Go Beyond Basic With These Unique Blue-Blooming Flowering Trees
From pale blue hues to vivid purple-blues, flowering trees that produce blue blooms offer a striking way to transform any landscape. Tired of the same old reds and pinks? Go beyond basic by incorporating one of these unique blue-blooming trees into your yard or garden.
With their eye-catching color, these floral beauties are sure to make your landscape design stand out. Their azure blooms add an unexpected pop of color. Blue flower tones are less common in nature, making these specimens extra special.
Stunning Blue Flower Varieties
Many trees produce blue blooms, ranging from tropical favorites to hardy varieties suitable for colder climates. Here are some top picks to consider:
Vibrant Jacaranda
Jacaranda trees showcase abundant clusters of trumpet-shaped purple-blue blooms in late spring through early summer. Their fern-like foliage provides an elegant contrast. These fast-growing subtropical trees need frost-free climates and thrive in zones 9-11.
With their vivid color, jacarandas make a dramatic focal point. Plant them where you can appreciate their cascading flowers against the sky. They can reach up to 50 feet tall and wide when mature.
Fragrant Texas Mountain Laurel
The Texas mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree that blooms with grape-scented indigo flowers in early spring. This is a tough, drought-tolerant plant capable of surviving intense heat and alkaline soils. It thrives in zones 8-10.
These compact trees work well for borders or specimen planting. Give them full sun to see the most abundant flower display. They reach about 10-20 feet tall and wide at maturity.
Vibrant Crepe Myrtles
Known for their vibrant summer flower display, many crepe myrtle varieties produce blue to purple blooms. Some blue-toned options include 'Natchez' and 'Powhatan'. The flowers emerge in long, vertical panicles above the foliage.
These fast-growing, deciduous trees thrive in hot climates. They can grow over 30 feet tall and wide but respond well to pruning if you need to control their size. Plant them in full sun.
When Do Blue-Blooming Trees Flower?
Flowering times for blue-blooming trees vary by species, but generally they bloom in spring through early summer. Here are some specifics:
- Jacarandas bloom in May and June
- Texas mountain laurels bloom March to April
- Crepe myrtles bloom June to September
- Rose of Sharons bloom July through September
Bloom duration ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on the tree type. Warmer climates often yield longer flowering periods.
Beautiful Blue Flower Shades
While categorized as "blue blooming," the actual flower color spans a range of blue tones. Pale blue, purple-blue, indigo, violet, and more shades occur naturally.
Flower shapes also vary, from wispy panicles like jacaranda or crepe myrtle, to dense clusters on Texas mountain laurels. Trumpet or bell-shaped blooms appear on desert willow and rose of Sharon.
No matter the specific hue or form, these blue flowering trees offer unique beauty compared to more common blooms.
Designing With Blue-Blooming Trees
Blue-blooming trees work well in various landscape styles. Here are some ideas for showcasing them:
- Use jacarandas as tropical focal points in warm climates
- Plant groups of 3-5 Texas mountain laurel for spring flower color
- Flank entries with crepe myrtles for summer interest
- Use rose of Sharon as flowering specimen trees
Give blue flowering trees plenty of space to showcase their flowers. Prune selectively to highlight their unique form. Contrast them with red or yellow blooms for added pop.
Caring for Blue-Blooming Flowering Trees
Most blue-blooming trees thrive with minimal care. Here are some growing tips:
- Plant in full sun to maximize flowering
- Provide well-draining soil and avoid overwatering
- Water 1-2 times per week in dry periods after establishment
- Prune selectively to shape and encourage new growth
Monitor for pests like aphids or caterpillars and treat any issues promptly. Fertilize in early spring to support the developing blooms. Avoid excessive pruning that could reduce flowering.
Where to Buy Blue-Blooming Flowering Trees
Check your local nursery for available options based on your climate. For more variety, mail order is an excellent option. Reputable online retailers like Nature Hills Nursery have a great selection of unique blue-blooming trees that arrive healthy and ready to plant.
Spring is the ideal planting time in most climates. Container-grown trees establish quickly when planted properly in the garden. Place your order early as rare specimens like jacarandas sell out fast.
Blue-blooming flowering trees provide an unforgettable way to revitalize your garden or yard. Their stunning azure flowers will turn heads and spark conversations. With so many types to choose from, you can find one suitable for your space.
Go beyond the typical by incorporating vibrant flowering blues. Let these out-of-the-ordinary specimens infuse your landscape with refreshing originality and color.