Welcome to our in-depth guide to 100 of the most popular types of purple flowers. Famed for their powerful yet calming hues, purple flowering annual and perennial plants bring a touch of grandeur, nobility, extravagance, and even a few royal-esque notes to borders, planters, flower beds, and cut flower arrangements. Expect everything from alliums, hydrangeas, zinnias, primroses, balloon flowers, coneflowers, orchids, and many more exquisite purple blooms. For each, we’ve included expert tips on suitable growing zones in addition to soil, sunlight, watering, and feeding considerations. Enjoy!
100 Popular Types of Purple Flowers:
Here you’ll find 100 of our favorite purple flowers that will thrive in a range of growing zones and regions around the world. We’ve included a brief care guide for each so you can find the perfect pick for your own unique growing patch.
1) Allium (Allium)
About:
Allium is a genus of flowering plants comprising hundreds of different species including the likes of onions, garlic, and chives. Many hybrids are grown as ornamentals (such as the ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Globemaster’) and are revered for their intricate spherical blossoming flowers atop a single elegant stalk. Alliums look stunning in a purple bouquet or vase arrangement. They’re loved by pollinating insects as well and many grow up to around 3’ in height.
| Common Name: | Allium or Ornamental Alliums |
| Botanical Name: | Allium |
| Genus: | Allium |
| Colors: | Light and deep purple flowers, mauve, in addition to pinks and deep blues. |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Borders, sheltered from the wind where possible to protect the delicate flowering spikes. |
| Soil: | Well-draining |
| Sunlight: | Full-sun or partial shade. |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, infrequent watering. |
| Feeding: | Spring and Summer only with an organic bulb fertilizer. |
2) Alpine Betony (Stachys monieri)
About:
Alpine Betony offers a whimsically wild look to well-tended gardens as it offers abundant early spring flowers until fall. These perennial plants feature a starburst-shaped clump of textured leaves in a vibrant green. Long stems shoot upward from the leaves to bloom with spikes of small, pretty purple flowers. Alpine Betony grows up to 18 to 20-inches tall. Pollinators love them, while deer and rabbits avoid them, making them a perfect defense for other garden flowers.
| Common Name: | Alpine Betony or Hummelo Betony |
| Botanical Name: | Stachys monieri |
| Genus: | Stachys |
| Colors: | Vibrant shades warm, pinkish purples |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 4 |
| Where to Plant: | Borders and containers |
| Soil: | Average to well-draining |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, infrequent watering |
| Feeding: | Summer only with a blooming plant fertilizer |
3) Purple Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
About:
A member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), the Anemone nemorosa has deep, green leaves that unfurl in groups of three and petite flowers (less than 1 inch across) that bloom in early spring. They grow wildly throughout Europe, and more than 70 cultivars exist for garden planting. These herbaceous perennial flowers do not grow taller than 12 inches.
| Common Name: | Wood Anemone |
| Botanical Name: | Anemone nemorosa or Anemonoides nemorosa |
| Genus: | Anemonoides |
| Colors: | Lilac, blue, white, and pink |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Best cultivated beneath trees and shrubs in natural gardens where they will be allowed to grow wild, seed, and return each spring |
| Soil: | Rich, slightly acidic soil |
| Sunlight: | Partial to full shade |
| Watering: | Medium watering requirements and prefers moist soil. Is drought tolerant when dormant. |
| Feeding: | Fertilize in late fall with organic fertilizer or compost |
4) Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
About:
From late spring through early fall, anise hyssop’s cone-shaped, lavender blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumblebees to gardens across North America, where it grows naturally in prairies. Its name comes from the anise-like scent which the plant emits when bruised. A single plant produces many flowers and reaches heights of up to 4 feet. Plus, this drought-tolerant perennial will resist damage from deer that like to nibble.
| Common Name: | Anise Hyssop or Blue Giant Hyssop |
| Botanical Name: | Agastache foeniculum |
| Genus: | Agastache |
| Colors: | Light lavender to deep indigo |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, garden beds, meadows |
| Soil: | Sandy, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, prone to root rot, infrequent watering. |
| Feeding: | Early spring with a balanced fertilizer |
5) Purple Aster (Aster)
About:
Aster is a genus in the daisy family (Asteraceae) containing about 180 species of flowers. The name aster comes from the ancient Greek word for star, and it describes the aster’s stelliform flower heads which have rings of petals around their bright-yellow centers. Asters bloom in late summer through early fall, brightening gardens after most of summer’s flowers have faded. Asters’ height can reach 8 inches to 8 feet, depending on the cultivar. Be sure to choose one that’s suitable for your garden.
| Common Name: | Aster |
| Botanical Name: | Aster |
| Genus: | Aster |
| Colors: | Various shades of purple, blue, pink, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Wildflower gardens, borders, containers, and rock gardents |
| Soil: | Well-draining, but moist |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | Drought-tolerant, keep soil moist after planting |
| Feeding: | Spring only with a thin layer of compost or balanced fertilizer mixed with mulch |
6) Purple Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
About:
The only species of the Platycodon genus, the Platycodon grandiflorus gets its common name from the plant’s balloon-shaped buds that swell up before bursting into beautiful, upward-facing, starry bell-shaped flowers. Balloon flowers bloom in summer and grow wild in China, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Eastern Siberia. Balloon flower root has traditional medicinal uses and is a common ingredient in popular Korean dishes.
| Common Name: | Balloon Flower |
| Botanical Name: | Platycodon grandiflorus |
| Genus: | Platycodon |
| Colors: | Purple, purple-blue, pink, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and flower beds |
| Soil: | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Prefers moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring |
7) Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
About:
Native to the Mediterranean, the Acanthus mollis features tall spires that sprout from clumped foliage to grow cones of snapdragon-like blooms. Bear’s breeches can grow to be between 3 to 5 feet in height, making them a perfect choice for accenting or adding height to a garden bed. In the 5th century B.C.E., the ancient Greek sculptor, Callimachus, made the shape of this plant’s leaf famous by modeling the ornate tops of his Corinthian columns after them.
| Common Name: | Bear’s Breeches, Oyster Plant, or Sea Holly |
| Botanical Name: | Acanthus mollis |
| Genus: | Acanthus |
| Colors: | Purple bracts with pinkish or purplish-white flowers |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Borders and small groups in flower beds |
| Soil: | Well-draining |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring or mid-summer only |
8) Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)
About:
The bee orchid offers a wonderful example of floral mimicry because it has a highly evolved plant-pollinator relationship. These orchids have four petals. Three are a stunning purple shade and the fourth resembles a plump bumblebee, feasting on pollen. This imposter petal attracts other bees to the flower, helping it reproduce. Native to Central and Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, this flower is not commonly found in northern climates or in the United States. If you’re interested in adding this type of orchid to your collection, you might be able to procure one from an orchid enthusiast.
| Common Name: | Bee Orchid |
| Botanical Name: | Ophrys apifera |
| Genus: | Ophrys |
| Colors: | Pinkish-purple (and bumblebee) |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers and rock gardens |
| Soil: | Neutral, moist, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Light shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering |
| Feeding: | Avoid over-feeding. Use half-strength 30-10-10 fertilizer. |
9) Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)
About:
Bell heather is a low-spreading, blooming shrub that grows to be about 20-inches tall. Each twig-like stem features small, spiky leaves. From early spring through early fall, bell heather blooms profusely with bell-shaped flowers in a vibrant shade of purplish pink. They’re resistant to both deer and drought and are generally pest-free, which makes them a low-maintenance choice for outdoor gardens.
| Common Name: | Bell Heather or Twisted Heath |
| Botanical Name: | Erica cinerea |
| Genus: | Erica |
| Colors: | Vibrant pink-purple and rarely white |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Banks and slopes, coastal gardens, borders, ground cover, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining, acidic clay, loam, and/or sand |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Drought-tolerant, average watering needs |
| Feeding: | Apply slow-release fertilizer during growing season only |
10) Purple Bellflower (Campanula)
About:
Campanula, commonly called bellflower, is a genus containing more than 500 species and numerous subspecies of perennial, biennial, and annual flowering plants. They bloom abundantly with star-like, bell-shaped flowers through June and July, and their blooming season can extend into October. Throughout the seasons, they’ll spread out, making them a great choice for blooming ground cover. Depending on the species, they can range from just a few inches to almost 7 feet in height.
| Common Name: | Bellflower |
| Botanical Name: | Campanula |
| Genus: | Campanula |
| Colors: | Deep purple, blue, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, flower beds, ground cover |
| Soil: | Well-draining acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Spring only with a light application of balanced fertilizer |
11) Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
About:
Considered an invasive species in North America, the bittersweet nightshade is native to Europe and Asia. This species of vine is part of the potato family (Solanaceae). The climbing plant has arrow-shaped leaves and shooting star-shaped blossoms with purple petals and yellow stamens. Whilst not quite as toxic as Deadly Nightshade, bittersweet is recognized for its crimson berries, which are also poisonous to humans.
| Common Name: | Bittersweet Nightshade, Climbing Nightshade, and Poisonberry |
| Botanical Name: | Solanum dulcamara |
| Genus: | Solanum |
| Colors: | Purple |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Plant with a climbing trellis or at the base of a tree/hedgerow |
| Soil: | Well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial shade |
| Watering: | Prefers moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer apply balanced, organic fertilizer |
12) Blackcurrant Swirl Moonflower (Datura metel)
About:
The blackcurrant swirl moonflower (Datura metel) is one of nine species of the genus Datura. All flowers from the genus Datura are flowering, shrub-like, vespertine plants. Their blooms (up to six inches wide!) open in the evening. Plants of this genus are also poisonous and have hallucinogenic properties. Throughout history, they’ve been used not only as a poison but also in spiritual practices. The blackcurrant variety of Datura flowers has trumpet-shaped blossoms in deep hues of purple-splotched white.
| Common Name: | Blackcurrant Swirl Moonflower or Devil’s Trumpet |
| Botanical Name: | Datura metel |
| Genus: | Datura |
| Colors: | Dark violet and white |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 7 (annual), 8 to 10 (perennial) |
| Where to Plant: | Containers and flower beds |
| Soil: | Light, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Heavy watering in growing season, light in winter |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer |
13) Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium montanum)
About:
Blue-eyed grass belongs to the iris (Iridaceae) plant family and grows wildly in meadows and open woods across the United States and Canada. This grass-like plant grows in clumps with slender stems and long, wing-like leaves. The plant’s small, purple flowers bloom from early spring through mid-summer, are less than 1 inch in diameter, and have six tepals and yellow stamens.
| Common Name: | Blue-Eyed Grass, Mountain Blue-Eyed Grass, or American Blue-Eyed Grass |
| Botanical Name: | Sisyrinchium montanum |
| Genus: | Sisyrinchium |
| Colors: | Light lavender to deep indigo |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Wildflower gardens and containers |
| Soil: | Moist, sandy soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to shade |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, infrequent watering |
| Feeding: | Do not fertilize |
14) Purple Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)
About:
Bougainvillea is a beautiful, flowering evergreen shrub. It’s commonly grown against fences and walls where it can reach up to about 12 feet in height. However, it can also grow standing alone in a garden bed. Bougainvillea blooms in swathes of vibrant purple bracts. In warm zones, it will bloom intermittently throughout the year. In cooler climates, blossoms will only appear in spring and summer. Full blooms require well-draining soil, bright sun, and warm weather.
| Common Name: | Bougainvillea or Paper Flower |
| Botanical Name: | Bougainvillea glabra |
| Genus: | Bougainvillea |
| Colors: | Vibrant purple to fuchsia |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, hedgerows, flower beds, and hillsides |
| Soil: | Well-draining, acidic soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Infrequent, but thorough soaking |
| Feeding: | When blooming, fertilize frequently with a balanced fertilizer |
15) Purple Browallia (Browallia speciosa)
About:
Browallia speciosa is a tropical perennial that’s native to South America. In cooler climates, it’s typically grown as an annual flowering plant. Choose this perfect, low-maintenance plant for easy flower beds and container gardening that will bloom in beautiful hues of blue and purple from summer to fall. The plant grows into a cushion-shaped bush that blooms abundantly with star-shaped
| Common Name: | Amethyst Flower or Bush Violet |
| Botanical Name: | Browallia speciosa |
| Genus: | Browallia |
| Colors: | Lavender, mauve, indigo, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Rock garden, flower bed, containers, or hanging baskets |
| Soil: | Neutral, sandy, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Prefers moderately moist (never soggy) soil |
| Feeding: | In summer, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer |
16) Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
About:
This deciduous shrub grows vigorously reaching up to 16 feet in height. Members of Buddleja genus produce large, lilac-like cones of petite blossoms in delicate shades of purple, pink, and white. Burdened with heavy flower heads, the butterfly bush’s branches often arch over to draw a weeping silhouette. From late spring to early fall, the plant’s honey-scented flowers provide a valuable nectar source to a variety of butterfly species, hence the name butterfly bush.
| Common Name: | Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, or Orange Eye |
| Botanical Name: | Buddleja davidii(variant spelling: Buddleia davidii) |
| Genus: | Buddleja |
| Colors: | Dark purple |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Cottage gardens, borders, and butterfly gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Prefers moderately moist soil. Does poorly in soggy conditions. |
| Feeding: | No fertilizer is needed. Can be lightly composted in summer. |
17) Purple Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)
About:
A genus containing 8 species of herbaceous flowering plants, flowers from the Zantedeschia genus are commonly called calla lilies. These plants don’t actually bloom with traditional flowers, but rather sprout a false flower called a pseudanthium that features a colorful, funnel-shaped bract. They begin blooming in summer and continue well into the fall.
| Common Name: | Calla Lily or Arum Lily |
| Botanical Name: | Zantedeschia |
| Genus: | Zantedeschia |
| Colors: | Aubergine, black, white, cream, yellow, and pink |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 11, depending on species |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, flower beds, and garden borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil of any acidity |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | Moderate watering needs |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer apply a well-balanced fertilizer containing phosphorous |
18) Camas Lily (Camassia)
About:
From a clutch of grassy blades, star-shaped camas lily blossoms open up in purple clustered cones. These flowers are native to the western parts of North America where they blossom in early spring in winter-wet meadows, slopes, and prairies. Undisturbed camas lilies will self-seed and spread, creating a sea of purple – perfect for creating a natural look in a garden.
| Common Name: | Camas, Camas Lily, and Wild Hyacinth |
| Botanical Name: | Camassia |
| Genus: | Camassia |
| Colors: | Dusty purple |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Wildflower gardens, containers, and flower beds |
| Soil: | Well-draining clay or loam soils |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Prefer moist soil in winter. Should dry out after flowering |
| Feeding: | Fertilizing is not needed. Can provide a diluted, balanced fertilizer in early spring. |
19) Purple Candytuft (Iberis pruitii)
About:
Atop a cushion of dark-green foliage, candytufts produce perennial blooms during summer. In shades of almost-white lavender, their delicate blossoms feature circles of petite, round petals that grow smaller as they approach the center of the bloom. Popular cultivars to grow at home include Garden Candytuft (Iberis umbellata) and Snowflake Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens).
Candytufts will spread naturally, creating a mat for perfectly natural suppression of weed growth throughout your garden.
| Common Name: | Candytuft or Pruit’s Candytuft |
| Botanical Name: | Iberis pruitii |
| Genus: | Iberis |
| Colors: | Light violet |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, rock gardens, flower beds, and ground cover |
| Soil: | Well-draining, slightly alkaline, sandy soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Regular watering needed |
| Feeding: | Offer a well-balanced fertilizer in spring |
20) Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)
About:
Native to Southern Europe, Campanula medium is an annual or biennial flowering plant that blooms in spring and summer with broad, perfectly, bell-shaped blossoms in a variety of softly sophisticated hues. They provide an abundance of pollen and nectar that attracts both butterflies and honey bees. In flower language, Canterbury Bells symbolize faith, gratitude, and constancy.
| Common Name: | Canterbury Bells |
| Botanical Name: | Campanula medium |
| Genus: | Campanula |
| Colors: | Light lavender and mauve to vibrant violet, pink, white, and periwinkle |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, among shrubs, borders, cottage gardens, and informal gardens |
| Soil: | Moist but well-draining soil of any type |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | Moderate, water well-draining soil regularly during the growing season |
| Feeding: | Late spring only offer a balanced fertilizer |
21) Purple Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
About:
If you’ve ever walked past a flower shop window, then you’ve seen a carnation. Included in just about every bouquet, boutonniere, and corsage, carnations are beloved for their attractive ruffles of petals. The original flowers bloom in a pretty shade of pinkish-purple, but its cultivars bloom in just about every color and combination of colors under the sun.
| Common Name: | Carnation |
| Botanical Name: | Dianthus caryophyllus |
| Genus: | Dianthus |
| Colors: | Solid and variegated varieties of a rainbow of hues |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, borders, and cutting gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate watering |
| Feeding: | Monthly, in spring and summer apply a well-balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer |
22) Purple Catmint (Nepeta)
About:
Nepeta is a genus containing about 250 species of mostly perennial flowering plants. They produce tall, skinny spires of purple blossoms that range in height from 9 inches to 3 feet. Their aromatic, slightly minty blossoms bloom from late spring to early fall. If you plant a garden full of one particular species, Nepeta cataria, it might appear as though you’re cultivating cats because this true variety of catnip attracts our feline friends with its fragrantly euphoric effects.
For more, see our essential guide to growing and caring for Nepeta (Catnip) at home.
| Common Name: | Catmint or Catnip |
| Botanical Name: | Nepeta |
| Genus: | Nepeta |
| Colors: | Shades of lavender, violet, blue, pink, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Garden beds, containers, and borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining, slightly acidic, clay soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Frequent watering in first year, drought-tolerant thereafter |
| Feeding: | In fall, add organic compost to the plant base |
23) Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya)
About:
Cattleya is a genus of flowering, sometimes fragrant tropical plants that grow naturally in a region that stretches from Costa Rica to Argentina. The genus contains several unique species of orchids that feature intricate blossoms in a rainbow of warm hues. They’re delightful to grow indoors and can also be cultivated outside in warm, humid climates or in cooler climates during the spring and summer.
| Common Name: | Cattleya Orchids |
| Botanical Name: | Cattleya |
| Genus: | Cattleya |
| Colors: | A variety of purples and pinks, plus blue, red, orange, yellow, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 12 |
| Where to Plant: | Indoor containers or tropical gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining orchid mix |
| Sunlight: | Bright, filtered sunlight |
| Watering: | Water only when soil is completely dry. Frequency depends on season and environment. |
| Feeding: | Can survive without fertilizing. During spring and Summer, you may provide a nitrogen-based, urea-free fertilizer. |
24) China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
About:
These cheerful, annual blossoms are a favorite in spring and summer gardens. China aster cultivars vary in height (from 8 inches to 3 feet) and feature a wide array of flower heads that range in shape and fullness from a single row of daisy-like petals to full, shaggy, pom-pom blooms. The impressive flower heads span in size from 3 to 5 inches in diameter. They’re tolerant of a variety of conditions, making them a perfect choice for gardens located just about anywhere.
| Common Name: | China Aster |
| Botanical Name: | Callistephus chinensis |
| Genus: | Callistephus |
| Colors: | A range of purples, pinks, reds, whites, and yellows |
| Growing Zones: | 2 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, flower gardens, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Water regularly during the growing for consistently moist soil |
| Feeding: | During growing season, feed every two weeks with a well-balanced fertilizer. |
25) Purple Clematis (Clematis)
About:
The Clematis genus contains about 300 species of perennial and biennial woody, climbing vines. Clematis vines sprout stunning, star-like blossoms in solid and variegated patterns that range in color from the blackest purple to delicate lavenders and violets, warm pinks, rosy reds, and white. A garden favorite, clematis is a versatile plant that can be trained to grow along the ground, offering cover, or to climb up walls, trellises, fences, shrubs, and trees.
For more, see our expert guides to growing Clematis Montana, and Clematis Nelly Moser at home.
| Common Name: | Clematis |
| Botanical Name: | Clematis |
| Genus: | Clematis |
| Colors: | A range of purples, blues, reds, pinks, and whites |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Garden beds, containers, under shrubs, and anywhere they can climb |
| Soil: | Cool, well-draining, neutral to slightly alkaline soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Provide 1 inch of water weekly in well-draining soil |
| Feeding: | Spring and summer alternate between a balanced fertilizer and a low-nitrogen fertilizer every 4 weeks. |
26) Purple Columbine (Aquilegia)
About:
Aquilegia is a genus containing about 70 perennial plants that bloom from late spring through early summer with five intricately shaped petals, sepals, and stamens. The scientific name, Aquilegia comes from the Latin word for eagle, as the petals are said to resemble the shape of an eagle’s talons. The common name, columbine comes from the Latin word for dove because the blossoms resemble a group of five doves gathered in a circle.
| Common Name: | Columbine |
| Botanical Name: | Aquilegia |
| Genus: | Aquilegia |
| Colors: | Both saturated and pastel shades of purple, red, yellow, and orange with white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, borders, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining, mildly acidic soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Water regularly for abundant blooms |
| Feeding: | Late spring to early summer with a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer |
27) Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
About:
Native to North America, Europe, and Western Asia, the common comfrey grows wildly in moist grasslands. Comfreys have broad, hairy leaves and they sprout small, bell-shaped flowers. The plants have deep-burrowing roots that take up copious nutrients from deep within the soil. As a result, spent plants can be mulched to create a natural fertilizer for the rest of your garden.
| Common Name: | Common Comfrey |
| Botanical Name: | Symphytum officinale |
| Genus: | Symphytum |
| Colors: | Purple, white, and pink |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Wildflower gardens and areas of natural growth |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Watering: | Prefers moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Fertilization not needed. |
28) Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
About:
Echinacea purpurea, commonly called coneflower, is most popular for its use in herbal medicine. Taken in a pill or brewed into tea, it’s thought to help strengthen the immune system against viral infections. These flowers grow wild across much of the United States and parts of Canada. Sprouting up in meadows and grasslands, these daisy-like coneflowers resemble a badminton shuttlecock with vibrant purple flowers that slope downward from a bulbous, orange-brown center. They’ll draw birds and butterflies to your garden.
| Common Name: | Coneflower and Purple Coneflower |
| Botanical Name: | Echinacea purpurea |
| Genus: | Echinacea |
| Colors: | Pinkish-purple |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Herb gardens, containers, wildflower gardens, or naturalize |
| Soil: | Well-draining, rocky soil or clay |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, infrequent watering |
| Feeding: | Early spring feeding with granular, slow-release 12-6-6 fertilizer |
29) Purple Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
About:
Members of the daisy family, Cosmos bipinnatus is a popular flowering plant. Flower heads blossom from 2 to 4 inches wide. With their bright-yellow centers encircled by equally vibrant petals, they’re prized for their ornamental use in gardens and containers. Although they’re considered annuals, the garden cosmos will self-sow and reappear to be enjoyed year after year.
| Common Name: | Cosmos, Garden Cosmos, or Mexican Aster |
| Botanical Name: | Cosmos bipinnatus |
| Genus: | Cosmos |
| Colors: | Lavender, purple, rose, pink, crimson, orange, yellow, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 2 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Wildflower gardens, containers, and flower beds sheltered from strong winds |
| Soil: | Average, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant but prefers even, moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Poor-soil tolerant. Only fertilize struggling plants. Over-fertilizing will prevent blooms. |
30) Purple Crocus (Crocus vernus)
About:
The crocus is one of the first flowers of spring. They usually bloom in late March or early April, and sometimes you’ll see them popping out from beneath the last snowflakes of winter. Although that might seem strange, these frost-tolerant blooms are native to the alpine regions of Europe like the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathian Mountains. Low-growing crocus blooms open up during the day and close at night. They often remain closed on rainy days, too.
For more, see our essential guide to Crocus flower meaning, symbolism, and uses.
| Common Name: | Crocus, Spring Crocus, or Giant Crocus |
| Botanical Name: | Crocus vernus |
| Genus: | Crocus |
| Colors: | Purple, blue, pink, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds and natural gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining, gritty soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering reduced in late spring after blooming |
| Feeding: | Crocuses store nutrients in their bulbs and do not require fertilizer |
31) Cup-and-Saucer Vine (Cobaea scandens)
About:
The Cobaea scandens is a perennial, climbing vine that will cling to just about any surface. These flowers are native to Mexico and sometimes found growing naturally in other parts of Central America. The vine produces forward-facing blossoms. These large, bell-shaped flowers have a prominent ruff around the base, which gives these blossoms their class cup-and-saucer shape. At maturity, the blossoms emit a lovely fragrance.
| Common Name: | Cup-and-Saucer Vine, Cathedral Bells, Monastery Bells, or Mexican Ivy |
| Botanical Name: | Cobaea scandens |
| Genus: | Cobaea |
| Colors: | Purple, lavender, burgundy, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers and garden beds with trellises |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate moisture required |
| Feeding: | Avoid fertilizer. Add a light layer of organic compost in summer. |
32) Purple Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
About:
Native to the Mediterranean Middle East, Cyclamen is a genus of perennial flowering plants that tend to grow out of rocky hillsides, woodlands, and shrublands. These lovely flowers grow in clumps of heart-shaped leaves marbled with stripes of light and dark green. Stems with shooting star-shaped flowers sprout from the plant’s center and feature five sepals topped with five upswept petals. Blooms begin in autumn and continue through winter. When dormant, cyclamens appear almost dead, but they are simply dormant.
| Common Name: | Cyclamen or Persian Cyclamen |
| Botanical Name: | Cyclamen persicum |
| Genus: | Cyclamen |
| Colors: | Deep purplish magenta to light pink or white |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers are recommended, except in zones 9 to 11 |
| Soil: | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering during the growing season. Infrequent watering when dormant. |
| Feeding: | Autumn through winter, feed every two weeks with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. |
33) Purple Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium)
About:
The genus Dendrobium contains more than 1,800 diverse species of orchids that grow across much of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Plants in this genus of orchids rarely grow with their roots in the soil. Instead, they spread out, clinging to tree bark and rocks. The plants have a tuft of up to six, waxy, deep-green leaves from which a single branch of blossoms blooms. This orchid symbolizes pure affection and love, making it the perfect gift for one’s true love.
| Common Name: | Dendrobium Orchid |
| Botanical Name: | Dendrobium |
| Genus: | Dendrobium |
| Colors: | Purple, pink, green, white, and yellow with contrasting tones in the flower’s labellum |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers or tropical rock gardens |
| Soil: | well-draining, coarse, acidic soil |
| Sunlight: | Partial sun or filtered sunlight |
| Watering: | Water when the soil medium is slightly dry |
| Feeding: | During the growing season, feed a balanced orchid fertilizer every couple of weeks |
34) Dianthus (Dianthus Spp)
About:
The Dianthus genus contains about 300 flowering plants including annuals, biennials, and perennials. Although some flower heads feature single petal rows and others have double rows (like miniature carnations), they all have the same ragged-looking petals with jagged, toothed edges. Dianthus plants have blue-green foliage that can clump, trail, or tower. Depending on the variety, dianthus plants vary from 5 inches to 3 feet in height.
| Common Name: | Dianthus |
| Botanical Name: | Dianthus |
| Genus: | Dianthus Spp |
| Colors: | Purple, pink, red, yellow, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, raised beds, borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and heirloom gardens |
| Soil: | Neutral to slightly alkaline, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Water weekly. Do not water-log the soil. |
| Feeding: | Light feeding requirements, compost soil annually |
35) Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)
About:
Compared to other plants from the Iris genus, which can reach up to 3 feet in height, the Iris reticulata is relatively small, growing to only about 6 inches. Sword-like, ribbed leaves surround sweetly fragrant spring blossoms which feature floppy petals in a variety of colors contrasted with a spotted, orange, flame-like mark.
| Common Name: | Dwarf Iris, Netted Iris, or Netted Golden Iris |
| Botanical Name: | Iris reticulata |
| Genus: | Iris |
| Colors: | Purple, blue, yellow, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds and borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering in spring and dry in summer |
| Feeding: | After blossoms are spent apply a high-phosphorous fertilizer |
36) Purple European Periwinkles (Vinca)
About:
The Vinca genus contains several trailing, flowering plants. Some are evergreens and others are deciduous. They have simple, green leaves and produce delicate, five-petaled blooms throughout the growing season. European periwinkles produce trailing branches that take root where they touch the ground. As a result, they spread aggressively and should only be planted unfettered, in the ground where ground cover is desired.
| Common Name: | European Periwinkle, Common Periwinkle, or Creeping Myrtle |
| Botanical Name: | Vinca |
| Genus: | Vinca |
| Colors: | Violet to pale-blue |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers, hanging baskets, cottage gardens, ground cover, and natural gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate to light watering |
| Feeding: | Spring only apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer to the soil |
37) False Goat’s Beard (Astilbe)
About:
The genus Astilbe contains 18 species of flowering, shrub-like plants. With sprawling fern-like foliage, false goat’s beard plants grow upright, reaching about 4 to 6 feet tall and spreading about 2 to 4 feet wide. Throughout summer, they produce feathery, cone-shaped plumes of flowers. They prefer wetter soil than most blooming plants, making them perfect for pond-side planting and adorning backyard water features.
| Common Name: | False Goat’s Beard or False Spirea |
| Botanical Name: | Astilbe |
| Genus: | Astilbe |
| Colors: | Purple to vibrant pinks, crimsons, and creamy whites |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, water gardens, borders, screens, hedges, and fences |
| Soil: | Neutral, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | Above-average watering for moist or wet soil |
| Feeding: | Mix compost into soil annually |
38) False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
About:
Native to much of North America, Baptisia australis grows naturally in open meadows, along streams, and at the forest’s edge. This upright perennial grows to be about 4 feet tall, has lush clover-like foliage, and tall, purple flower cones resemble lupine blooms and blossom in late spring. Once blossoms are spent, they develop black pods filled with seeds, which rattle when shaken. These attractive black pods are prized for the unique beauty they give the plant and floral arrangements.
| Common Name: | False Indigo, Blue Wild Indigo, or Blue False Indigo |
| Botanical Name: | Baptisia australis |
| Genus: | Baptisia |
| Colors: | Purple |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower gardens, hedgerows, and borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Dry to moderately moist soil |
| Feeding: | Spring only with a balanced garden fertilizer |
39) Purple Foxglove Flowers (Digitalis purpurea)
About:
You can’t miss a garden growing foxglove. This strikingly beautiful plant blossoms throughout spring with prominently packed cones of ornate, bell-shaped flowers. Before blooming, foxgloves first grow rows of simple, green leaves in a spiral pattern that forms a rosette around the plant’s 3 to 7-foot tall flowering stem. Once blossoms are spent, the blooms go to seed and self-sew to return each year.
| Common Name: | Foxglove or Lady’s Glove |
| Botanical Name: | Digitalis purpurea |
| Genus: | Digitalis |
| Colors: | Purple, lavender, fuchsia, pink, salmon, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, raised beds, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining, acidic soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering, do not let the soil dry out |
| Feeding: | Fertilize occasionally in early spring with slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer |
40) Purple Fuchsia Flowers (Fuchsia magellanica)
About:
The Hardy Fuchsia is a species of flower plant that belongs to the Onagraceae (evening primrose) family, and it’s native to Southern South America. In frost-free climates, the fuchsia can grow to 10 feet in height and width, and in colder climates, it can still achieve about 4 or 5 feet in height. Apart from its size, the fuchsia is most notable for its intricate and exotic-looking pendant flowers which feature a deep-purple central tube filled with equally vibrant stamen and surrounded by hot-pink sepals.
| Common Name: | Fuchsia, Hardy Fuchsia, or Hummingbird Fuchsia |
| Botanical Name: | Fuchsia magellanica |
| Genus: | Fuchsia |
| Colors: | Deep purple, fuchsia, hot pink or red, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 6 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Garden beds, raised beds, and borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Medium moisture |
| Feeding: | Monthly during spring and summer only with a well-balanced fertilizer |
41) Purple Geranium Flowers (Geranium)
About:
The genus Geranium contains over 400 species of flowering evergreen perennials, biennials, and annuals. Geranium foliage features palm-like, cleft leaves. The plants bloom throughout summer with delicate, five-petaled flowers. The Geranium genus is often confused with plants from the Pelargonium genus which belong to the same plant family (Geraniaceae) and are widely available in garden centers each spring. A quick way to distinguish between the two is by noting petal shapes. Geranium petals all are identical and have radial symmetry. Pelargonium blooms’ two upper petals differ from the bottom three, creating a single, vertical line of symmetry.
| Common Name: | Geranium or Cranesbills |
| Botanical Name: | Geranium |
| Genus: | Geranium |
| Colors: | Purples, pinks, and reds |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Garden beds, borders, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderately moist soil |
| Feeding: | Summer only with a 5-10-5 fertilizer |
42) Purple Gladiolus Flowers (Gladiolus hortulanus)
About:
Part of the Iris (Iridaceae) family, the Gladiolus genus is a group of perennial flowering plants that grow from corms. They have sword-shaped leaves and giant flower spikes that can reach heights of 1.5 to 6 feet. Their tightly packed cones of bell-shaped blossoms arrive in late summer and continue into early autumn. Most gladioli grown in gardens today are hybrids known as Gladiolus x hortulanus.
| Common Name: | Gladiolus, Glads, or Sword Lily |
| Botanical Name: | Gladiolus hortulanus |
| Genus: | Gladiolus |
| Colors: | Lavender, purple, green, white, cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Plant robust groups in flowerbeds |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Spring only with a slow-release, general purpose fertilizer |
43) Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
About:
Cynara cardunculus, commonly called the globe artichoke or cardoon, is an edible plant that can be harvested for its celery-like stalks and its artichoke-like top (if harvested before blooming). Additionally, the cardoon is simply a joy to plant and watch as it grows into a towering 6-foot-tall plant. The globe artichoke has attractive, silvery foliage, and its artichoke-like plant bulb blossoms with a halo of spikey, purple flowers. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and is considered an invasive species in parts of California, where it now grows wildly.
| Common Name: | Cardoon, Globe Artichoke, or Artichoke Thistle |
| Botanical Name: | Cynara cardunculus |
| Genus: | Cynara |
| Colors: | Violet-blue |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flowerbeds, raised beds, vegetable gardens, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate watering to maintain moist soil |
| Feeding: | Once in early spring with a light application of well-balanced, granular fertilizer |
44) Globe Thistles (Echinops)
About:
The Echinops genus contains about 120 blooming plants from the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Although they’re related to daisies, globe thistles are anything but ordinary, as they’re cultivated for their spiny, globe-shaped blossoms. They grow beautifully in garden edges. Plus, they add a wonderfully surprising textural element to cut floral arrangements. Blooming through summer to early fall, their golf ball-sized blossoms can reach impressive heights of up to 6 feet.
| Common Name: | Globe Thistle |
| Botanical Name: | Echinops |
| Genus: | Echinops |
| Colors: | Bluish-purple |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Cut flower gardens, borders, containers, and raised gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Drought-tolerant, infrequent watering |
| Feeding: | No fertilizing necessary, tolerates poor-nutrient soil |
45) Purple Gloxinia Flowers (Sinningia speciosa)
About:
The Sinningia speciosa shares many similarities with the popular houseplants, African Violets. They have similarly velvety blooms in vibrant colors and soft, deep-green foliage of a similar texture. However, they’re native to Brazil – not Africa – and bloom in the spring followed by a dormant period. These flowering plants of the Sinningia genus are sometimes referred to as gloxinia. However, this name is technically incorrect because Sinningia speciosa used to belong to the Gloxinia genus until they were reclassified. They have yet to receive a new common moniker.
| Common Name: | Gloxinia or Brazilian gloxinia |
| Botanical Name: | Sinningia speciosa |
| Genus: | Sinningia |
| Colors: | Deep purple and burgundy to bright red and pink with white-rimmed petals |
| Growing Zones: | 11 to 12 |
| Where to Plant: | Containers that can be transported outdoors in warm weather |
| Soil: | Well-draining potting soil |
| Sunlight: | Bright, filtered sunlight |
| Watering: | Consistent moisture (self-watering containers recommended) |
| Feeding: | Only when blooming, feed every two weeks with a high-phosphorous liquid fertilizer. |
46) Heliotrope (Heliotropium peruvianum)
About:
The heliotrope is a perennial shrub native to Peru. However, it grows in gardens all around the world today. They grow to about 2 feet in height, making them a well-controlled choice for flowerbeds. These shrubs have soft, green foliage and blossom from summer to fall with rounded clusters of multitudinous, petite flowers. Although most animals avoid them, you should bear in mind that heliotrope is highly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
| Common Name: | Heliotrope |
| Botanical Name: | Heliotropium peruvianum |
| Genus: | Heliotropium |
| Colors: | Purple, violet, mauve, blue, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 12 |
| Where to Plant: | Borders, edging, beds, and containers |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil with sand or loam |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Moderate watering for moist, not soaked, soil |
| Feeding: | Fertilizer is unneeded when planting in the ground. In containers, feed a balanced fertilizer every two weeks when blooming. |
47) Purple Hellebores (Helleborus)
About:
The Helleborus genus consists of about 20 species of perennial, flowering plants – most of which are poisonous. These evergreens keep their attractive green foliage year-round and produce striking, long-lasting blooms that open during winter or early spring and remain for 6 to 8 weeks. Hellebores have an enchanting, almost eerie quality of beauty with rows of pointed petals in a haunting palette of shades.
| Common Name: | Hellebores, Hellbore, Winter Purple Rose, or Lenten Rose |
| Botanical Name: | Helleborus |
| Genus: | Helleborus |
| Colors: | Greenish-purple, green, mauve, black, cream, white, burgundy, red, and pink |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Borders, under trees, and beneath shrubs |
| Soil: | Well-draining, average soil |
| Sunlight: | Partial shade |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant but prefer moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Offer a granular fertilizer in early spring or a liquid fertilizer in late fall |
48) Purple Hibiscus Flowers (Hibiscus)
About:
Hibiscus is a genus containing hundreds of species of flowering woody shrubs, purple perennial plants, and trees. Native to warm, temperate regions and tropical/subtropical climates, purple hibiscus plants grow best in similar conditions where they’ll bloom throughout the year. They’re most revered for their spectacular blossoms that feature trumpet-shaped blooms, delicate petals, and showy stamens in exotic colors and silhouettes.
| Common Name: | Hibiscus |
| Botanical Name: | Hibiscus |
| Genus: | Hibiscus |
| Colors: | Purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Flower beds, landscaping shrubs, balconies, hanging baskets, and ground cover. (Outdoors in appropriate regions. Containers to be moved indoors in cooler climates.) |
| Soil: | Slightly acidic to neutral, well-draining soil |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | High-moisture and prefers thorough watering |
| Feeding: | Early spring with a well-balanced fertilizer |
49) Purple Hollyhock Flowers (Alcea rosea)
About:
Alcea rosea, commonly called hollyhocks, is one species of about 60 in the Alcea genus of flowering plants. People often confuse hollyhocks with perennial plants, but they’re actually annuals and expert self-sewers that, with proper care, will seed on their own and grow back each year. Gardeners in agreeable zones around the world love hollyhocks for their ornamental appeal. They can grow up to 8 feet in height, and vibrant, trumpet-shaped blossoms crowd their towering stalks from June to August. Cultivars also include an array of other colors including the dark and mysterious Alcea rosea nigra.
| Common Name: | Hollyhock |
| Botanical Name: | Alcea rosea |
| Genus: | Alcea |
| Colors: | Shades of purple, blue, pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and black |
| Growing Zones: | 2 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Cottage gardens, fences, walls, and background borders |
| Soil: | Well-draining (does not tolerate wet soil during winter) |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Moderate moisture |
| Feeding: | Before planting with slow-release, high-phosphorous, granular fertilizer |
50) Honesty (Lunaria annua)
About:
The Lunaria annua, commonly called honesty, actually has several common names. While this tall plant offers attractive clusters of small flowers from mid-spring to late summer, it’s loved and recognized for its alluring, translucent seed pods. These seed pods resemble silver dollars, come in see-through shades of white and green, and are commonly included in arrangements of dry flowers. Although this biennial plant blooms only once every two years, it self-sews. So, once the plants are established in your garden, you can enjoy them every year.
| Common Name: | Honesty, Annual Honesty, Moonwort, Money Plant, or Silver Dollar Plant |
| Botanical Name: | Lunaria annua |
| Genus: | Lunaria |
| Colors: | Deep purple to white |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Cottage gardens, flowerbeds, borders, and cut flower gardens |
| Soil: | Well-draining soil of any acidity |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | Average water needs for moist (not saturated) soil |
| Feeding: | Feed once in spring with a well-balanced fertilizer |
51) Honeywort (Cerinthe major)
About:
Honeywort is a herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean that sports purple nodding flowers at the end of multiple stems. Bees and hummingbirds love the flowers, which are also surrounded by colorful bracts in some varieties like ‘Purpurascens’. The plants are easy to grow, top out between 2 and 4 feet tall, and bloom throughout the summer.
| Common Name: | Honeywort |
| Botanical Name: | Cerinthe major |
| Genus: | Cerinthe |
| Colors: | Burgundy to lavender or light purple. |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Informal areas like edges or mixed beds that can benefit from its somewhat messy form. |
| Soil: | Rich, well drained soil. |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade. |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant but blooms better with 1” per week. |
| Feeding: | Enrich the soil with compost or manure but don’t fertilize after planting. |
52) Purple Hydrangea Flowers (Hydrangea)
About:
Hydrangea is a genus of flowering shrubs known for their rounded masses of small petaled flowers. Colors range from white to pink and deep purple depending largely on the variety and the soil’s specific pH balance. Most varieties bloom from late spring to summer and grow between 1 and 5 feet tall. Some varieties are very easy to grow, while others are less hardy and are better kept indoors as houseplants.
| Common Name: | Hydrangea |
| Botanical Name: | Hydrangea |
| Genus: | Hydrangea |
| Colors: | White, pink, light blue, purple, or deep violet |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | As the centerpieces of beds or along walkways and paths |
| Soil: | High fertility and good drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun with afternoon partial shade |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week while blooming, divided over 3 applications/week |
| Feeding: | Apply ½ the recommended dose of a slow-release flowering shrub fertilizer in the spring as blooming starts |
53) Italian Aster (Aster amellus)
About:
Italian Aster is a small flowering member of the daisy family with bright purple petals contrasting a bold orange center. It’s native to high European mountain ranges like the Alps, and it’s surprisingly easy to grow in the home garden. It doesn’t require much special care or water and stays under 18 inches in height.
| Common Name: | Italian Aster |
| Botanical Name: | Aster amellus |
| Genus: | Aster |
| Colors: | Bright purple, mauve, pink, and light blue |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Well-drained to xeric beds that need a low growing cover that won’t spread aggressively |
| Soil: | Basic soils that drain rapidly and stay dry between rainfall |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, water 1 inch per 2 weeks if there is no rain |
| Feeding: | Apply ½ strength dose as new growth emerges each spring of any general flowering plant fertilizer |
54) Lavender (Lavandula)
About:
One of the best-known purple flowers, Lavender is actually a genus of nearly 50 different related flowers. Most types of lavender are highly fragrant and used for perfume and aromatherapy, especially Lavandula angustifolia. These plants send up tiny purple flowers on tall stalks above low-growing foliage, and most thrive in dry and sunny conditions. Lavender is easy to propagate as well if you’re looking to expand your collection or gift to friends, and loved ones. It’s also easy to harvest and dry lavender for use throughout the winter months.
| Common Name: | Lavender |
| Botanical Name: | Lavandula |
| Genus: | Lavandula |
| Colors: | Light purple to dark violet and mauve |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Dry and sunny areas where there’s natural protection from wind and cold temperatures |
| Soil: | Unamended, dry to sandy, and alkaline in pH |
| Sunlight: | Full sun, especially in cooler climates |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week during establishment, then 1 inch per 3 weeks during budding and blooming |
| Feeding: | Not recommended |
55) Purple Liatris (Liatris)
About:
The Liatris genus includes a variety of similar grass like plants that sport blazing flower spikes high above their foliage. The unopened buds are a dark royal purple, while the upper blooms are lavender and fuchsia. Also known as Blazing Star, these meadow plants are tough and easy to grow.
| Common Name: | Liatris |
| Botanical Name: | Liatris |
| Genus: | Liatris |
| Colors: | Royal purple to lavender, white, or fuchsia pink |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Meadow areas and beds that need more tall growing flowers |
| Soil: | Any pH, fertility, or texture as long as it drains well |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week if there’s no rainfall |
| Feeding: | Apply a ½ dose of flower fertilizer in the spring |
56) Purple Lilac Flowers (Syringa vulgaris)
About:
Lilac is a fragrant flowering shrub native to the Balkans. It flowers in spring and has white, lavender, or mauve blossoms in a compact cone known as a panicle. The shrub eventually becomes more treelike and the wood is even valuable for decorative work.
| Common Name: | Lilac |
| Botanical Name: | Syringa vulgaris |
| Genus: | Syringa |
| Colors: | Lavender to light royal purple or white |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | In sunny spots that need a large anchoring shrub or tree |
| Soil: | Fertile, neutral pH soil high in organic material and with good drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | Water 2 inches once every 2 weeks during flowering |
| Feeding: | Apply only a light phosphorous fertilizer in spring before flowering |
57) Lily of the Incas (Alstroemeria)
About:
The genus Alstroemeria includes many flowering plants known as Lilies of the Incas. These South American blooms aren’t true lilies, but they have colorful blossoms emerging from tubers much like the plants they’re named after. They can flower nearly year-round in warm climates.
| Common Name: | Lily of the Incas |
| Botanical Name: | Alstroemeria |
| Genus: | Alstroemeria |
| Colors: | Pink, purple, yellow, white, green, and striped or speckled |
| Growing Zones: | 8 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Warm and sheltered locations where cold breezes can’t reach them |
| Soil: | Chalky or sandy soils are fine as long as they drain rapidly |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | 12 inches per week |
| Feeding: | High potash fertilizer applied monthly during blooming |
58) Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus orientalis)
About:
Easily grown from bulbs, Lily of the Nile is a purple to blue flowering plant that is ideal for vase cuttings. It can grow up to 4 feet tall with clusters of flowers set atop tall stems. However, it’s limited to only the warmest parts of the country.
| Common Name: | Lily of the Nile |
| Botanical Name: | Agapanthus orientalis |
| Genus: | Agapanthus |
| Colors: | White, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and red |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 11 |
| Where to Plant: | Partially protected areas without extreme sun or wind |
| Soil: | Organic and rich soil with fast drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade in hotter areas |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, needs 1 inch of water per week when flowering |
| Feeding: | Any flower fertilizer applied in the spring at full rates |
59) Lily turf (Liriope muscari)
About:
A short and attractive flowering perennial, lily turf is great for filling in beds. It has lime green grass-like foliage giving it the turf name, yet it also sports purple or blue flower stalks in the summer. Its evergreen foliage makes it great for yard decoration.
| Common Name: | Lily turf |
| Botanical Name: | Liriope muscari |
| Genus: | Liriope |
| Colors: | Indigo to lavender shades of purple |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Filling in beds and along borders that need a tough ground cover |
| Soil: | Any soil with rapid drainage |
| Sunlight: | Partial shade to full sun for best flowering |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, water 1 inch per week during the first summer |
| Feeding: | Use a general 101010 fertilizer in the spring |
60) Purple Lisianthus Flowers (Eustoma Grandiflorum)
About:
Spring-blooming Lisianthus is a type of dramatically purple gentian that is hardy in warm zones. Native to dry prairies across the US and Mexico, it sports flowers that are up to 2 inches across. They work equally well as cutting and bedding plants.
| Common Name: | Lisianthus |
| Botanical Name: | Eustoma grandiflorum |
| Genus: | Eustoma |
| Colors: | Royal purple to mottled with white |
| Growing Zones: | 8 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | Along borders and in beds that show off their large blossoms |
| Soil: | Neutral pH with good moisture holding capacity |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial afternoon shade |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week when blooming |
| Feeding: | Half strength application of basic flowering fertilizer twice per summer |
61) Purple Lungwort Flowers (Pulmonaria)
About:
Lungwort is a genus of short woodland perennials that are often grown for their striking foliage along with the purple to blue flowers. Speckled or striped foliage is common, which helps give the plant its unusual name. Plants rarely grow above 10 inches tall, making them ideal for beds and borders.
| Common Name: | Lungwort |
| Botanical Name: | Pulmonaria |
| Genus: | Pulmonaria |
| Colors: | Deep purple, fuchsia, pink, and blue |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | In open beds with enough space to show off their smaller flowers |
| Soil: | Fast draining and loose alkaline soils |
| Sunlight: | Partial shade to full shade |
| Watering: | 12 inches per week, once per week |
| Feeding: | Apply a general flower fertilizer every 23 weeks during blooming |
62) Purple Lupine (Lupinus)
About:
The Lupinus genus includes hundreds of beautiful flowering plants that make tall and distinct spikes of colorful flowers. Lupines are known for their rich purple and blue colors, but they’re also available in many other varieties. Some lupines are also important food sources thanks to the production of edible beanlike seeds.
| Common Name: | Lupine |
| Botanical Name: | Lupinus |
| Genus: | Lupinus |
| Colors: | White, blue, purple, violet, pink, red, and coral |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Well-ventilated meadow and border areas where they can stay cool during hot summers |
| Soil: | Acidic soil with good drainage with no sand or rock |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week during drought |
| Feeding: | Use a phosphorous dominant fertilizer twice in the spring before flowering, a few weeks between applications |
63) Melastoma (Melastoma)
About:
Melastoma is a genus of mostly tropical plants that sport distinctive five-petaled flowers in rich shades of pink, fuchsia, and purple. Most species within this genus require warm and humid conditions, but they’re worth the effort to grow for their large blossoms. The group includes both shrubs and short twining vines.
| Common Name: | Melastoma |
| Botanical Name: | Melastoma |
| Genus: | Melastoma |
| Colors: | Purple to bright pink or mauve |
| Growing Zones: | 11 |
| Where to Plant: | In containers or other controlled areas where the plant can’t spread |
| Soil: | Any soil with good drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | 23 inches per week |
| Feeding: | Apply a full-strength application of flowering shrub fertilizer once a month during the growing season |
64) Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum)
About:
Named after its fringed and delicate flowers, Mistflower is a colorful member of the Aster family. It loves wet areas and will spread rapidly in the right conditions. Use it as a part of a naturalized water garden and to attract beneficial insects.
| Common Name: | Mistflower |
| Botanical Name: | Conoclinium coelestinum |
| Genus: | Conoclinium |
| Colors: | Pale powder blue to rich purple or mauve |
| Growing Zones: | 5 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Around streams, ponds, and other water features |
| Soil: | Wet, loam rich soil that is neutral in pH |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | 34 inches per week if kept in a container or border area |
| Feeding: | Unnecessary, may prevent blooming |
65) Purple Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)
About:
Monkshood (aka Wolf’s Bane) is a striking blue to purple flowering plant with a spike that can reach up to 4 feet tall. It’s also highly poisonous and must be handled with gloves for safety, even in the garden. Consider if the risks of its toxic nature are worth the beauty of its blooms before planting.
| Common Name: | Aconitum napellus |
| Botanical Name: | Aconitum napellus |
| Genus: | Aconitum |
| Colors: | Bright blue to deep royal purple |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 7 |
| Where to Plant: | Open and dry areas with good ventilation |
| Soil: | Average fertility and good moisture with fair drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | 2 to 3 inches per week, in 2 applications |
| Feeding: | Apply a general purpose fertilizer at the end of the blooming season only |
66) Purple Moonflower (Ipomoea turbinata)
About:
Popular for its strong fragrance as much as its large night-opening blooms, the Moonflower is a type of tropical morning glory. As long as these vigorous vines get warmth and room to climb, they’ll reward you with unique blossoms. Grow them as annuals in cooler climates or perennials in their hardy zones.
| Common Name: | Moonflower |
| Botanical Name: | Ipomoea turbinata |
| Genus: | Ipomoea |
| Colors: | White or bright purple |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 11 for perennial, can be grown elsewhere with heating |
| Where to Plant: | In containers for cooler climates or along walls and edges in hot climates |
| Soil: | Almost any well-drained soil with a neutral pH |
| Sunlight: | Full to partial sun |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week during dry periods |
| Feeding: | Apply a high phosphorous fertilizer once a month during the growing season |
67) Purple Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
About:
The common morning glory is still popular because of its brightly colored trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This wide-growing vine can adapt to many conditions and doesn’t require much care after establishment. It can be invasive, so consider growing it in a container rather than the garden.
| Common Name: | Morning glory |
| Botanical Name: | Ipomoea purpurea |
| Genus: | Ipomoea |
| Colors: | Deep purple to hot pink, red, and white |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 10 |
| Where to Plant: | In containers or along walls, arbors, and fences that the vines can climb |
| Soil: | Any soil or container mix with rapid drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun |
| Watering: | 1 inch per week |
| Feeding: | Apply a balanced fertilizer when they start growing but avoid further feeding |
68) Mountain cornflower (Centaurea montana)
About:
Growing only 1 to 2 feet tall, the Mountain cornflower is native to European mountain ranges but does well in beds around the world. Its intensely colored fringe flowers make a strong statement against the lance-shaped foliage. Mounding shapes make it ideal for holding its own in a mixed bed or container.
| Common Name: | Mountain cornflower |
| Botanical Name: | Centaurea montana |
| Genus: | Centaurea |
| Colors: | Navy blue to vivid purple |
| Growing Zones: | 3 to 9 |
| Where to Plant: | Mixed beds and containers with taller plants to complement them |
| Soil: | Any average soil with good drainage |
| Sunlight: | Full sun for best blooms |
| Watering: | Drought tolerant, give 1 inch of water every other week if needed |
| Feeding: | Apply a balanced flower fertilizer once a month |
69) Mystic Merlin (Malva Sylvestris)
About:
One of the shorter Mallow family members, the Mystic Merlin is only 3 to 4 feet tall and sports boldly colored blooms against dark foliage. Most varieties have dark stripes on the flower petals. It requires heavy pruning in the late summer to continue looking its best as older leaves grow ragged.
| Common Name: | Mystic Merlin |
| Botanical Name: | Malva Sylvestris |
| Genus: | Malva |
| Colors: | Fuchsia, bright pink, and purple |
| Growing Zones: | 4 to 8 |
| Where to Plant: | Along edges and borders that need a medium height centerpiece |
| Soil: | Any pH balance or texture as long as the drainage is rapid |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering: | 2 inches per week during dry periods |
| Feeding: | Use only phosphorous rich fertilizers in the spring to encourage flowering |