attractive plants on our blue and purple flowers list. Typically grown as a full sun annual, Lisianthus is hardy only in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

A staple of the cut flower garden, Lisianthus is native to North America. While you can grow Lisianthus from seed they can also be purchased as young transplants, ready for planting out. In addition to showy layered blooms, the plants also produce lance shaped dark green foliage. While blue and purple flowers are most common, red, yellow, pink, pale green and cream cultivars are also available.

Bicolored showy blooms.

21 Lupine

A great way to add both height and drama to a planting scheme, the Lupine is also a popular pollinator plant. Best planted in well draining soil, water well to encourage lots of blue and purple flowers to form. Some Lupine varieties also flower in shades of white, yellow and pink.

A low maintenance plant, Lupines typically reach 4 ft tall before setting flower. As the blooms fade seeds form. If the plants aren’t deadheaded they will reseed, returning again the following year. Lupines are hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8, however types planted in hot climates do appreciate a little shade.

Tall and stately Lupine blooms.  

22 Cornflower

One of the best blue plants on our blue and purple flowers list, the Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), as the name suggests, is commonly seen growing in cornfields. Easy to cultivate from seed, cornflowers quickly develop into attractive open-branched blooms with grey-green star shaped foliage.

These reliable annuals flower from late spring. Best planted in full sun, the ruffled blooms may not be the most long lasting of the blooms on our list as they fade they are quickly replaced by fresh blooms. New flowers continue to emerge throughout the spring and summer months, often until the first frosts of fall arrive. One of the more versatile additions on our list, you can also find dwarf and double flowering varieties.

The Cornflower’s ruffled blooms. Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/cornflower-meadow-blue-flower-3909674/

23 Sea Holly

One of the more distinctive entries on our blue and purple flowers list, Sea Holly (Eryngium) is a fascinating addition to any garden. The teasel-like blooms, which emerge in clusters above spiny foliage, bring both color and texture to the flower bed. These fascinating flowers are supported by green or silver-blue stems.

Versatile plants, Sea Holly typically reaches 18 to 36 inches tall and can spread over 1 ft. A long lasting flower which is also tolerant of drought once established, Sea Holly copes well in windy positions, coastal areas and sandy soils. This means that it is a good choice for difficult positions.

A distinctive specimen plant, Sea Holly is also a good choice for unusual cut flower displays and dried flowers.

Distinctive Sea Holly blooms. 

24 Waxflower

Belonging to the Myrtle family, Waxflower is a reliable, low maintenance flowering shrub. Happiest with just a little pruning and touch of fertilizer, these plants are largely pest and diseases resistant. An ideal low maintenance choice Waxflower (Chamelaucium)  blooms during the late winter and early spring months, adding color and interest to otherwise sparse gardens.

A popular choice for drought tolerant or xeriscape gardens, once established Waxflower is pleasingly easy going. Happiest in full sun the flowers, which are ideal for a cut flower garden, quickly emerge. With a noted quick growth habit, Waxflower can reach and spread between 4 and 6 ft. While Waxflower traditionally is a winter flowering plant, hybrid varieties in shades of pink, white and red as well as blue and purple flowers can now flower throughout the year. Waxflower is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11.

A low maintenance plant, the Waxflower is a versatile option suitable for a range of planting schemes. 

25 Cyclamen

One of the smallest inclusions on our blue and purple flowers list, the Cyclamen, (Cyclamen persicum) is a reliable choice if you want to add color to the winter or early spring garden. Popular not only for their early season color but their sweet aroma, the delicate blooms of the Cyclamen sit above heart shaped foliage.

Best planted in shady areas or forest planting schemes, you can also grow Cyclamens as indoor plants. Rarely exceeding 8 inches in height while hardy perennials are happy outside florist or tropical Cyclamens are better kept indoors or undercover. As well as blue and purple flowers you can also find red, white and pink varieties.

Cyclamen are popular for their colorful blooms and decorative foliage. 

Blue and purple flowers may not be as common as blooms in other shades, but they are just as attractive. While some plants don’t produce blue or purple flowers, such as roses, today many hybrids can be encouraged to flower in a range of colors. Popular with gardeners and pollinators alike, blue and purple flowers add distinctive, cool color to a garden or houseplant collection.