13 Ground Covers With Blue Flowers

Flowering ground covers come in all shapes and colors, and blue certainly stands out from the crowd. With a wide range of options available, you can really have it all – vibrant beauty, hardiness, and minimal maintenance hassle. From lighter lavender and steel blue shades to deeper hues, there’s something for everyone out there. So what are the best ground covers with blue flowers?

Let’s explore some of the top contenders.

1. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Thoughts of old-fashioned cottage gardens come to mind when we think of periwinkle. It is a great ground cover for shady areas in which many other flowering plants fail to thrive. 

It creates a lush, dark green foliage blanket over the ground and bursts into life with its vibrant light blue flowers over the warmer months. And when winter comes around, periwinkle doesn’t just switch off – no sir! It will keep a pleasant evergreen presence in even the coldest months.

Pro tips: It can be a bit too vigorous in warmer climates, so watch out. Propagate it by taking tip cuttings from non-flowering stems in spring for the best effect. If you’re looking for variety, you can also get it in deep purple and white.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings
• Spread: Spreads via arching stolons that root when they reach the tips
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 6-12 inches, width 6 inches to 2 feet
• Sun exposure: Partial sun
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, organic-rich, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline
• Bloom time: Spring, fall (March-April, sometimes in September)
• Maintenance: Occasional watering in dry spells; weed control and mulch; light feeding of complete fertilizer in spring

Periwinkle groundcover options:
– Greenwood Nursery – Dwarf Periwinkle
– Live Evergreen Periwinkle Myrtle
– Minor Periwinkle Vine Clumps

2. Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

You know the saying “the bigger, the better”? That’s exactly what the Siberian bugloss (also known as ‘forget-me-not’) has going for it! Known best for its striking variegated heart-shaped green leaves and baby blue spring flowers, this beauty creates a showy display with its presence. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and spread out to form a broad clump up to 30 inches wide. 

It requires part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil to really make a mark in the garden. Bonus points – it is deer and rabbit resistant, so your furry neighbors won’t be tempted to chow down on it. 

It’s a great choice for the woodland garden, as an edger, or as a mass ground cover. You can tidy it up and boost its flowering potential with light pruning after its flowers have faded. But don’t wait too long to do that, as its seeds are quite showy and germinate freely when left to their own devices in the soil.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 8 
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division 
• Spread: Slow spread by creeping rhizomes and seeds
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 12-15 inches, width 12-15 inches
• Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, rich organic soils
• Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
• Bloom time: Early spring (March – April)
• Maintenance: Deadhead if needed; Prune to boost flowering; Mulch in cooler areas; Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer

Siberian bugloss groundcover options:
– The Clayton Farm – Forget Me Not, Siberian Bugloss
– The Clayton Farm – 3 Starter plants of Forget Me Not, Siberian Bugloss

3. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis)

The blue star creeper is a low-growing perennial that strikes a perfect balance between being pretty and practical. Delicate little pastel blue star-shaped flowers adorn it from late spring to early fall, making it a true sight for sore eyes. 

It does best with some exposure to sunlight, but a bit of partial shade can also work its magic. Do keep in mind that it will constantly expand and can be aggressive in some climate zones, so try to contain and control it with garden edgings.

Better yet, it quickly forms a dense mat of bright green foliage that tolerates moderate foot traffic with aplomb. This hardy Aussie native is so versatile you can easily use it as an evergreen ground cover alternative to turf, in garden beds, and even combine it with other flowering ground covers to create colorful displays. It may stay evergreen in mild winters but go dormant in colder weather.

Pro tips:

• Water your blue star creeper regularly during hot summers for the best results. 
• Dead patches can appear if the plant isn’t draining properly. Add soil amendments to help drainage before replanting.
• Prune in late autumn to keep it tidy.
• Cover it with mulch to suppress weeds.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 6-8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division 
• Spread: Rhizomes
• Duration: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: Height 2-3 inches, width up to 2 feet 
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade 
• Soil type: Moist, Well-draining, Clay, Loam, Sand  
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
• Bloom time: Spring-late summer (April – August)
• Maintenance: Regular watering in warm months; Mulch to suppress weeds; Prune in late autumn to keep it tidy

Blue star creeper ground cover options:
– Elwyn – 25pcs Blue Star Creeper Plant
– Blue Star Creeper Ground Cover Plant
– Elwyn – 25 Star Creeper Flower Seeds Blue

4. Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) 

Adding color throughout late spring and early summer, the Spanish bluebell is an erect and hardy perennial that begs for more attention. In full bloom, this plant is a real show-stopper, with its upright stems carrying dangling bell-shaped flowers in shades of sky blue. 

It’s perfect for naturalizing, meaning it will quickly spread and fill the gaps you designate it to, be they rockeries, garden beds, or large grassy areas. Not picky at all, it will thrive in most soil conditions as long as they are well-draining. However, due to its tendency to self-seed and spread like wildfire, you may need some strategic containment tactics, such as edgings, to keep it in check.

Just like most of its kind, Hyacinthoides hispanica needs a bit of sun to produce blooms, so planting it in a spot that gets partial sun at the very least is a must. That said, in warmer climates, the blooms may need some shelter from the strong sun.

Pro tips:

• Divide crowded clumps in late summer to early fall and replant them for better results.
• It’s toxic to both humans and pets.
• It can soon become an invasive species, so be aware of the potential consequences if you live in an area where this can become a problem.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 8 
• Recommended propagation strategy: Seed
• Spread: New bulbs are formed by underground runners  
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 6-18 inches, width 6-18 inches 
• Sun exposure: Partial sun, partial shade
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, loam, sand
• Soil pH: Neutral, acidic, alkaline 
• Bloom time: Spring (April – June)
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms; fertilize in spring; divide clumps in late summer to early fall; occasional watering in dry spells.

5. Clematis ‘Arabella’ (Integrifolia species) 

Say hello to your garden’s new star! Clematis ‘Arabella’ is indeed a winner when it comes to long-lasting beauty in your garden. It’s a tough bush-like plant with strong stems able to stand up straight, so no need to worry about providing extra support.

Plus, its charming deep blue-purple flowers are sure to make an impression in late spring, gradually fading towards a beautiful pale blue as the season goes on. 

For the best results in your garden, remember that clematis prefer having their “heads in the sun and their feet in the shade,” requiring moist, well-drained soils. In terms of pruning, ‘Arabella’ is easily maintained and belongs to the third group of clematis, needing a ‘hard prune.’ Simply cut back the stems to a pair of strong buds about 1 ft. above ground level before growth begins in early spring.

Pro tip: Be mindful that clematis is toxic to animals, so keep pets out of its reach. 

General characteristics: 

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 10
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem tip cuttings
• Spread: Seeds
• Duration: Perennial 
• Mature size: Height 3 – 5 feet; width 2 – 3 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun 
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, organic, chalk, loam, sand
• Soil pH: Alkaline, neutral 
• Bloom time: Late spring to early fall (May – September)
• Maintenance: Keep the roots cool and shaded; mulch; prune in late winter to early spring; be mindful of toxicity around pets.

6. Creeping phlox ‘Blue Emerald’ (Phlox subulata ‘Blue Emerald’)

For such tiny flowers, this fast-growing ground cover packs a big punch when it comes to color. Its mat-forming habit of delicate, needle-like foliage and plentiful, stunning lavender-blue blooms blanket steep slopes, rocky areas, and flower borders like a dream. Better yet, it’s low-maintenance and a staple to fluttery butterfly gardens.

Creeping phlox prefers full sun but can manage with some part shade. It’s a fairly drought-tolerant ground cover, but regular watering and infrequent fertilizing will have it blooming at its best. Once flowering is over, shearing to maintain a neat form should be done for increased blooming the following spring.

General characteristics: 

• USDA hardiness zones: 2 – 9 
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division, stem cuttings
• Spread: Via roots
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 4-6 inches; width 1-2 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun, part shade
• Soil type: Humus-rich, medium-moisture chalk, loam, sand
• Soil pH: Alkaline, neutral
• Bloom time: Mid-spring to early summer (April – June)
• Maintenance: Low; water and fertilize occasionally; shear after flowering to promote foliage and blooms

Phlox ‘Blue Emerald’ ground cover options:
– Green Promise Farms – Volcano Phlox

7. Bellflowers (Campanula spp.)

Bellflowers are an ideal addition to any garden with their array of colors, sizes, and shapes. You can get them in violet shades, white, pink, and, of course, blue! This everlasting beauty blooms in late spring and lasts through the warmer months. 

Bellflowers are well-known for being a reliable ground cover, with some varieties able to climb walls and garden arches if left uncontrolled. They will do best in well-draining to moist soils and full sun or partial shade spots. They prefer cooler climates, so planting it in areas open to extreme summer heat could result in wilting. For pruning, wait until flowers have faded towards the end of summer and trim them back to prevent self-seeding.

Some of the best Campanula varieties with blue flowers include:

• Campanula ‘Sarastro’ (Bellflower) – Deep purple-violet bell flowers.
• Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) – A cluster of deep-blue/lavendar star-shaped blooms.
• Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian Bellflower) –  Intensely purplish-blue flowers with white throats.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 3 – 9 (Varies by species)
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division, seed, cuttings
• Spread: Rhizomes
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 3 to 30 inches, width 12 to 24 inches (Varies by species)
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade 
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, clay, loam, chalk
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
• Bloom time: Late spring, early summer (June – July)
• Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms; trim back in late summer to avoid self-seeding; mulch in colder areas

Bellflowers ground cover options:
– Outsidepride – Bellflower Campanula Carpatica Blue Garden Flower Plant Seed
– Unther Seeds – Bellflower Blue Flower Seeds
– Outsidepride – Campanula Canterbury Bells Blue Garden Flowers

8. Blue bugle (Ajuga reptans)

From light to dark blue shades, the blue bugle certainly knows how to dress up the garden. Also known as bugleweed, this ground-hugging evergreen perennial catches the eye with its whorls of petite flowers in mid- to late spring and early summer. The Ajuga reptans adapts well to urban settings, growing up to eight inches tall and making a great choice for those after low-maintenance flowering ground cover that thrives in the shade.

Plus, bonus points – it’s like a forbidden treat for rabbits and deer!

But how do you keep it satisfied? First, it needs moist conditions and humus-rich soil. Get into the habit of regularly giving it a drink during hot months and add a little dress of all-purpose granular fertilizer in the spring. Easy, peasy!

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 10
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division
• Spread: By way of stolons 
• Duration: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature size: Height 4-8 inches, width 1-2 feet 
• Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil type: Medium moisture, well-drained, loam, clay, sand 
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline 
• Bloom time: Mid-spring to early summer (May to June)
• Maintenance: Occasional watering in dry spells; May be mowed after flowering; Provide good air circulation

Blue bugle ground cover options:
– FTG Goods – Ajuga Reptans Seeds
– Carpet Bugle Seeds
– Ajuga Reptans, Bugleweed Seeds

9. Violets (Viola cornuta)

We couldn’t have a list of our favorite blue-flowering ground covers without adding these sweet little charmers – violets! Growing up to nine inches tall, these low-maintenance plants come in shades of blue, purple, lavender, and white to bring beauty and longevity to any garden. They are cherished by many for their light, sweet fragrance as well.

But there’s more! Viola cornuta, or the horned violet, as it’s commonly known, comes with a bit of extra flair. If you look closely, you’ll notice the long, thin nectar spurs pointing upwards, adding a unique look to its colorful, two-toned flowers. 

These lovely fellows prefer part sun and thrive in cool weather. All they need is plenty of moisture and humus-rich soil to look (and smell) their best. During hot weather, they may cease to flower, so deadhead the spent blooms and give them a prune to encourage new growth.

Be warned – they may self-seed into unwanted areas, so watch out for that!

General characteristics: 

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 – 11
• Recommended Propagation Strategy: Division 
• Spred: Creeping stems
• Duration: Annual, Perennial
• Mature size: Height 4-9 inches, width up to 12 inches
• Sun exposure: Partial sun or partial shade
• Soil type: Humus-rich, moist, well-drained, clay, sand, loam
• Soil pH: Neutral, acidic
• Bloom time: Spring – Early summer (March – June), Fall
• Maintenance: Water regularly; deadhead spent blooms for possible re-blooming; Prune to encourage new buds; Mulch for extra moisture

Violet ground cover options:
– Mndrlin Store – Blue Pansy Seeds
– Seed Needs Store – King Henry Viola Seeds

10. Purple gromwell (Lithodora diffusa)

Gromwells are loved for a reason! Their pretty little five-petaled star-shaped blooms make an instant impact and bring a certain charm to the garden – after all, who wouldn’t love a showy ground cover with intense azure flowers?

Lithodora diffusa, commonly known as the purple gromwell, is a worthwhile contender in the flowering ground cover department. Hardy, evergreen, and low-maintenance, it will fill gaps in rockeries with its beautiful foliage and purple-blue blooms. 

It grows best in full sun and well-drained soils, so follow a routine watering schedule and feed with a light fertilizer for the best results. However, too much fertilizer or mulch may cause root rot. In climate zones cooler than USDA zone 6, it may become dormant during winter, often recovering in spring.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 6 – 8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Stem cuttings
• Spread: Creeping rhizomes
• Duration: Mat-forming perennial, shrub
• Mature size: Height 6-15 inches, width 2-3 feet
• Sun exposure: Full sun
• Soil type: Well-drained, moist, sand, loam 
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral
• Bloom time: Spring, summer (May-August)
• Maintenance: Trim back after flowering if it gets leggy; Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Purple gromwell ground cover options:
– Glandora Diffusa Seeds
– CaribbeanGarden – Purple Gromwell

11. Dwarf plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)

This spectacular little perennial is valued for its rich purplish-blue blooms, stunning bronze-red or purple fall foliage, and low-growing habit. It’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to brighten their outdoor areas in summer and fall with bursts of vivid color! 

Plus, it’s great for erosion control and softening garden edges, as it can form a large colony given the right conditions. 

Dwarf plumbago loves the sun, but when temperatures are too high, it also appreciates some protection from the afternoon heat. It does best in moist, well-drained soils, so water it during those hot spells. As for pruning, shear or mow before spring growth begins for the best effect.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 5 – 9 
• Recommended propagation strategy: Cuttings, division, seed
• Spread: Rhizomes 
• Duration: Herbaceous perennial 
• Mature size: Height 9-12 inches, width 12-18 inches
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade 
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained, sand, loam, clay
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral 
• Bloom time: Summer to fall (July – September)
• Maintenance: Low; water regularly in warm months; prune or mow before spring growth begins; mulch in colder climates

Dwarf plumbago ground cover options:
– Greenwood Nursery – Dwarf Plumbago + Ceratostigma Plumbaginoides
– Classy Groundcovers – Ceratostigma plumbaginoides
– Daylily Nursery – Dwarf Plumbago Ceratostigma

12. Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox)

Deliciously fragrant, evergreen, and super-tough, what’s not to love about this magical mat-forming perennial? With delicate blue-violet blooms popping up from June to September, it’s the perfect choice for adding visual and aromatic beauty to walkways, paths, rock walls, and ledges. You’ll certainly appreciate the fact that it’s both rabbit and deer-resistant, too.

For the easiest start, you can propagate creeping thyme from division in the spring or fall. Spread it along your landscape and watch as its crawling stems form a beautiful, textured carpet in blues and violets. The experience of meandering through a thyme-covered walkway is truly magical – a sensory delight to savor for years! 

And the best part? It can handle light foot traffic, too, so you don’t have to worry about trampling its beauty.

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 4 – 9
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division, seed 
• Spread: Rhizomes 
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 2-6 inches, width 1 foot
• Sun exposure: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil, sand, shallow rocky soils
• Soil pH: Acidic, neutral, alkaline
• Bloom time: Summer (June – September)
• Maintenance: Occasional watering in dry spells; light feeding of complete fertilizer in spring

Creeping thyme ground cover options:
– Blue Wild Creeping Thyme
– Blue Creeping Thyme Seeds, dwarf ground cover plants
– Blue Creeping Thyme Seeds, perennial landscaping ground cover

13. Speedwell (Veronica prostrata)

This perennial ground cover is an excellent choice for sunny spots in gardens. Perfectly forming a rug effect, its delicate blue flowers bloom in May and June, plus a few sporadic blossoms through the summer and fall. The foliage is medium green with linear to ovate shapes, providing a nice contrast to the pale blue blooms.

It’s super hardy and spreads with its waving stems, perfect for edging paths, filling rockeries, or making a great border display. Plus, it’s low-maintenance and easy to keep in check. Snip off stems if it grows too big and trim as desired. Enjoy this longest-lasting companion for years!

General characteristics:

• USDA hardiness zones: 5 – 8
• Recommended propagation strategy: Division and stem cuttings (autumn or early spring)
• Spread: Spreads via stems
• Duration: Perennial
• Mature size: Height 6-8 inches, spreads indefinitely by prostrate stems
• Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil type: Well-drained soil, sand, loam, chalk
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
• Bloom time: Late spring to early summer, sporadically through fall (May – June)
• Maintenance: Prune if it becomes too vigorous; shear after flowering for new foliage growth

Speedwell ground cover options:
– Outsidepride Store – Veronica Speedwell Royal Blue Garden Flower Plant Seeds
– Outsidepride Store – Veronica Spiked Speedwell Garden Flowers Seeds

FAQ

Final Thoughts

From vibrant, low-growing plants to more restrained blooms, there’s a world of ground cover with blue flowers waiting to liven up your garden. If you want a splash of color or an easy-care carpet of foliage, there’s something for everyone. 

And with a bit of care and attention, like pruning, feeding, and watering now and then, you’ll get a rewarding show of beautiful blue blooms. Don’t know where to start? You can always reach out to a local garden pro for advice. Good luck, and enjoy your gardening!

Main Photo Credit: Peopleimages.com – YuriArcurs / Canva Pro / License

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