List of Blue Perennial Flowers

Chicory

• You would never guess that common chicory (Cichorium intybus) is not a native plant in North America by its distribution over much of the continent. Introduced from Europe in colonial times, chicory spread across the land rapidly. Chicory possesses light bluish flowers that open in the morning; the blooms close up by late afternoon. The plant can flower at any time from early spring into fall, depending upon the weather, according to Illinois Wildflowers. The stems are greenish to red-brown and chicory can grow to 3 feet tall. A common sight in waste places, chicory grows in sandy soils and in those with a clay base. Place chicory in full sunshine for best effect.

Sky Blue Aster

• September and October are the months that the sky blue aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense) blooms throughout its native range in the east. This blue perennial species grows to 2 feet tall, either in a lightly shaded setting or in full sunlight. Sky blue aster's flowers will prove a magnet to many kinds of butterflies. The plant works as a native plant garden member and in naturalized areas of your acreage. Sky blue aster's root system is rhizomatous, meaning that it can spread out and colonize a small section of ground by sending out new plants from its roots.

Ohio Hosremint

• Growing native in the eastern United States, Ohio horsemint (Blephilia ciliata) can be as tall as 30 inches. Ohio horsemint does very well in dry areas, developing naturally in woodlands, clearings and along highways. The perennial will form clumps featuring erect stems upon which emerge blue flowers in the late spring. The leaves at the base of Ohio horsemint typically stay green during the winter. This blue flower is a plus in wildflower gardens and open woodland venues. It can suffer from the effects of powdery mildew, an ailment that will result in white blotches on its leaves.

Monkshood

• Always be aware of the extremely toxic nature of monkshood (Aconitum napellus) when working with this blue perennial flower. Native to Europe and Asia, the plant is so poisonous that people used it to prepare toxic potions that could kill wolves, hence the nickname of wolfbane. Monkshood features stalks as tall as 4 feet with clusters of bluish-purple flowers at the top. The soil monkshood grows in must always be damp; the species will not do well in very hot climates. Use monkshood near bog gardens and employ it to highlight ponds and streams. Keep children away from the plant and wear gloves when working with it, warns the Missouri Botanical Garden.