Blue Foliage: A Guide for Gardeners
Blue is a rare color in the plant world. Most flowers have blue hues, but foliage plants tend to be more gray or green. However, there are some truly standout foliage specimens that can actually provide that intense blue that is the perfect foil for other landscape colors.
Why Do Plants Have Blue Foliage?
There are a couple of reasons why plants have blue foliage. One explanation is cutin in leaves, which gives them a bluish silvery appearance. Another is delayed greening, which can happen in many types of plants. Plants don’t have a truly blue pigment, but they can generate it through reflection and light wave absorption.
The Benefits of Blue Foliage Plants
Blue foliage plants offer a number of benefits to the garden. They can:
- Increase the visual intensity of the garden
- Help other tones and hues guide the eye on a colorful journey
- Create a focal point
- Create a contrast
- Create a soothing effect
Using Blue Foliage in Gardens
Blue foliage plants can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They can be planted as accents, used to create borders, or even used as groundcovers. Here are a few tips for using blue foliage in gardens:
- Use blue foliage plants to create a focal point. A single blue foliage plant can be used to create a focal point in the garden. This is especially effective if the plant is placed against a backdrop of green foliage.
- Use blue foliage plants to create a contrast. Blue foliage plants can be used to create a contrast with other colors in the garden. For example, blue foliage plants can be planted next to red foliage plants to create a striking contrast.
- Use blue foliage plants to create a soothing effect. Blue foliage plants can be used to create a soothing effect in the garden. This is especially effective when the plants are used in shady areas.
Plants That Have Blue Foliage
There are a wide variety of plants that have blue foliage. Some of the most popular include:
- Conifers: Dwarf Alberta blue spruce, French Blue Scotch pine, Ice Blue juniper
- Ornamental grasses: Blue fescue
- Evergreens: Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’, Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Curly Tops’
- Perennials: Digger’s speedwell, Mertensia asiatica
- Succulents: Agave, Euphorbia, Sedum, Yucca
- Other: Partridge feather, cushion bush, lavender, Sea Foam artemisia, dusty miller, Cheddar pinks (Dianthus), firewitch, Kintzley’s Ghost honeysuckle
Conclusion
Blue foliage plants are a valuable addition to any garden. They offer a unique and beautiful way to add color and interest to the landscape. With a little planning, you can use blue foliage plants to create a garden that is both beautiful and relaxing.
