Purple is one of the most famous flower colors you can see in gardens. The reason why purple flowers are so popular is that they have a variety of shades, including light lilac, deep violet, and mauve – all of which are very attractive to look at.
Several types of purple flowers, like pansies, petunias, verbena, and lavender also offer the advantage of having a great contrast with light green foliage. You can also expect plants with purple flowers to look really beautiful when grown in gardens along with yellow blooms, pink flowers, and white flowers.
A lot of purple flowers bloom during the late summer or late spring. For you to get to know more about the fascinating types of purple flowers you can grow in your garden, continue reading this article.
In This Article
The Purple Color and Its Symbolism
Before learning about what the different types of purple flowers are and what they symbolize, it would be a great idea to get to know more about what this color specifically represents. Traditionally, purple has a close association with love, royalty, and mysticism.
The ancient king in Persia known as Cyrus wore robes in shades of purple and used those as his regal uniform. Ordinary people at that time were forbidden to wear the color immediately because doing so meant deeming themselves above the king.
Considering the fact that purple symbolizes rulers and royalty, it has also been linked to grandeur, majesty, and success. It still evokes those things up to the present as various shades of purple, including lilac, lavender, and violet continue to show delicate elegance.
Purple also has a few representations when it comes to relationships – among which are love and admiration. Lighter shades of purple represent youthful innocence, which is why they have a strong connection to love at first sight. Meanwhile, deeper shades of it represent long-term, strong, and deep love and romance.
Purple Flowers and Their Meanings
Different types of purple flowers, regardless of the shade, also have their own meanings and representations. Some consider the purple flowers a symbol of serenity and peace. It could be due to the connection of the purple color to the plant called lavender.
The lavender plant is recognized for its soothing aroma and fragrance, making it perfect for teas and perfumes. Another meaning of bright purple flowers is mature romance or deep passion. This particular meaning can be pointed to the purple roses.
Lighter purple flowers tend to represent springtime. The reason is that the spring season is also the time when you can see a lot of purple flowers, such as the purple hydrangea, lilies, and violets, naturally producing their blooms.
Flowers with purple varieties and shades can also be linked to Eastern cultures, specifically to Buddhism. In this case, you can relate the vibrant flowers to inner journeys and mystic discovery. It is crucial to note that the crown or purple chakra has a direct connection to wisdom.
It also indicates your oneness to the world. By extension, therefore, the purple color and flowers can also be classified as a means of communicating creativity and transformation.
Different types of purple flowers also have their own meanings in terms of art. In fact, many artists, including Van Gogh and Monet, use these purple flowers in their artworks, perceiving those as their favorite subjects. If you know someone who loves arts and dreams to pursue this venture, you may want to give them a purple rose arrangement.
This would be a big help in encouraging and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in arts. You can also give out flower arrangements composed of purple roses to congratulate someone who transitioned into a new job or moved into a new place. This is a way to wish for their new beginning.
Types of Purple Flowers
Now that you are aware of the meanings and significance of the color purple and the flowers that have this shade, it is time to learn about the different types of purple flowers guaranteed to make your garden more beautiful and enchanting. The most common ones that are also known for being very colorful flowers include the following:
Allium
Allium is a perennial that you can easily grow. A lot of its varieties are capable of naturally multiplying while having the ability to thrive and survive in a single area for several years if they stay untouched.
You will notice these purple flowers growing in bulbs while ensuring gardeners of a hassle-free experience when cultivating this perennial. Alliums mainly have various shades of purple flowers but there is also a possibility for them to bloom flowers in white.
There are also rare cases when the allium will have yellow and blue blooms. What’s great about this purple flower is that it is resistant to deer and rodents. It also thrives well when it receives enough direct and full sun.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southwestern, North, and Eastern America
- Botanical name: Allium
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Deep and light purple, mauve, deep blue, pink
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Planting location: Borders – Ensure that there is enough shelter and protection from the wind so its delicate and sensitive flowering spikes will be fully protected.
- Water: Infrequent since the plant is drought-tolerant
- Feeding: Organic bulb fertilizer applied only during the summer and spring
Verbena
Another famous type of purple flowers is the Verbena. It is an enchanting plant with the ability to produce tiny yet charming purple flowers and blooms the entire summer. In most cases, you can see cute purple flowers bloom beautifully and often used in floral arrangements.
It is also well-loved even when dried as it still carries its lovely charm. To grow a verbena, you need to provide it with full sun. It also requires well-drained and moist soil and should be in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: South America
- Botanical name: Verbena bonariensis
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple, white, pink, blue, red
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 8 to 10
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Moist and well-drained soil
- Planting location: On its own or at the back of mixed garden beds
- Water: One inch every week – This plant is also basically drought-tolerant, which means that strict watering is not necessary unless the plant wilts.
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied two times every year
Lavender
Lavender is also another of the most well-known fragrant purple flowers. They are recognized for their flowery and strong scent. The strong scent that these types of purple flowers have is the reason behind their ability to repel fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths. It can even drive away deer and rabbits.
This perennial plant can be expected to last for three to five years after you plant it. Just make sure that you provide it with well-drained soil and full sun so it will grow at its best.
During the hot summer, ensure that the lavender has sufficient afternoon shade. Another thing to note about lavender is that it tends to grow better when cultivated in soils that are low to moderately fertile.
One more fact about lavender is its ability to seed quickly. This makes it necessary to cut it back regularly to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Europe
- Botanical Name: Lavandula
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Light purple flowers, mauve, dark violet
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, dry to sandy, unamended, and alkaline
- Planting location: Sunny and dry areas with natural protection from the cold and wind
- Water: 1 inch weekly during establishment; 1 inch every three weeks once it starts budding and blooming
Butterfly Bush
This particular plant got its name, butterfly bush, because it tends to attract a lot of butterflies into its purple flowers. However, you should keep in mind that despite that fact, the butterfly bush is incapable of supporting a butterfly’s life cycle.
In other words, ensure that you plant your butterfly bush along with other bushes or flowers capable of supporting butterflies in your locality. One fact about this plant that you should know is that it is a perennial, which needs at least 8-hour full sun daily.
It also requires around one inch of water weekly once they start actively growing. Expect the butterfly bush to become dormant during the winter while producing new growths derived from its root during the spring then soon, blooming, starting from the summer season to autumn.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual or perennial
- Origin: Tibet, South Central China, a few provinces in Japan
- Botanical name: Buddleja davidii
- Mature size: 2 to 16 feet tall
- Flower colors: Dark purple flowers
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining and moderately moist soil
- Planting location: Borders, butterfly gardens, cottage gardens
- Water: Moderate moisture for the soil – Avoid soggy conditions.
- Feeding: Fertilizer is unnecessary, but you can compost it lightly during the summer.
Wild Hyacinth
You may also want to check out the wild hyacinth, which is recognized for being a native wildflower found in California. It tends to grow with ease in meadows, specifically the ones you can see across the state. The wild hyacinth has a slender stem with the top holding a cluster shaped like a ball composed of 20 individual purple flowers.
To guarantee the proper growth of the wild hyacinth, make sure that you have well-drained soil. Supply the plant with full sun to partial shade, too. It would also be best to plant this in rock gardens as well as in other areas considered as dry, specifically those where only a little water is available.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Eastern Mediterranean
- Botanical name: Dichelostemma capitatum
- Mature size: 6 to 8 inches tall
- Flower colors: Purple and white
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Indirect to full sun
- Soil: Majority of soil conditions
- Planting location: Rock gardens as well as areas that are dry with only minimal water available
- Water: Rarely requires watering as it is drought-tolerant
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied every three months
Dwarf Iris
Compared to the other types of purple flowers and plants closely related to this flower, the Dwarf iris seems to have a lower size as its full height is just around 6 inches and below. It is also a unique plant in the sense that it has ribbed and floppy petals that are also quite blade shaped.
One more thing that makes the Dwarf iris so lovable is its sweet and fragrant flowers and blossoms guaranteed to come out early during the spring season. One more important fact to take note of is that the Dwarf iris requires plenty of water during the blooming period. However, the need for water will also decrease as the season continues.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: The Caucasus, US, Northern Iran, Russia
- Botanical name: Iris reticulata
- Mature size: 6 inches tall
- Flower colors: Purple, white, yellow, blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Planting location: Borders and flower beds
- Water: Moderate watering during the spring season; dry when summer
- Feeding: Phosphorus-rich fertilizer applied after the plant’s blossoms are completely spent
Blue False Indigo with Deep Purple Flowers
If you are interested in this flower, take note that the blue false indigo botanical name is baptisia australis. The most distinctive features of this purple plant include its deep purple or violet flowers that can resemble a pea. It also has a woody stem.
This is also one of those plants with a quick and easy growing and maintenance process. The blue false indigo is a native to North America and can be expected to grow naturally well when cultivated in open meadows, a forest’s edge, or along streams.
As an upright perennial, the blue false indigo botanical plant may also have a growth of around 4 feet only. Despite that, you will love it because of its purple and tall flower cones and lush foliage resembling a clover.
Once these types of purple flowers and blooms become spent, there is a high chance for them to form black pods containing seeds that are prone to rattling if you get to shake them. The attractiveness of the black pods can also add beauty to your entire garden, making it an incredible choice for floral and plant arrangements.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: North America
- Botanical name: Baptisia australis
- Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 10
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Planting location: Borders, flower gardens, and hedgerows
- Water: Dry to moderately moist
- Feeding: Balanced garden fertilizer applied only during spring
Bee Orchid
The bee orchid botanical name is Ophrys apifera. Note that this plant has purple petals where you can see something that resembles a bee coming out of them. It may startle you in case you are one of those who are afraid of bees.
Related: 20 Types of Orchids to Grow
One factor about the bee orchid that you should keep in mind is that it is generally self-pollinating. It is also highly likely to spread with ease via its small seeds. This plant can grow well in some outdoor areas, but it would still be better to grow and cultivate it inside where you can properly control the environment.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southern and Central Europe, North Africa, Middle East
- Botanical name: Ophrys apifera
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Pinkish purple
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 6 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade and light shade
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, and neutral
- Planting location: Rock gardens and containers
- Water: Moderate watering
- Feeding: Half-strength fertilizer (30-10-10) – Do not overfeed.
Balloon Flower
To familiarize yourself with this plant better, you should know that the balloon flower botanical name is Platycodon grandifloras. Basically, the balloon flower got its name because of its shape, which resembles a balloon.
It is also crucial to note that many are really fond of this flower as they feel like it is a symbolism of honesty and love. Apart from the purple flowers, it also has other color varieties, including white, pink, and blue.
There is also a high chance for the balloon flowers to grow well beneath partial shade. The main reason is that it can’t resist extremely high temperatures, especially during the summer that well. Also, keep in mind that balloon flowers bloom in soil that is properly drained instead of one with plenty of moisture.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: China, Japan, Eastern Siberia, the Koreas
- Botanical name: Platycodon grandiflorus
- Mature size: 2 to 2 and ½ feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple-blue, purple, white, pink
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining and rich
- Planting location: Rock and cottage gardens, containers, flower beds
- Water: Moderate moisture
- Feeding: Slow-release fertilizer applied during the spring
Blue Eyed Grass
Belonging to the Iris family, the blue-eyed grass is also one of those plants guaranteed to give you purple flowers. This plant seems to do really well in wild gardens, widely spaced forests, and open windows.
Prior to the blue-eyed grass blooming, you will notice its slender and blady stems looking almost the same as grass. This plant will also naturally grow in clumps. Once the early spring comes, there will be blooms in the form of purple flowers.
In most cases, the blooms of the blue-eyed grass are often purple. They only differ a bit in shades, like light lilac, lavender colors, and dark indigo. The blue-eyed grass also needs moist to average soil in the garden to survive successfully.
It is also in need of full sun to partial shade. This plant has the natural ability to produce seeds during the spring that tend to spread with ease when planted and grown in healthy soil.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: North America
- Botanical name: Sisyrinchium montanum
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Light lavender, deep indigo
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist and sandy
- Planting location: Containers and wildflower gardens
- Water: Water infrequently as this plant is guaranteed to be drought-tolerant.
- Feeding: Not recommended
Dendrobium Orchid
If you love orchids and you are interested in growing plants that produce various shades of purple flowers, then go for dendrobium. The dendrobium orchid botanical name is also dendrobium and is a good choice even for those who are still beginners in caring for orchids. It has beautiful purple flowers and blooms that will surely add beauty to your garden.
The dendrobium orchid is also one of those plants with roots that rarely grow in soil. What happens, instead, is that the roots spread out. They tend to cling to rocks and tree barks.
This orchid also features a tuft composed of a max of six waxy and deep green leaves where you can see one branch of blooms. Its purple flowers also represent love and affection, which is why it is a great gift for a loved one.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Asia
- Botanical name: Dendrobium
- Mature size: 6-inch to 4 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple, white, green, pink, yellow
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 9 to 12
- Sunlight exposure: Filtered or partial sun
- Soil: Coarse and well-draining; acidic
- Planting location: Tropical rock gardens and containers
- Water: Water the plant once the soil medium used becomes a bit dry.
- Feeding: Balanced orchid fertilizer applied every two weeks or so during the plant’s growing season
Cattleya Orchids
Cattleya orchids’ botanical name is also cattleya, and it is one of the most recognizable and popular kinds of orchids worldwide. It has even been hybridized for more than a hundred years already, resulting in this orchid now being available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Cattleya orchids love to be in humid air and moist soil as well as in an environment that is generally warm. One fact about the cattleya, though, is that they can be quite fickle, so avoid making their roots sit in soil that drains poorly. Ensure that you do not also over-expose or under-expose them to the sun.
The healthy growth of your cattleya orchids will result in the production of purple flowers that are fairly large. Growing the correct cultivar also means that there will be lavender and purple blooms with variegated patterns. There are even red and pink varieties of this orchid that still look a bit purple.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: South America
- Botanical name: Cattleya
- Mature size: 10-inch to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purples, pinks, red, blue, white, yellow, and orange
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 10 to 12
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade or sun or bright yet filtered sunlight
- Soil: Well-draining orchid mix
- Planting location: Tropical gardens and indoor containers
- Water: Water the soil only once it gets completely dry and how often you do it should depend on the environment and the season.
- Feeding: A nitrogen-based fertilizer free of urea applied starting from early summer throughout spring but note that this plant also has the ability to survive even without fertilizing.
Sea Holly
First, keep in mind that the sea holly botanical name is eryngium and it is also popular for its other name, sea thistle. It became popular throughout the years, making it a valuable addition to flower bouquets as it can add texture to them.
The sea holly features purple blooms with a globe shape spiky petals surrounding them. The unconventional and unique look of its blooms and overall look is one reason why it is the perfect choice in a lot of modern gardens.
You will also love the fact that this plant is low maintenance. It is drought-tolerant and likes to grow in dry soil. Moreover, many consider its purple flowers a symbol of attraction, which is also why you can often see them in wedding bouquets.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Central Asia, Southeastern Europe
- Botanical name: Eryngium
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Bright purple, lavender, yellow-green, pale blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial sun or full sun
- Soil: Low fertility and dry soils that have excessive drainage
- Planting location: Tough edges, specifically those wherein there are cold breezes or sea sprays that cause difficulties in growing plants other than sea holly
- Water: Water the plant only at a time when there is no rain for a long period – It can survive that as it can withstand drought.
- Feeding: Avoid supplementing since this plant is more in favor of low fertility.
Purple Cosmos
The purple cosmos is also an incredible choice if you are in search of a flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. It features purple flowers with heads that can blossom from around two to four inches wide. It also has bright yellow centers with equally bright and vibrant petals encircling them.
All these features make the purple cosmos so beautiful that you can find them serving great ornamental purposes in containers and gardens. The purple cosmos can also be mainly classified as an annual, but it is also capable of self-sowing and reappearing, so gardeners can enjoy it one year after another.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual
- Origin: Southwestern, North, and Eastern America
- Botanical name: Cosmos bipinnatus
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple, lavender, pink, rose, yellow, white, orange, crimson
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 2 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Average and well-draining soil
- Planting location: Containers, flower and garden beds, as well as wildflower gardens with protection and shelter from strong and harsh winds
- Water: Even and moderate moisture as it is completely drought-tolerant
- Feeding: Apply fertilizer only to obviously struggling plants – The reason is that this purple flowering plant can tolerate poor soil and fertilizing it excessively will only prevent it from blooming.
China Aster
For those who are still unfamiliar, China aster botanical name is Callistephus chinensis and it is one of the many types of purple flowers known for their enchanting charm. It is a cheerful annual plant that you can often see in summer and spring gardens.
While its different cultivars also differ in terms of height, most of them feature flower heads with fullness and shape ranging from one row of petals resembling that of a daisy to shaggy and full blooms.
It has fascinating flower heads with sizes ranging from three to five inches. The fact that the China aster can tolerate various conditions also makes it suitable for any garden located everywhere.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual
- Origin: Southern Russia, China
- Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
- Mature size: 8-inch to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purples, whites, reds, pinks, yellows
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 2 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining
- Planting location: Containers, flower beds, and gardens
- Water: Regular watering during the plant’s growing season – The goal is to make the soil consistently moist.
- Feeding: Well-balanced fertilizer to be fed or applied every two weeks once the plant is in its growing season
Salvia with their Fragrant Purple Flowers
Salvia is a popular purple-flowering herb that belongs to the mint family. It is a shrubby herb with the ability to produce flowering purple stems during the early summer and late spring. Expect the flowers of this plant to be obviously purple.
There are also varieties of it that give off blue tubular flowers. There is also a high chance for salvia to bloom purple flowers the entire summer based on the climate. It has hardy varieties that you can plant and cultivate as perennials.
Another thing that is well-loved in Salvia, aside from its deep purple flowers, is its ability to emit a nice woody aroma. It is also capable of growing at around one to three feet.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Asia and Europe
- Botanical name: Salvia
- Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
- Flower colors: Several shades of purple, lavender, white, blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Neutral pH soil – It should also be light and devoid of any rocks.
- Planting location: Herb gardens, mixed beds, along borders, or any other spot where you can appreciate their nice scents
- Water: Can withstand drought but a few Salvia varieties require one inch of water weekly
- Feeding: Do not fertilize as fertilizers may only cause the stems to flop over.
Bell Heather
Bell heather refers to a shrub known for its low-to-the-ground growth. It is one of the types of purple flowers recognized for having a distinctively dry texture. It is a perennial with the ability to grow wild in various habitats – among which are open woodlands, coastal areas, home gardens, and heathland.
It has bell-shaped blooms and purple-pink flowers that tend to bloom from July to September, though there are several instances when the blooming period can last up to December, especially if the area is warm. Bell heather is also a good garden plant that tends to thrive well when grown under the full sun.
This plant can resist drought and deer while being pest-free generally, making it one of those outdoor plants that require the least maintenance.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Scotland, England
- Botanical name: Erica cinerea
- Mature size: Around 20 inches tall
- Flower colors: Vibrant and bright pink-purple, white but only in rare cases
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 6 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, loam, sandy, or acidic clay
- Planting location: Coastal gardens, slopes, banks, containers, ground cover, and borders
- Water: Average watering requirements
- Feeding: Slow-release fertilizer applied only during the growing season
Campanula
Also called purple bellflower, campanula has over five hundred species and several subspecies of flowering plants that fall under perennial, annual, and biennial. It has abundant blooms and flowers that resemble a star. These are also bell-shaped flowers.
During the growing season, the blooms will spread out, making it an incredible option if you are looking for a fantastic ground cover. Depending on what campanula species you are growing, it is highly likely for them to grow from several inches to almost three feet, sometimes reaching up to seven.
It also tends to grow well when exposed to partial shade to full sun and cultivated in well-draining soil. Also, note that purple is not the only color for its flowers, though, it is the most common. In some cases, you can also see pink and white flowers.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual, perennial, biennial
- Origin: Worldwide
- Botanical name: Campanula
- Mature size: 6-inch to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Deep purple, white, blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, alkaline, acidic, or neutral
- Planting location: Containers, ground covers, flower beds
- Water: Moderate moisture
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied lightly during the spring
Purple Bougainvillea
Another of the most beautiful and fascinating purple flowers is the bougainvillea. It is specifically an incredibly looking flowering evergreen shrub, which you can see being grown and cultivated against walls and fences. In such areas, there is a high chance for their height to reach up to 12 feet.
Classified as a hardy perennial vine, purple bougainvillea also loves to stay under full sun for around five to six hours every day. It also likes to be in hot climates where it is a rare occasion for it to experience freezing.
Another thing to take note of is that it has a better chance of surviving if you plant it on hillsides or higher ground, a place that is unable to collect water. It also thrives well when there is more than adequate space for it to spread out. Bougainvillea flowers come in other colors aside from purple, including yellow, white, orange, red, and pink.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Peru and Brazil
- Botanical name: Bougainvillea glabra
- Mature size: Max of 15 feet
- Flower colors: Vibrant and bright purple, fuchsia
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 9 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining and acidic
- Planting location: Flower beds, hillsides, hedgerows, and containers
- Water: Infrequent but you have to ensure that the plant is thoroughly soaked
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied frequently during the blooming season
Candytuft
As a perennial plant that came from Europe, the candytuft showcases pink, white, or light purple shades. Expect these vibrant flowers to bloom during the early spring up to late summer. However, there are also instances when the Candytuft flowers bloom again.
It also requires a lot of full sun and some well-drained soil. The candytuft seems to be thriving well when cultivated along borders. You can grow the candytuft directly from seeds. It would be best to plant them if the soil temperature gets warm, preferably 70 degrees Fahrenheit, during the application.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Mediterranean
- Botanical name: Iberis pruitii
- Mature size: 12 to 18 inches
- Flower colors: Light violet
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 7 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Partial and full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy, and slightly alkaline
- Planting location: Containers, ground covers, flower beds
- Water: Regular watering
- Feeding: A well-balanced fertilizer applied in spring
Anemone
Anemone is a purple flower known for its low-growing foliage. It has blooms that are rich and bright in color and comes in various palettes – the most common of which is purple. You can also see its blossoms in white, blue, yellow, red, and pink.
It tends to bloom during the autumn or spring depending on your chosen variety. One crucial fact about the anemone is that it spreads easily. You have to take that into consideration as you choose the perfect location or spot for it in your garden.
Anemone also has velvety and thick leaves often clustered in three. With the three leaves in each cluster, there is a thin and dainty stem with one flower found on its end. If you leave it undisturbed, the purple flowers can survive in the wild. It also tends to seed and resprout every season.
Quick Facts and Plant Care
- Type of plant: Herbaceous perennial
- Origin: Subtropical and temperate locations throughout the entire Americas and Europe
- Botanical name: Anemone nemorosa
- Mature size: Less than 12 inches with flowers around one inch
- Sunlight exposure: Partial and full shade
- Flower colors: Lilac, pink, white blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8 zones
- Soil: Rich and slightly acidic
- Planting location: Under shrubs and trees in natural gardens – Here, you can expect the plant to seed, grow wild, and go back every spring.
- Water: Medium watering – The plant is also more in favor of moist soil. It tolerates drought once it gets dormant.
- Feeding: Organic compost or fertilizer applied during the late fall
Bittersweet Nightshade
Bittersweet nightshade is a beautiful blooming vine with really great-looking shades of purple flowers. Note, though, that it is inappropriate for gardens that pets can easily access since it is toxic. It is also poisonous to livestock and people.
Among the most distinctive features of this climbing plant are its leaves shaped like arrows. They also have blossoms shaped like shooting stars and have yellow stamens and purple petals. It grows fast and spreads easily and you have to remind yourself of that fact when you choose the perfect spot or location for it.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Asia and Europe
- Botanical name: Solanum dulcamara
- Mature size: 30 feet tall
- Flower colors: Purple
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8 zones
- Sunlight exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Neutral to alkaline and well-draining soil
- Planting location: Base of a hedgerow or tree – You may also plant the bittersweet nightshade together with a climbing trellis.
- Water: Moderate moisture
- Feeding: Organic and balanced fertilizer applied during the summer and spring
Canterbury Bells
The canterbury bells popular for their 5-pointed blooms are among those purple flowers that you can easily grow. Note, though, that cultivating these bell-shaped flowers also requires patience on your part since you may need to wait for one to two years for the plant to showcase its best potential.
Another important reminder regarding the canterbury bells is that they are kind of invasive, so it is advisable to learn ways to contain them. It grows well when it receives a lot of water, moist and rich soil, as well as full sun to partial shade. It blooms during the early summer and has purple, blue, pink, and white flowers.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual or biennial
- Origin: Southern Europe
- Botanical name: Campanula medium
- Mature size: 20 to 28 inches tall
- Flower colors: Light lavender, mauve, bright and vibrant shades of violet, periwinkle, white, and pin
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8 zones
- Sunlight exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining but moist
- Planting location: Among shrubs, informal gardens, cottage gardens, borders, and flower beds
- Water: Moderate – Make sure to water the plant regularly when it is in its growing season
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied during the late spring
Carnation
Carnation is one of those flowers that you can see in various sizes, types, colors, and shapes but most of them can happily give you fascinating blooms. The purple flowers that the carnation produces also have nice and soft fragrances capable of attracting butterflies.
With the beauty of carnations, it is no longer surprising to see its different types of purple flowers being used to fill different gaps in the garden, like in floral baskets and borderlines. It also has a blooming period that differs based on the type you have chosen to grow but, in most cases, it will start from early spring then last up to the late autumn.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southwestern, North, and Eastern America
- Botanical name: Dianthus caryophyllus
- Mature size: 1 to 4 feet
- Flower colors: Rainbow of hues in variegated and solid varieties
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 6 to 9 zones
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade and full sun
- Soil: Neutral to a bit alkaline and well-draining
- Planting location: Cutting gardens, borders, and flower beds
- Water: Moderate
- Feeding: Well-balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) applied every spring and summer – It also helps to feed it every month.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are also among the favorites of those who love various types of purple flowers. If you plan to grow hydrangeas, ensure that your garden has more than enough room for their growth. The reason is that these are flowering shrubs that can grow large.
Expect the hydrangea to bring out their beautiful blooms during the spring guaranteed to last from summer to early fall. The best time to plant this species is also during the fall as it can provide them with a lot of time to build a healthy root system prior to its blooming season. Make sure to water newly planted hydrangeas until well-established.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: the Americas, Asia
- Botanical name: Hydrangea
- Mature size: 2 to 9 feet
- Flower colors: Deep violet, purple, white, light blue, pink
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9 zones
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun as well as afternoon shade
- Soil: Well-draining and highly fertile soil
- Planting location: Along paths and walkways and as centerpieces for garden beds
- Water: One inch weekly once it starts blooming – Divide this over three applications every week, too.
- Feeding: Slow-release fertilizer for flowering shrubs – Apply half of its recommended dose during the spring, specifically at the start of the blooming season
Calla Lily
Calla lily is one of the native purple flowering plants in Southern Africa. One thing that makes the calla lily easily recognizable is its single petal bloom. It is also a popular cut flower that you can see being given around during Easter.
What’s great about this purple flowering plant is that you can grow it with ease either indoors or outdoors. An important fact about calla lily, though, is that it does not bloom like traditional purple flowers.
What it does, instead, is sprout a false flower known as the pseudanthium, which sports a funnel-shaped and colorful bract. It starts to bloom during the summer then continue up to the fall season.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southern Africa
- Botanical name: Zantedeschia
- Mature size: 2 to 8 feet
- Flower colors: Aubergine, cream, white, black, yellow
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining regardless of the level of acidity
- Planting location: Garden borders, containers, and flower beds
- Water: Moderate
- Feeding: Well-balanced fertilizer with phosphorus applied during summer and spring
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is also one of those types of purple flowers that can make great additions to your garden. Growing and caring for hibiscus properly will result in great blooms starting from early spring until late autumn. You can also find hibiscus in other colors apart from purple, such as white, yellow, and red.
Hibiscus flowers tend to achieve full and beautiful growth when under the full sun but you can also expect them to do well under partial shade. The plant is also fond of well-drained and moist soil.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial shrub
- Origin: Asia
- Botanical name: Hibiscus
- Mature size: 8 to 12 feet
- Flower colors: Purple, orange, red, pink, white, yellow
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, a bit acidic to neutral
- Planting location: Landscaping shrubs, ground cover, hanging baskets, balconies, and flower beds
- Water: Requires a high level of moisture, prompting the need for thorough watering
- Feeding: Well-balanced fertilizer during the early spring
Lilac
Lilac is a large bush capable of producing light purple and cone-shaped flowers during the spring. The blooms consist of small purple flowers while the bushy blooms can go around eight inches long. While lilac only flowers for several weeks during the spring, it is still enough to add vibrance and brightness to your garden.
The light purple blooms also tend to make beautiful cut flowers designed for impressive floral displays. You can also see the flowers of lilac being arranged along the plant’s long and branching racemes known as panicles. The strong and unique fragrance of lilac can make any garden even more interesting to stay at.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: The Balkans
- Botanical name: Syringa vulgaris
- Mature size: 2 to 16 feet
- Flower colors: Light royal purple, lavender, white
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Neutral pH and fertile soil with proper drainage and rich in organic material
- Planting location: Sunny areas, specifically those that require a big anchoring tree or shrub
- Water: 2-inch water once every two weeks when the plant starts producing flowers
- Feeding: Light phosphorus fertilizer applied during spring before it begins to produce flowers
Clematis
One of the favorite purple flowers for different types of gardens is clematis, which is known for its flexibility as you can train it in a way that it climbs up the walls, shrubs, fences, and trees, offers cover, or grows over the ground. It can sprout star-like and beautiful blossoms in variegated and solid patterns.
The colors also vary and are extensive. They come in black-purple, delicate violets and lavenders, white, rosy reds, and warm pinks. Clematis grows on huge stalks that can go as high as 30 feet.
Make sure, though, that you wait for its second year of growth before pruning it; otherwise, the flower’s future growth may be stunted. If you want to maximize the results of planting them, use tree barks or tiny flowers to cover the soil, which aids in keeping it cool.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial/Biennial
- Origin: Southwestern North America, Eastern America
- Botanical name: Clematis
- Mature size: 3 to 12 feet
- Flower colors: An extensive range of purples, pinks, whites, reds, blues
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, cool, and neutral to a bit alkaline
- Planting location: Containers, garden beds, beneath shrubs, and any other spot that allows them to climb
- Water: One inch of water every week
- Feeding: Balanced and low-nitrogen fertilizer used and applied alternately every four weeks during the summer and spring
Columbine
Recognized as Colorado’s state flower, columbine refers to a perennial plant capable of growing wild in places with higher altitudes, as well as in woodlands and meadows. What’s good about this perennial plant is that it is quick and easy to grow. It is also one of those that provide sustenance to hummingbirds.
You will also have an easier time growing it as the plant is not particular when it comes to soil, provided what you provide is not excessively dry. Also, note that they need to be under full sun in the majority of areas. However, they can’t handle too much heat, specifically during the summer season.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southwestern North America, Eastern America
- Botanical name: Aquilegia
- Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
- Flower colors: Pastel and saturated shades of purple, orange, white, yellow, and red
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Well-draining soil that is mildly acidic
- Planting location: Containers, borders, and flower beds
- Water: Regular watering for plants with abundant blooms
- Feeding: Balanced and water-soluble fertilizer applied when it is early summer and late spring
Catmint
Catmint is one of the many types of purple flowers that you can easily grow and care for. With its long blooming period, you can expect this plant to go as high as two feet while boasting of its gray-green foliage. It is fond of being directly under full sun most times of the day while requiring well-drained soil and average watering requirements.
What makes the catmint so great is that it can also resist a lot of things, including various diseases and pests, deer, and drought. Make sure to provide transplants and young plants with a lot of water until well-established.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Southwestern North America, Eastern America
- Botanical name: Nepeta
- Mature size: 8-inch to 3-ft. tall
- Flower colors: Shades of violet, lavender, white, pink, blue
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Well-draining, clay and a bit acidic soil
- Planting location: Containers, borders, and garden beds
- Water: Frequently during the first year – After that, you can significantly lessen the water as this plant can tolerate drought.
- Feeding: Organic compost applied to the base of the plant during the fall
Coneflower
Another plant with purple flowers that you can easily grow is the coneflower. It tends to bloom during the summer. This herbaceous perennial has clumps capable of adding different shades of pink and purple to your garden and landscape.
Expect the blooming purple flowers of coneflower to sit atop its long stems that are around one to four feet. It also has long florets that you can liken to purple rays derived from a spiky and darker center shaped like a ball.
The petals of some coneflower species have the ability to droop down, thereby producing dramatic effects. Overall, this plant gains a lot of recognition for its numerous healing and medicinal properties.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: North America
- Botanical name: Echinacea purpurea
- Mature size: 2 to 3 feet
- Flower colors: Pinkish-purple
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Part to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining and clay or rocky soil
- Planting location: Containers and herb and wildflower gardens
- Water: Infrequently as it can withstand drought
- Feeding: Granular and slow-release fertilizer (12-6-6) applied during the early spring
Petunia
Petunia is an annual flowering plant capable of producing a few fascinating blooms of flowers in the shades of purple, yellow, creamy white, red, and burgundy. You can also easily identify and recognize the flowers of petunia because they are trumpet-like while being bushy.
Petunias are among those that can add charm and beauty to your garden, especially during the late spring up to the fall seasons, the time when its flowers come out. The flowers are also available in various sizes – the largest of which are those that belong to the Grandiflora species.
It is also possible to mix various colors to come up with stunning floral displays.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Annual
- Origin: South America
- Botanical name: Petunia
- Mature size: 6-inch to 1 and 1/2 feet tall
- Flower colors: Almost all colors, especially purple – There are also flowers with white, orange, purple-blue, and red.
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 10 to 11
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Well-draining and fertile mix
- Planting location: Containers, planters that have limited root space, beds, and hanging baskets
- Water: Infrequently as it can withstand drought
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer applied early during the spring season – Do not provide further feeding.
Periwinkle
The beautiful periwinkle actually has varieties that are extremely toxic or poisonous but other varieties of it are also good in the sense that you can use them for healing or medicinal purposes. For one, it acts as an astringent herb, which you can use in soothing the pain associated with canker sores. All you have to do is to use it as a mouth rinse.
It also has tannins capable of binding up fluids and offering inflammation relief. One more thing you should know about this herbaceous and low-lying perennial is that it thrives well in soils with ample moisture. It starts producing stunning spring flowers between April to May.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Perennial
- Origin: Europe, Asia, some parts of Africa
- Botanical name: Vinca
- Mature size: 6-inch to 1-ft. tall
- Flower colors: Pale blue, violet
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Well-draining
- Planting location: Containers, natural gardens, cottage gardens, hanging baskets, and ground cover
- Water: Moderate to light
- Feeding: Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) applied only during spring
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is another plant species guaranteed to help in making your garden look even more beautiful. This is actually a slow-growing and woody plant with leather leaves that can make your garden look even more fascinating and interesting. It also tends to grow really wide, making it ideal for ground cover.
During the spring season, you can expect its bright and purple flowers to come out. These small blooming flowers can beautifully carpet your plants. Note that this plant species also serves as an incredible bloom for yards with their ability to grow into large bushes, making them turn into centerpieces.
Quick Facts
- Type of plant: Flowering evergreen
- Botanical name: Rhododendron
- Origin: China
- Mature size: 1 foot
- Flower colors: Purple, orange, pink, white, and coral
Plant Care and Requirements
- Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
- Sunlight exposure: Partial shade, full sun
- Soil: Highly acidic while having an incredible moisture holding capability as well as plenty of organic material
- Planting location: Large beds or open areas capable of supporting the spread of a big tree or shrub
- Water: 2-inch weekly, twice weekly during the first year, and anytime when rain does not take place for around twenty-three weeks.
- Feeding: Azalea or holly fertilizer blend applied two times during the early spring – The application should be around two weeks apart.
Purple Flowers Based on Season
Apart from the types we have already mentioned, here are the other types of purple flowers based on season guaranteed to make your garden even more enchanting:
Winter Season
Monkshood
This purple flower got its name as it resembles the hood or habit of a monk. It features a tall stem composed of vibrant and bright purple flowers. You can often find this plant in places that have moist soil and in woods.
Cyclamen
This famous houseplant comes with stacked layers of petals in the shade of purple. This plant also symbolizes goodbyes and resignation.
Crocus
Crocus is also a good winter plant. It tends to thrive when on the cold ground, revealing an enchanting burst of purple flowers that you can easily identify because of their cup shapes. The cup-shaped flowers represent innocence, youthfulness, and cheerfulness.
Waxflower
A native plant to Australia, waxflowers gained popularity in the entire floral industry in the past few years because of their beauty. You will notice this plant has small purple blooms that are perfect in bouquets when used as filler flowers. The fact that this is a winter flower is also one reason why it is perfect for Christmas arrangements.
Spring Season
Wild Indigo
This spring purple flower forms part of the pea family. It is very popular as anyone can easily grow and cultivate it. It has stalks with growths that can reach a max of four feet. It is also an incredible choice for wedding bouquets, especially if the color scheme is lavender.
Fuchsia
This exotic and unique flower that grows during the spring can also make your garden even more charming. It has a two-toned feature as well as layered petals that tend to hang nicely from the bush. Fuchsia is also famous for its downward growth, making it ideal for hanging baskets.
Geranium
Geranium is also another popular garden plant known for its purple flowers, though, there are also other shades and colors. The flowers it blooms represent love, protection, fertility, and feminine health.
Scabiosa
While most of the flowers of scabiosa appear in purple and violet, there are also those in the shade of blue. The flower has healing purposes, making it useful especially for Romans who use it in treating skin ailments, such as scabies.
Summer Season
Sweet Pea
The bright coloring and highly distinctive petals of the sweet pea are among the reasons why it gained a lot of attention. It is a climbing plant, which also has a nice and subtle fragrance. It is a great gift as aside from symbolizing good fortune, it also tends to last long even after you clipped it.
Bee Orchid
This summer flower got the name bee orchid as it has purple petals that look like they have bees coming out. This self-pollinating plant spreads easily with the thousands of small seeds it has.
Foxglove
Foxglove has flowers composed of tubular petals and is famous for its healing and medicinal purposes. It is even of help when it comes to maintaining a healthy heart function. It blooms flowers that represent the positive meanings of youth and the negative attributes of being insincere.
Morning Glory
Morning glory has delicate flowers in the shape of a cone that makes it really recognizable. It has vines that can wind around fences and trellises. Aside from the fact that you can plant it in your garden, morning glory is also a great choice for garnishing your cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of a flower that is purple?
One name that can be immediately used to refer to a flower with a purple shade is Verbena. This beautiful and fascinating plant is capable of producing small purple blooms the entire summer. In most cases, you can see these flowers being used in flower arrangements, though, they also look fantastic once dried.
What is the prettiest purple flower?
Many consider lavender the prettiest purple flower. It is a favorite plant of those who love purple because it carries the lovely color, use, and fragrance that go beyond the expectations of many. Lavender has flowers in the shades of light and baby purple, as well as dark purple and purplish blue.
What is the name of a purple flower that blooms during spring?
There are actually a lot of purple flowers that bloom every spring but the most popular out of them all is lilac. You can expect the buds of lilac to open up and produce fascinating purple flowers right after the frost or winter passes.
What are the tall purple perennials called?
A popular answer to this is the Tartarian aster, which is famous for being an extremely tall purple perennial. It is a well-recognized plant as it is effective in attracting migrating monarch butterflies. It tends to bloom late but it has a tall growth, reaching almost 6 feet then crowded with densely packed purple flowers loved by a lot of pollinators.
What perennials have purple leaves?
There are also several perennials containing purple leaves and flowers but the favorite of many seems to be the Bergenia. This gorgeous purple perennial features rounded and toothed purple leaves with each one being surrounded by a bloom. The bloom also has an open rosette featuring a flower with five petals.
What is the name of a purple flowering bush?
There is what we call the butterfly bush, which a lot of gardeners are so fond of. This deciduous shrub has this remarkable ability to produce deep purple and great-looking flowers starting from the summer season to the fall.
It is the reason why some also call this plant summer lilac. It is a fast-growing shrub known for its hardiness in zones 5 to 9. This hardiness also depends on the species or variety.
Is there a purple evergreen shrub?
Yes. In fact, there are many purple evergreen shrubs that are effective in boosting the look of any landscaping. For one, there is the royal purple smoke bush, which you can grow as a bush or by trimming it so it will resemble a small tree.
It is important to note that shrubs possessing purple blooms or flowers come in various forms. There are those classified as both deciduous shrubs and evergreen species. You can also choose to grow purple flowering shrubs in a wide range of hardiness zones.
What is a purple shrub?
A purple shrub refers to a flowering plant, which you can easily find in a lot of gardens. This shrub consists of purple flowers with the ability to bloom during the summer and spring.
Full sun to partial shade: How much sunlight do purple flowers need?
The answer to whether full sun or partial shade is needed actually depends on the types of purple flowers you have in your garden. For those varieties that need full sun, make sure that you provide them with a minimum of 6-hour direct sunlight daily.
Partial sun and light shade are quite the same but the flowers that need it can withstand being under the hot afternoon sun for a short period.
Conclusion
There are indeed numerous types of purple flowers that you can add to your garden to make it even more enchanting. The good news is that most of these flowers are easy to grow and have relaxing fragrances and aromas that will surely give you the kind of calm and serenity you are hoping for.
