Annuals, also commonly referred to as bedding plants, can be grown directly in the ground, in containers for patios and decks or in hanging baskets.  Annuals, with their blast of color, are used for edging, mass of color, and filling in spots between established shrubs, trees and evergreens and as groundcovers. Most annuals grow well with average soil moisture and partial or full sun, though some can take full shade giving the home gardener more options for use in the landscape. 

Blue annuals add serenity to a garden and can even make a hot garden feel a bit cooler with their cool colors. Annuals with blue flowers are not as common as many other colors, so the key to enjoying the color is planting a variety so the ones that bloom in spring such as pansies, flow into the many summer and autumn blooming choices. The relaxing blue can be enjoyed throughout the season and blends well with the other cool colors; purples, pinks and white.  

Some of the blue flowering annuals are native plants, which are more naturally insect resistant, salt tolerant and have natural disease resistance. Some of the popular blue annuals are: Asters, Bellflowers, Cape Daisies, Lobelia, Periwinkles, Petunias, Phlox, Salvia and Sage.  

Common Heliotrope is a popular blue flowering annual with an intense, fruity fragrance some say smells like cherries. The oil from Common Heliotrope has even been extracted from the flowers to make perfume. The oldest purple variety seems to be the most fragrant and also attract butterflies and moths.

Love-In-A-Mist is another popular blue flowering annual. It is an excellent cut flower and its horned seed capsules are beautiful in dried arrangements.  

To view learn more about blue flowering annuals, please visit Virtual Plant Tags.