Blue flowers can have a calming effect on people. It is linked to natural elements like the sky and ocean and associated with peace and tranquility. Blue flowers in the garden can have a calming effect and in our modern high pressure society we need every stress reliever we can get. Here are five beautiful blue flowers that every garden could benefit from:

1. Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue'

Blue Hydrangeas are garden classics. They have been enjoyed for hundreds of years but the newer varieties, such as Hydrangea 'Nikko Blue' offer even better blue color than ever before. This is a terrific accent shrub for borders or specimen plantings. It has large globe shaped blooms with clusters of flowers. 'Nikko Blue' grows 4-6' tall and wide and thrives in partial shade. You will want to keep your soil pH in the 5.2-5.5 range. In order to lower your pH include aluminum sulfate at 2 tbsp/gal of water and spray around the base of the plant. There are also pH acidifier kits sold; just follow the directions on the package.

2. Blue Plumbago

Blue Plumbago is a perennial shrub/vine that also has clusters of blue flowers. It is a fast grower to 10' x 10' if untrimmed. It can be trained as a vine if it has a support like a trellis, arbor or pergola. Also, it is great used as a ground cover but will need some pruning to keep it's height in check. Blue Plumbago requires full sun but can tolerate some shade.

3. Blue Salvia

This is another great perennial that produces spikes of blue flowers. It grows up to 18" tall by 12" wide, can tolerate drought and average to poor soils. It is a native of the southwest so it is no stranger to harsh conditions. Can be used in mass plantings or in containers. It's also great for cuttings.

4. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)

Vinca is a ground cover that produces small blue flowers profusely during the spring and then consistently throughout the summer. It is a drought resistent vine that stays pretty low to the ground, 6" tall, and produces runners 18" long. Excellent for mass plantings or even for accent plants in large pots or planters.

This is a fantastic plant to grow in the garden because it is a perennial in southern states, drought resistant once established and some varieties have great blue color like the Verbena x hybrida 'Blue Lagoon'. It blooms all summer long, grows 12? high and

5. Blue Verbena

Blue Verbena is an annual in the northern parts of the country and a perennial in the south. A new cultivar is 'Blue Lagoon' - it grows 12" tall and wide and needs full sun. 'Blue Lagoon' has deep green foliage, small dark blue flowers and has a sweet fragrance. It is also mildew resistant.

These five blue flowers are great for the garden not only because of their color but also because they are very easy to grow and will a tremendous amount of enjoyment to your life.

My name is Carey Dodson and I am a landscape designer with over 20 years of experience in design, installation and maintenance of landscapes. Learn how to grow or buy blue flowers online by visiting our site!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carey_Dodson

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