Purple flowers have a certain allure and mystique that sets them apart from other colors. The color purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, and elegance, making purple flowers a popular choice for gardens, bouquets, and special occasions.
In this article, we explore the different types of purple flowers, their meanings, and how to care for them. From classic favorites like lavender and irises to lesser-known varieties like the African violet, there’s a purple flower for every taste and occasion.
Annual flowers are a great choice if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to change up your garden’s look from year to year; perennials add a pop of color and beauty year after year and require less maintenance than annual flowers.
Tall Perennial Purple Flowers
Tall flowering perennials can be used to create a dramatic and colorful background for shorter plants. Use a clump to create a strong focal point for a corner or in the center of an “island” planting. Tall plants bring the beauty of flowers closer to eye-level.
French Lilac, Common Lilac ‘Sensation’ (Syringa vulgaris)
Create a sensation with this uniquely-colored Lilac bush! Produces lush clusters of purple flowers with distinctive white petal margins. The sweetly-scented blooms appear over a long period in late spring. An excellent selection for adding fragrance and interest to cut flower arrangements.
A classic favorite for landscape focal points. An excellent specimen, foundation, or border plant. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.
Spike Speedwell ‘Blue Bouquet’ (Veronica spicata)
Provides a brilliant show of lavender blue flower spikes in summer. Brings vertical interest to mixed plantings without being overwhelming. Expect lots of butterflies and bees to visit when the plants are in flower! Very dependable and undemanding!
The perfect choice for beds and borders. Ideal for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow (Brunfelsia pauciflora)
This fascinating tropical shrub produces flowers that open purple then gradually fade to lavender and then to white. The result is a shrub that has three different bloom colors all at once! A nice source of color for lightly shaded or wooded locations Can be grown in large patio planters. Popular as a sunroom and patio plant where not hardy.
Ideal for borders, hedges or as a specimen plant. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views.
Iris (Iris species)
Iris species are easily recognized by their unique flower form and distinctive sword-like foliage. This is a flower so captivating that it has been the subject of lore and legends that span thousands of years of human history. Iris grow throughout the world and there are species adapted to a wide range of climates and conditions. Even when not in bloom the foliage adds a wonderful architectural form to the landscape.
Blue Potato Bush, Paraguay Nightshade (Lycianthes rantonnetii)
Although this plant is called “Blue Potato Bush”, and it is botanically related to edible potatoes, it is grown for its ornamental beauty only. No part of this plant should be consumed. Blue Potato Bush produces an abundance of charming blue flowers over a long season. It’s very showy, fragrant, easy to grow, and a magnet for bees and hummingbirds!
Tree Mallow ‘Bicolor’ (Lavatera maritima)
Just when the rest of the garden is starting to sag after the long hot days of summer, Lavatera comes to the rescue! The tropical-looking bi-color blooms are a refreshing sight from late summer into autumn. This is a carefree, pest-free selection with very decorative foliage and a loosely branching habit that brings a relaxed, informal feel to the landscape.
Meadow Phlox, Wild Sweet William (Phlox maculata)
A beautiful North American native flower that can be found growing in meadows and woodland areas. The lush flower clusters are a magnet for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Remove the faded flowers to encourage more blooms or allow to go to seed if seeking to naturalize an area. Effective in borders and cutting gardens. Ideal for specimen, foundations, and mass plantings. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
A versatile member of the mint family, Anise Hyssop produces licorice scented foliage and showy spikes of lavender blooms that are both edible and beautiful. This perennial plant is a magnet for bees and butterflies!Foliage can be used to flavor teas and the edible flowers are an attractive addition to salads. Dried flowers are perfect for potpourri. Plant near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.
Monkshood (Aconitum species)
A durable, old-fashioned favorite. Majestic spikes of showy blooms make a bold statement in the landscape. The perfect choice for brightening lifeless shaded areas. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Best planted in groups.
Bergamot, Bee Balm (Monarda hybrid)
This wonderful, all-around performer emits a delightful scent. Produces whorled clusters of tubular florets and deliciously fragrant foliage. Flowers are loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens.
Larkspur (Delphinium hybrid)
An old-fashioned favorite for traditional perennial gardens. Tall spires of densely packed flowers are held on strong stems. Unsurpassed for providing a dramatic, eye-catching display in the garden or the vase. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Ideal choice for cutting gardens. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
A lavish show of flower spikes above handsome, dark green foliage appear in summer. Easy to grow and very rewarding. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Ideal for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Medium Height Perennial Purple Flowers
Medium-height perennial flowers are the perfect filler between taller perennials or shrubs and lower, edging plants. They can also be planted in a row along a wall or fence to create a dense flow of color in an otherwise barren setting.
Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium purpureum)
Tall stems topped by large purple flower clusters create a majestic display in late summer. The lightly fragrant, nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for an array of butterflies and bee species. The common name, Joe Pye Weed, results from the story of an 18th-century Native American medicine man in New England. It is said that Joe Pye used the leaves of this plant to make an infusion for treating fever. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Especially nice in waterside gardens. Terrific plant for butterfly gardens.
Jacob’s Ladder, Greek valerian ‘Bressingham Purple’ (Polemonium species)
Loose clusters of lavender-blue flowers above lush, fern-like foliage. The leaves develop a dark purple hue in spring and autumn. Lends a light, airy appearance to the garden. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Especially nice in woodland gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Looks great in rock gardens.
Penstemon (Penstemon x mexicali)
These unique plants are sure to attract attention! Majestic spikes of showy blooms make a bold statement in the landscape. Flowers are loved by hummingbirds. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.
Beardtongue ‘Blue Buckle’ (Penstemon virgatus)
Native to North America, Penstemon has long been used for medicinal purposes. Its beauty and ease of care alone are remedies for many ailments, flowering continuously through the summer, and thriving in heat and drought (once established.) Upright stems showcasing clusters of purple-blue trumpet-shaped flowers bloom above glossy, dark green foliage. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.
Hardy Geranium (Geranium magniflorum)
A charming alpine species from the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. Beautiful enough to grow for the foliage alone and quite a beauty when sprinkled with vibrant purple flowers from spring into summer. The foliage is evergreen and tinges a lovely reddish-purple in the winter. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. A reliable groundcover for any location. Best planted in groups.
Beardtongue, Penstemon (Penstemon schmidel)
Produces spires of colorful, trumpet-shaped blooms over a long season. The bright tubular blooms of Penstemon are a magnet for hummingbirds! The graceful stalks of flowers may look delicate but this is a plant that holds up under harsh conditions. Penstemon tolerates hot, dry conditions where other plants might fail. For a dramatic effect plant in groups of three or more. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.
Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
A reliable solution for hot, windy locations where nothing else can grow. Globes of steel-blue flowers add a unique form and a touch of whimsy to the garden. Globe Thistle is a magnet for all sorts of pollinators and birds love the seeds. A must-have for a butterfly garden or garden designed to support wildlife. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Perfectly suited to informal, naturalized settings. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Birds enjoy the seeds!
Nepeta, Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
This is a relative of the familiar Catnip plant that is adored by cats (Nepeta cataria) and it is a plant sure to be adored by gardeners dealing with the challenges of hot, dry growing conditions. No matter how tough things get, Catmint retains its lovely mounded form, soft gray-green color, and in a true display of resilience, it produces flowers throughout the growing season. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Looks great in rock gardens. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. A plant in a pretty pot makes a charming and fragrant gift plant!
Statice, Sea Lavender (Limonium perezii)
One of the best flowers for adding lasting color to hot, dry situations. Clusters of small papery flowers on sturdy stems bloom all summer long. Salt tolerant and deer resistant. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Nice for larger patio containers. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
One of the first flowers to appear in early spring. Popular for its intensely fragrant flowers that produce a rich, sweet smell. The lush flower clusters add elegance and charm to traditional perennial gardens. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Wonderful for mixed borders and containers. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’ (Salvia longispicata x farinacea)
Well-branched, naturally compact plant is very heat tolerant. Spires of deep blue flowers contrast nicely with the dark green leaves. The flowers attract bees to the garden. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Meadow Sage, Woodland Sage, Garden Sage (Salvia nemorosa)
A ground hugging mound of textured, mid-green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for spires of dainty blooms. Wonderful for filling in amongst bolder looking plants or planting en mass in well-drained locations. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Short Perennial Purple Flowers
Short flowering perennials bring color and interest along the edges of a large flower border. Use them as an edging plant along pavement or gravel paths, walkways, or a patio. Many are appropriate for use in containers, either solo or mixed with other plants.
Blue Moneywort (Lindernia grandiflora)
Low growing selection that makes an excellent ground cover. The lush mat of heart-shaped leaves with dainty, violet-blue flowers loves to creep around steps, rocks and pavers. Thrives in moist, marsh-like soils where other plants might fail. Appropriate near water and in damp woodland settings. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Excellent selection for containers, rock and water gardens.
Viola ‘Columbine’ (Viola hybrid)
Charming white blooms are splashed and flushed with violet shades. They tolerate cool temperatures and are ideal for planting around spring-flowering bulbs or in window boxes. Makes an excellent pressed flower for crafts or putting in a note or greeting card. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Especially nice for mixing with spring bulbs.
Hyssop Hybrid ‘Little Adder’ (Agastache hybrid)
A charming compact selection. Agastache are a drought tolerant choice for bringing color, height, fragrance and texture to the garden. The blooms attract bees and butterflies to the garden. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. A reliable choice for borders, containers and rock gardens. Excellent cut flowers.
Lavender ‘Anouk’ (Lavandula stoechas)
A reliable garden favorite. Early blooming, compact selection with spikes of dark purple flowers. One of the best plants for adding lasting color to hot, dry situations. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Popular for sachets and potpourri.
Blue Star Creeper, Matted Pratia (Pratia pedunculata)
A very tough and quick spreading ground cover species that survives dry spells well. Forms a lush mat of deep green, fine-leafed foliage that is topped with starry blooms over a long season. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Looks great spilling over container edges. Perfect selection for filling in between paving stones.
Plumbago, Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides)
This spreading perennial provides a lush green backdrop to early and midsummer blooming companions. Late summer, it breathes new life into the garden with its own clusters of bright blue flowers, followed by red foliage in autumn. A reliable groundcover for any location. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, slopes, and banks.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender is an excellent choice not only for herb gardens, but for drier perennial gardens as well, where it can lend texture, color and fragrance. Named varieties give the gardener a selection of flower color and mature plant size to best fit the chosen planting site. Lavender’s herbal uses include culinary and medicinal applications. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Popular for sachets and potpourri.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata)
A valuable perennial for moist, shady gardens. Spunky, spotted foliage assures eye catching, multi-season interest while clusters of dainty, funnel-shaped blooms are an added late winter to early spring bonus. Beautiful in shady borders and woodland gardens. A reliable groundcover for any location. Combines well with Hosta in woodland gardens.
Bellflower (Campanula hybrid)
Campanula come in mounding, spreading and upright varieties. Their bell-like blooms vary from dainty stars to large cups, and may be single or clustered, upright or dangling. With so many choices a Campanula variety can be found to fit most garden settings. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Best planted in groups.
Aubrieta, Purple Rock Cress (Aubrieta deltoidea)
A welcome herald of spring! Clusters of flowers above compact, evergreen foliage. Creates a blanket of color that butterflies are certain to find. Classic plants for rock gardens! Charming when tucked into rock crevices or walls. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, slopes, and banks. Makes a good small scale groundcover.
Ajuga, Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga is a quick-spreading, thick leaved groundcover suited to sunny or shady gardens. A multitude of varieties allows for the choice of green, purple or multi-hued foliage. All varieties have the added bonus of petite stalks of flowers early in the season. A reliable groundcover for any location. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Effective under trees where lawn has difficulty establishing.
Climbing Perennial Purple Flowers
Climbing perennial plants with purple flowers are an easy way to “drape” elegant color along a fence, privacy trellis, or trained to a wall. Choose a fragrant vine if you’re planning to grow it near an area where people congregate, such as a porch, patio, or deck so you and guests can enjoy the scented flowers.
Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)
Deep purple flowers with a chocolate-like fragrance are a treat for the senses! This fast growing vine can be trained to a structure or used as groundcover. Prune back freely to maintain size. Commonly used to climb fences or walls. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Lavender Trumpet Vine (Clytostoma callistegioides)
A lavish display of lavender-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers that will entice all types of winged visitors to the garden. Hummingbirds and butterflies especially love this plant. Incredibly carefree! The vine climbs by attaching tendrils and spreads rapidly once established. Prune freely to maintain the desired size. Easy to grow in a large patio pot if provided with a trellis. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Blue Dawn Flower, Morning Glory Vine (Ipomoea acuminata)
This fast-growing vine is a great way to quickly add rich color and texture to the landscape. The vivid blue, trumpet-shaped blooms fade to pink creating a two-toned effect. Use to quickly cover unsightly fences, stumps, uneven terrain or slopes. Flowers open in the morning and close at night. Easy to grow in a large patio pot if provided with a trellis. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Small Flowered Clematis (Clematis viticella)
A robust Clematis species that displays excellent tolerance to cold, heat, drought and poor soils. The flowers are smaller than the standard Clematis hybrids, but they are produced in abundance over a longer period of time. A versatile selection perfect for growing in the garden or in large patio pots. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Hybrid Passion Flower (Passiflora hybrid)
Hybrid Passion Flowers are available in an array of colors and amazing flower forms. The fragrant flowers are followed by lovely egg-shaped, orange fruit. The plant climbs by attaching tendrils and spreads rapidly once established. Easy to grow in a large patio pot if provided with a trellis. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Lilac Vine (Hardenbergia violacea)
Lilac Vine is actually not a Lilac, but a member of the Pea family. This can be seen in the charming pea-like flowers that form the dangling bloom clusters. This is a vigorous, low-maintenance vine that tolerates heavy soils and drought conditions. Plant near a patio, porch or deck where the sweet fragrance can be enjoyed. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views.
Passion Flower (Passiflora caerulea)
The intricate and exotic blooms of the Passion Flower are fascinating as well as beautiful. The fragrant flowers are followed by lovely egg-shaped, orange fruit. The plant climbs by attaching tendrils and spreads rapidly once established. Easy to grow in a large patio pot if provided with a trellis. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Wisteria, Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Also known as Chinese Wisteria this vigorous, twining climber will provide years of beauty if given a sturdy support to grow on. Clusters of blooms, in shades from blue to white, hang gracefully against a backdrop of lush foliage. Prune regularly to contain and direct growth. Beautiful trained to posts, latticework and trellises. Excellent for planting along fences and walls. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views.
Clematis (Clematis hybrid)
Few flowering vines compare to the spectacular bloom of Clematis. Provides a heavy flowering display of large, showy flowers. A very low-maintenance selection. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views. Best used for large scale plantings.
Tall Annual Purple Flowers
Tall annual flowers are a great way to bring consistent color to a perennial flower garden. As the perennial plants go in and out of bloom, annuals continue to fill the space with color. Tall annual plants are also perfect for creating a central focal point for a mixed planter or small garden space.
Anise-scented Sage, Hummingbird Sage (Salvia guaranitica)
This beautiful, bushy Sage is a South American import perfect for hot, dry locations. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the intensely blue flowers that appear all summer long. The foliage has a light anise scent when bruised. Prune freely to maintain size and encourage fresh blooming. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Mealy Cup Sage, Blue Sage ‘Victoria Blue’ (Salvia farinacea)
Thrives in difficult hot, dry locations where other plants fail! This Salvia makes a nice companion to plants with bigger, bolder blooms or broad-leaves. The blue color and gray-green foliage create a cool, relaxing feeling on a hot day. Brings vertical interest to mixed plantings without being overwhelming. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Mexican Petunia, Wild Petunia, Common Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana)
A terrific low-maintenance plant that thrives in very hot regions. Colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom above deep green, lance-shaped foliage. Growth habit is very upright providing a strong vertical line in the landscape. Makes a great houseplant if given a bright location near a window. The perfect choice as a backdrop in beds and borders. Especially nice in waterside gardens. Potted plants are great on a patio or deck, or indoors in a sunny location.
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Saucer-like blooms stand out against a backdrop of fine, airy leaves. Spanish missionaries gave it the name cosmos. Legend has it that the missionaries saw the symmetry of the petals as a symbol of the divinely ordered universe, the meaning of “cosmos” in Greek. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Cosmos look striking as a backing plant in mixed borders or filling out mixed plantings. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Cleome, Spider Flower (Cleome hassleriana)
Some plants have natural charisma and cleome is one of them. Spidery poufs of flower heads top tall stems in a striking display. The curious looking bloom clusters bring fragrance, soft color and lightness to gardens and large containers. Cleome plants bloom for months on end and provide hummingbirds with a season-long buffet. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Superb backing plant for mixed borders. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Ageratum, Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)
Heat tolerant and attractive to butterflies, Ageratum are perfect for bringing long lasting color and definition to summer containers and garden beds. Dainty, flossy blooms form mounds of soft color and texture perfect for combining with trailing and spiky, upright annuals. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Medium Height Annual Purple Flowers
Medium-height annual flowers are popular for using as a filler in a mixed flower garden, hanging basket, combination planters or grown solo in a decorative pot.
Cuphea ‘Sriracha™ Pink’ (Cuphea llavea)
Spice things up with a vibrant display of heat-loving pink flowers. Blooms cover this compact plant from late spring through autumn. This low-maintenance selection is certain to please. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Ornamental Onion (Allium senescens)
Attractive perennial with short, strap-shaped, mid-green leaves. Impressive clusters of lilac flowers appear in midsummer. A reliable, vigorous grower. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Combines beautifully with small ornamental grasses.
Plumed Celosia (Celosia argentea)
Provides an abundance of brightly colored “torch” shaped blooms. Perfect for heating up annual, tropical or perennial combinations. These long-flowering plants will put on a stunning display all season long with full sun and consistent watering. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Perfect for all kinds of containers.
Trailing Angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia)
Showy, colorful blooms on a trailing plant cheer up any garden setting. This robust plant withstands heat and rain. A reliable choice for borders, containers and rock gardens. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Intermediate Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
A “medium-sized” snapdragon. Creates a strong vertical line of color, similar to taller varieties, but without the need for cages or staking. This flower gets its common name from the individual florets that resemble the shape of a dragon head. Pinch the flower on the sides and the bloom can be snapped open and closed similar to a mouth. A fun flower for a child’s garden! The perfect choice for beds and borders. Looks great in rock gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Ground Orchid, Phillippine Orchid, Boat Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata)
Exotic combination of long, textured leaves and violet-purple flowers creates a tropical feeling in the garden or in planters on the patio. One of the most common of all the terrestrial orchids. Originally from Malaysia and the Philippines, this plant will bloom year-round in frost-free climates that are similar to its native habitat. Makes a breathtaking potted specimen plant. Very decorative on a small table or windowsill. Makes a lovely gift!
Stoke’s Aster, Cornflower Aster (Stokesia laevis)
A durable choice for hot, dry locations. Crisp white blooms provide a fresh, clean burst of color late in the season. The cornflower-like flowerheads are sure to attract attention. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Browallia, Bush Violet (Browallia speciosa)
A bushy perennial from tropical South America, Browalia speciosa is most commonly grown as an annual, but also makes a lovely houseplant. Named varieties have lush, but compact growth and an abundance of blooms. Depending on variety, the flowers may be white, violet or sky blue. Striking when paired with plants having golden foliage. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Looks great in rock gardens. Makes a breathtaking potted specimen plant.
Stock, Gilly Flower (Matthiola incana)
Stock are the perfect choice to transition the garden from spring into summer with their lush, clove-scented flower clusters delivering color and fragrance. Depending on variety chosen, blooms may be single or double and all varieties make for excellent cut flowers. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
Eustoma grandiflorum lives up to its species name with a grand display of large flowers resembling, upturned bells. Also known as prairie gentian and Texas bluebell, they are a favorite of cut flower enthusiasts. Ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Perfect for all kinds of containers.
Osteospermum, African Daisy, Cape Daisy (Osteospermum hybrid)
Long-blooming, heat and drought tolerant daisies, available in a wonderful range of colors. Use one to perk up a mixed container or plant them in quantity to create a sea of cheerfulness in the landscape. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and landscapes. Looks great in rock gardens. The perfect choice for beds and borders.
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)
Expect a gorgeous display from this dependable selection. Produces long, showy spikes of beautiful bell-shaped flowers. Adds a touch of class to any garden planting. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Looks great in woodland settings. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets. Best planted in groups.
Short Annual Purple Flowers
Short flowering annuals can be used to create a colorful edging for a large border planting, along a garden path, or to add color and definition to a paved walkway. They’re great for mixed flowering containers, individual pots, or in a vertical wall planter. Plant a few flowering annuals in your vegetable garden to add beauty and entice even more pollinators to your vegetable flowers.
Upright Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
Upright pansy’s unique flat flowers are held well above the foliage so that each bloom’s cheerful “face” can be fully enjoyed. Pansies thrive in cooler temperatures and can be planted earlier in the spring than most other flowering annual plants. Plant them in the garden among spring flowering bulbs, or in patio containers to instantly drive away the dreary days of winter. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings. Flowers are perfect for pressing and drying to use in crafts or to tuck into a greeting card.
Globe Candytuft (Iberis umbellata)
This fast-growing variety produces clusters of colorful flowers. A quick shearing after blooming is all it takes to keep Iberis lush and compact. Beautiful when used en masse or as a companion to more structural plants. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, slopes, and banks. Charming when tucked into rock crevices or walls.
Vinca ‘Jams N Jellies Blackberry’ (Catharanthus roseus)
Elegant, velvety deep purple flowers are unique among Vinca colors. Use it to add new color dimension to mixed container plantings or in the garden bed. Excellent tolerance to heat and drought. Recognized by All-America selections in 2012 for its unusual beauty and superior performance. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’ (Plectranthus hybrid)
Rich green leaves with burgundy undersides are just the beginning! This plant displays tall spires that are loaded with small deep lavender flowers. An easy-care selection that is very heat tolerant, which makes this plant a particularly nice choice for autumn gardens in warmer climates or summer gardens in Northern climates. U.S. Plant Patent # PP13,858. Use as an accent or specimen in beds, planters and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings. Plant in drifts or bands for best effect.
Trailing Ice Plant (Lampranthus spectabilis)
Lampranthus are native to South Africa and thrive in sunny, dry locations. The vibrant, daisy-like flowers open with the sun and close every evening. Scientific theories suggest that this is a way for the plant to conserve energy while its primary pollinators are dormant at night. The succulent foliage is another means of conserving energy by storing water. The moist, translucent leaves are the basis for the plant’s common name: “Ice Plant”. A quick-spreading groundcover that is ideal for erosion control on slopes. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, banks and containers. Perfectly sized for foreground planting in a mixed border. May be grown as a perennial in frost-free regions.
Purple Heart, Purple Queen (Setcreasea purpurea)
A real jewel of a plant, the intense purple foliage adds striking color and contrast to the landscape. An excellent groundcover in frost-free climates. Spreading habit is great for cascading over pots, walls, or hanging baskets and the rich color is ideal for mixed plantings in large containers. Grow as a houseplant in a sunny location. Easy to grow indoors or outdoors in pots or beds. Use as an accent or specimen in beds, planters and window boxes. They may be used to liven porches and patios.
Ganges Primrose, Chinese Violet (Asystasia gangetica)
This plant is a native of India, Malaysia, and Africa so it adapts well to most warm climates. Spreads quickly to form a dense groundcover perfect for covering large areas or slopes. Produces dainty trumpet-shaped flowers in lavender or creamy white depending on the variety. Prune as needed to contain growth. Looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets. Useful for erosion control on slopes.
Schizanthus, Butterfly Flower, Poor Man’s Orchid (Schizanthus )
Lots of small, orchid-like flowers against ferny foliage. An elegant, long-season display of showy blooms. Easy to grow and very rewarding. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
Bacopa (Sutera cordata)
Beautiful as a groundcover or cascading from hanging baskets and containers. This South African native plant is covered with charming little flowers all summer long. Creates a fantastic contrast when planted next to more boldly-colored flowers. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Wonderful for combination plantings.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a ground-hugging plant with narrow leaves and lots of honey-scented flowers. It does well in dry areas. It’s perfect for brightening and softening rock garden plantings. Sweet alyssum is perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Charming when tucked into rock crevices or walls.
Cineraria, Pericallis, Florists’ Cineraria (Cineraria hybrid)
Cineraria’s daisy-like blooms come in a rainbow of brilliant colors to brighten any summer annual planting. In its warmer native zones Cineraria blooms from winter to spring. Excellent as a houseplant when provided medium light levels. Easy to grow indoors or outdoors in pots or beds.
Petunia (Petunia hybrid)
Petunias are a classic choice among annuals for their bold, trumpet blooms in a range of single-hued, striped and white-rimmed colors. Plant them en masse for a dramatic burst of color or mix into combinations needing a bit of brightness. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes.
Climbing Annual Purple Flowers
Climbing annual vines are a fun way to add variety and dimension to your summer landscape. You can grow them in a pot with a small trellis to place on a deck or patio. Use them on a privacy trellis to add color and an extra layer of screening and noise control. Try different types of climbing annual vines and colors from year to year to suit your changing tastes in a new season.
Japanese Morning Glory (Pharbitis nil)
This vining plant produces an enchanting combination of large trumpet-shaped blooms and distinctly lobed foliage. Easy to grow and a source of reliable color all summer long. Be sure to provide a trellis or some other type of structure to support the vine. This is a great plant for temporarily hiding unsightly objects such as an old tree stump or brush pile. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Looks great spilling over container edges. Perfect for creating a quick and beautiful privacy screen on a trellis near a patio or porch.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
Morning Glory gets its name from the magnificent, trumpet-shaped blooms that open each morning. The flowers last for just a day, but there will be more blooms tomorrow. Be sure to provide a trellis or some other type of structure to support the vine. This is a great plant for temporarily hiding unsightly objects such as an old tree stump or brush pile. Native to Central and South America. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Use to create a quick and beautiful privacy screen on a trellis near a patio or porch.
Corkscrew Vine, Snail Vine (Vigna caracalla)
This plant has everything going for it; it’s fun, fragrant, fast-growing, loaded with beautiful and unusual features, and it offers a very practical solution when the situation calls for quick coverage. This vine gets its common names from its corkscrew-like flower buds. The buds form a tight spiral that resembles a snail’s shell! Flowers are followed by long, bean-like pods that add even more interest. Corkscrew vine is native to Venezuela and thrives in hot, humid conditions. It is perennial in areas with mild winters. Grow vines on a trellis to add height to the garden or on a lattice to create a privacy screen near a porch, deck or patio. Several planted in a row can quickly conceal an unsightly fence. Can be grown as an indoor potted plant if given a sunny location.
Iochroma (Iochroma cyaneum)
A very exotic-looking plant from the tropical regions of South America. Iochroma forms a dense shrub continuously producing lavish clusters of trumpet-shaped blooms. These flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds! Decorative berries follow the blooms. Can be grown in a large planter and placed indoors by a sunny window for the winter. An excellent specimen, foundation, or border plant. Perfect for planting along fences and walls. A terrific plant for hummingbird gardens.
Hyacinth Bean, Egyptian Bean, Indian Bean (Dolichos lablab)
Featured on the arbor in the kitchen garden of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, Virginia, the Hyacinth Bean draws attention from countless visitors each year. This fast growing vine, also referred to as the Egyptian and Indian Bean, was introduced to European gardens by the early 1700s and then made its way to American nurserymen by the early 19th century. Blooms in various shades of purple in late summer are followed by deep burgundy seedpods. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. Great for privacy screening on decks or blocking unsightly views.
Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Old fashioned Sweet Pea is intoxicatingly charming with its proliferation of perfumed blooms. It will quickly scramble to the top of a fence or trellis to put on a lush display right into autumn. For a truly cottage look let it ramble amongst your roses. Beautiful trained to fences, posts, latticework and trellises. A reliable groundcover for any location. Cut flowers are long-lasting in fresh bouquets.
More Ways to Use Purple Flowers
There was a time when annual flowers were the popular choice for growing in pots and hanging baskets. These days the trend is to mix things up! Learn more about growing a variety of different plants in containers with tips you’ll find in our collection of articles: All About Container Gardening.
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