Blue Flowers for Shade — Baby Blue Eyes (nemophila)

I have always loved blue flowers and decided to try these delightful little Baby Blue Eyes (nemophila) this year. I started them from seed inside and grew them in my greenhouse until time to set them outside.

Baby Blue Eyes are also known as California Blue Bells. While they grow wild as perennials in California and the west coast, they can be grown as annuals throughout the US. 

Each bloom is about an inch across and a soft blue with a white center.

The foliage is frilly and attractive making this flower ideal for adding both color and texture to the flowerbed.

Baby Blue Eyes prefer partial shade.

What light to Baby Blues Need?

Baby Blue Eyes prefer partial shade but will grow in sun as long as they are watered sufficiently.  With my experience growing them in the greenhouse I can attest that they were one of the quickest flowers to wilt on warm days and they absorb water from the soil quickly.

I am growing my Baby Blue Eyes tucked under the foliage of my peonies, as my flowerbeds are all in full sun. So far, they are thriving and seem to enjoy the filtered light.

How long do Baby Blue Eyes Bloom?

Baby Blue Eyes bloom for several weeks in the spring.

Baby Blue Eyes bloom for several weeks in spring and early summer. To extend the season of blooms, I grew seedlings in the greenhouse and planted seeds directly in the soil as soon as the danger of frost had passed.

​It is my hope that this will extend the blooming season well into the summer.

Will Baby Blues Eyes come back the next year?

Baby Blue Eyes are a tender perennial grown as annuals throughout much of the US. According to Silver Falls Seed Company, they can be grown as perennials in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 thru 11.

Colder zones must grow Baby Blue Eyes as an annual. However, Baby Blue Eyes are reported to be prolific self-seeders. I can't attest to that myself yet, as this is my first year growing them here in my Maine garden, but I am hoping it is so.

How did baby blue eyes get their name?

Baby Blue Eyes are a baby blue with white eyes.

The common name of Baby Blue Eyes refers to the soft blue with a white eye.  But there is more to the name of this tiny flower than meets the eye.

Nemophila comes from the the Greek words nemos, meaning a wooded pasture and philos meaning loving. Translated, the name nemophila means woodland loving which describes where this flower grows best.

What is the spiritual meaning of Baby Blue Eyes (nemophila)?

Baby Blue Eyes are thought to heal or balance the throat chakra.

Baby Blue Eyes are associated with the throat chakra. This chakra represents self-expression and communication. Baby Blue Eyes are thought to heal or balance this chakra leading to improved communication and self-expression. 

Baby Blue Eyes are also known as a symbol of peace, harmony, and tranquility.

If you are seeking new levels of self-expression and improved communication in your life, adding Baby Blue Eyes to your meditation garden, or potting them up in a pot near a seating area where you can rest and enjoy nature may be just the thing for you.

These delicate flowers of heavenly blue are sure to leave you rested and peaceful.

What is the legend of Baby Blue Eyes? 

Baby Blue Eyes (nemophila) are believed to be the guardians of woodlands and forests by several cultural groups. Both the Japanese and the Greeks associated Baby Blues Eyes with the gods (or goddesses) of the wilderness, fields and harvest.

In Native American lore they are thought to bring prosperity and luck.

What do Baby Blue Eyes symbolize?

Baby Blue Eyes symbolize love, romance, purity, and innocence.

In the language of flowers, Baby Blue Eyes symbolize love, romance, purity, and innocence. They are a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions to express love.