No matter which ambiance I aim to achieve when designing a new garden, I consistently incorporate some purple flora.
I am searching for a range of purple blooming plants including
purple flowering bushes
, plants for pollinators along with some early-blooming bulbs. Below are our top 10 preferred purple flowers that will bring vibrant colors to your garden.
Verbena
Verbena
Zones 9 through 11; annually elsewhere.
You can expect
summer-long color
From these lovely blossoms. These sun-loving purple plants feature appealing bunches of flowers and reach heights of around 18 inches. Ensure the soil stays consistently damp yet properly drained; lack of water may impede blooming.
Top picks:
Both
V. bonariensis
And the Cultivar of Imagination blossoms in joyful hues that span across vibrant tones.
magenta
and violet.
Grow pretty
purple fountain grass
for birds.
Lavender
Lavandula
, Zones 5 through 10
Not only is lavender stunning, but its potent aroma also works marvelously for reducing stress. This silver-grey-purple flowered plant reaches heights between 1 and 4 feet when grown in direct sunlight and features elegant spikes adorned with small flowers.
lavender
it also keeps mosquitoes away but attracts bees.
Top picks:
For exceptionally vibrant purple blooms, opt for Hidcote Superior, Sarah, or Munstead.
Learn
When should you trim your lavender bushes?
.
Clematis
Clematis spp
.. Zones 3 through 9
You say “CLEM-uh-tiss,” I say “cluh-MAT-iss”: No matter how you pronounce it,
clematis
This striking vine boasts beautiful purple blooms. Capable of reaching heights of 30 feet, it offers an abundance of flowers even when planted in limited spaces compared to most alternatives. To ensure its prosperity, cultivate it in a bright, protected area on a trellis or fence where it can flourish.
Top picks:
The iconic Jackmanii comes to mind immediately, but Arabella offers all that with the added allure of multiple shades of blue and mauve.
Psst—we found even more
purple perennials
To cultivate for aesthetics annually.
Bellflower
Campanula spp
.. Areas 3 through 9
If you’re looking for a groundcover with purple blooms, consider bellflowers. This genus encompasses not only perennials but also annuals and biennials, known for their elegant flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Despite this, it thrives
full sun
, growing in partial shade helps maintain its soft hues. Ensure bellflowers thrive with consistent watering.
Top picks:
Consider using Birch Hybrid or Bavarian Blue for delightful fairytale-like colors.
Check out these beautiful
blue flowers
for every garden.
Dwarf Iris
Iris reticulata
, Regions 4 through 9
This aromatic dwarf variety blooms early and reaches heights of only 2 to 12 inches. Its vivid, tiny purple flowers add charm to any garden.
dwarf iris
Flowers that thrive in direct sunlight appear in late winter to early spring.
Top picks:
The deep, lustrous blooms of J.S. Dijit open up to extend a regal greeting to spring.
We discovered the leading 10
bearded iris flowers
for your garden.
Balloon Flower
Zones 3 through 9
Prior to bursting open into five-pointed flowers, the concave buds resemble small balloons.
Balloon flower
performs optimally in full sunlight or partial shade and flourishes in damp, well-draining earth.
Top picks:
The Astra Blue and Fuji Blue cultivars showcase attractive light blue-violet blossoms.
Check out the ultimate
lilac bush growing guide
.
Catmint
Nepeta
Zones 3 through 8
Easy to grow,
catmint
offers silver-green or grey leaves along with an extended blooming period that attracts hummingbirds. The violet floral spires grow to around 2 feet in height and thrive in direct sunlight. Numerous hybrid catmint varieties are infertile, hence they do not produce seeds. You can divide the plants during spring or propagate them through cuttings in summertime.
Top picks:
For enjoyment, the traditional variety
Nepeta x faassenii
can’t be beaten. For a mountain atmosphere, consider
N. sibirica
a shot.
To cultivate lovely blue blossoms, go with
delphinium
in your flower garden.
Salvia
Salvia spp
.. Areas 4 through 9; annually elsewhere
Rely on this eye-catching perennial to bring color year-round to any setting. Standing at 8 to 30 inches tall, its plumes brim with slender purple tubes.
flowers that attract hummingbirds
While it typically prefers full to partial sunlight, this hardy plant can flourish even in partial shade during scorching summer months.
Top picks:
The Evolution and May Night cultivars offer intense, dramatic purple hues. For blueish flowers, look for
Playin’ the Blues salvia
.
Allium
Allium spp.
Zones 3 through 9
If your aim is to enhance luminosity and liveliness, nothing does the job quite like this bloomer.
allium
This attractive perennial is an excellent choice for most backyard spaces. You can choose an allium variety that fits nearly any location, as they are simple to cultivate and offer distinct species that flower from late spring through autumn.
Top picks:
Try
A. aflatunense
For a touch of sassy with purplish-pink hues, or choose Globemaster for those who favor bluer-purple blossoms.
Check out the prettiest
pink perennial flowers
to grow.
Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla
, Areas 4 through 8
An early spring bloomer, the attractive Pasque flower enhances the texture of any garden. Although it isn’t a favorite choice for many gardeners, this sun-loving, drought-resistant, low-maintenance purple bloom definitely merits a place at the pinnacle of our list.
Top picks:
P. vulgaris
presents a captivating lavender hue, along with the shimmering silver undertones of
P. halleri
incorporate a frosty, tactile appeal.
For purple-flowering plants that bloom in late season, check out our comprehensive guide.
aster flower growing guide
.
