The Most Popular Types Of Purple Flowers

Purple flowers and foliage plants bring a soothing touch to any landscape, offering a color long associated with royalty, symbolizing richness and elegance. When combined with green leaves, purple flowers create a striking visual in gardens and landscapes. These plants come in a variety of shades, from delicate lavender to deep, rich violet, and are available as spring bulbs, fall-blooming wildflowers, ground covers, climbing plants, and more. Below are some of the most popular purple flowers to enhance your garden’s palette.

Tulips

Tulips come in a wide range of colors, including various shades of purple, from soft lilac to nearly black, with options for solid colors or blooms with stripes or frilly edges. For a rich, dark purple, consider growing the peony-like ‘Negrita’; for an almost black, single bloom, choose ‘Queen of the Night.’ For more tips on growing tulips, check out our detailed guide.

The Most Popular Types Of Purple Flowers

Heliotrope

Clasping Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule)
Common name Clasping Heliotrope, Blue Heliotrope, Summer Heliotrope, Fragrant Heliotrope
Botanical name Heliotropium amplexicaule
Hardiness zone 8
Sunlight Full Sun
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Heliotrope, particularly the ‘Fragrant Delight’ variety, features dark violet flowers with a sweet, vanilla scent. Though their fragrance might tempt you, remember that all parts of the plant are toxic. Plant them in containers near outdoor seating areas to enjoy their scent. These flowers are also a magnet for butterflies, adding both beauty and life to your garden.

Allium

Broadleaf Wild Leek (Allium ampeloprasum)
Common name Broadleaf Wild Leek, Elephant Garlic, Wild Leek
Botanical name Allium ampeloprasum
Growth rate Medium
Hardiness zone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance Medium
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Alliums are a striking addition to any landscape, prized not just for their vibrant color but also for their distinctive globular shape. Each flower head is composed of clusters of small florets that form a full, lush sphere. These spring-flowering bulbs should be planted in the fall, and depending on the variety, they can reach heights of 2 to 5 feet. Alliums typically bloom from late spring to early summer.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are bulbs that should be planted between October and December to enjoy their blooms in the spring, usually in March and April. These perennials are known for their spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, making them a charming addition to Southern gardens. However, they require exposure to cold winter temperatures to thrive. Hyacinths grow best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-8, or you can pre-chill the bulbs in the refrigerator for three months to mimic winter conditions.

Summer Phlox

If you’re looking to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, summer phlox is an excellent choice. This sun-loving, hardy perennial not only brings a lush sweep of color to your garden but also draws in pollinators. To prevent mildew, which can occur at the end of the blooming season, ensure good air circulation and opt for mildew-resistant varieties. Summer phlox thrives in Zones 4-8.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are a beloved garden flower often used as annuals in containers. However, they also make excellent perennials. To encourage bushier growth and more blooms, pinch back the stems and remove the top two leaves until late June. Mums come in a wide range of colors, including purples. For stunning autumn color, consider cultivars like ‘Purple Andrea,’ ‘Grape Queen,’ and ‘Grandchild.’

The Most Popular Types Of Purple Flowers

Winter heath

Spring Heath (Erica carnea)
Common name Alpine, Alpine Heath, Heath, Scotch Heath, Spring Heath, Winter-flowering heather, Winter Heath
Botanical name Erica carnea
Growth rate Slow
Hardiness zone 7, 8, 9
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance Medium
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Winter heath is a small evergreen shrub with dense foliage and a mounding growth habit. Much like heather, it creates the most impact when planted in large groups. The timing of its blooms varies depending on the location and variety, but it often flowers in winter (in milder climates) and early spring. To keep your winter heath looking its best, prune it just after it finishes flowering.

Tall Verbena

Purpletop Vervain (Verbena bonariensis)
Common name Purpletop Vervain, Argentinian Vervain, Brazilian Verbena, Brazilian Vervain, Clustertop Verbena, Purple Top, Tall Verbena, Tall Vervain
Botanical name Verbena bonariensis
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance High
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Verbena bonariensis, a tender perennial from Brazil, thrives in zones 7 to 10 and is often grown as an annual elsewhere. This plant features clusters of lavender blossoms perched atop 4-foot tall, wiry stems. Migrating butterflies are particularly attracted to it, and it continues to bloom until the first hard freeze. For shorter options, consider the ‘Lollipop’ variety, which grows 1 to 2 feet tall, or the 2 ½ foot tall ‘Vanity.’ To learn more, check out our guide on growing verbena.

Sweet Peas

Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Common name Annual Sweet Pea, Sweet Pea
Botanical name Lathyrus odoratus
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance Medium
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‘Cupani’ and ‘Matucana’ are heirloom sweet peas known for their bi-colored blossoms, with deep purple tops and lighter violet lower petals. These annuals date back to the 17th century and are prized for their strong fragrance. Sweet peas thrive in cool growing conditions and stop blooming when temperatures rise above 80 degrees. Be cautious, as unlike edible peas, these are toxic and should not be consumed.

Anemones

Anemones, or windflowers, are charming perennials that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They look particularly stunning when planted in masses along borders and are also popular as cut flowers. Depending on the species, anemones can bloom from early spring to fall. To enjoy purple poppy anemones, plant them in the fall for early spring blooms, or if you live in Zone 6 or cooler, plant them after the last frost in spring.

American Wisteria

American wisteria 'Amethyst Falls' (Wisteria frutescens 'Amethyst Falls')
Common name Amethyst Falls Wisteria Vine
Botanical name Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’
Growth rate Medium
Hardiness zone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Wisteria is undeniably beautiful, but some varieties, like Japanese wisteria, can quickly become invasive. To manage this, annual pruning is essential. Native varieties, such as Kentucky wisteria, are easier to control, while American wisteria grows even more slowly. American wisteria is well-suited for planting in Zones 5-9.

The Most Popular Types Of Purple Flowers

Lilac

Chinaberry Tree (Melia azedarach)
Common name Bead Tree, China Ball Tree, Chinaball Tree, Chinaberry, Chinaberry Tree, China Tree, Japanese Bead Tree, Paradise Tree, Persian Lilac, Pride-of-India, Syringa, Texas Umbrella Tree, White Cedar
Botanical name Melia azedarach
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 7, 8, 9, 10
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance High
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Lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) are beloved for their fragrant purple flowers. These deciduous shrubs bloom in mid- to late spring, producing branching clusters of small, sweet-smelling flowers. The foliage ranges from blue-green to gray-green. Once established, lilacs require minimal maintenance; simply prune them after flowering to tidy up the growth. Newer varieties are available that thrive in warmer climates.

Morning Glory

Common Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Common name Common Morning Glory, Japanese Morning Glory
Botanical name Ipomoea purpurea
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Sunlight Full Sun
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Morning Glory ‘Grandpa Ott’ is an heirloom annual vine that thrives in warm weather, unlike sweet peas. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are deep purple with a maroon stripe running through the center. Like other annual Morning Glories, it will self-seed. However, be aware that while it shouldn’t be confused with the perennial morning glory (also known as bindweed), the annual type can still spread aggressively, so check your state’s invasive species list before planting.

Violas

Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)
Common name Common Blue Violet, Confederate Violet, Dooryard Violet, Florida Violet, Hooded Blue Violet, Hooded Violet, Meadow Violet, Missouri Violet, Purple Violet, Sister Violet, Violets, Wild Violet, Wood Violet, Woolly Blue Violet
Botanical name Viola sororia
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Sunlight Dappled Sunlight
Maintenance High
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Violas are cool-season growers that add vibrant color to gardens in both spring and fall. With over 600 species available, each offering its own varieties, the choices can be overwhelming. Whether you choose tiny bird’s foot violets, sweet Johnny-jump-ups, or large pansies, violas are easy to grow and reliably charming. These cheerful flowers are also edible, and the plants serve as hosts for many butterfly and moth larvae.

Bee Balm

Crimson Beebalm (Monarda didyma)
Common name Beebalm, Bee Balm, Bee-balm, Bergamont, Crimson Bee-balm, Horsemint, Oswego Tea, Scarlet Bee Balm
Botanical name Monarda didyma
Growth rate Medium
Hardiness zone 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance Medium
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True to its name, bee balm is a fragrant wildflower that attracts bees and other pollinators to the garden. Also known as wild bergamot, Monarda fistulosa is a relative of the scarlet bee balms like ‘Jacob Cline.’ This sun-loving plant thrives in bright light and moist, rich soil, though it can also tolerate clay and occasional dryness. While bee balm is deer-resistant, it is prone to powdery mildew, so choose disease-resistant varieties for your garden.

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly Bush 'Black Knight' (Buddleia 'Black Knight')
Common name Black Knight Butterfly Bush
Botanical name Buddleia ‘Black Knight’
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is a sun-loving shrub that blooms in various shades of purple, drawing in butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. However, because butterfly bush can be invasive in some regions, it’s wise to select seedless or non-invasive varieties. Many cultivars are dwarf varieties, making them ideal for smaller yards and flower beds. For more blooms, consider pruning the plant back in late winter.

The Most Popular Types Of Purple Flowers

Lupine

Lupines come in many hybrids, but for a garden rich in pollinators, consider the native wild sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis). This variety is essential for supporting a large number of butterflies and bees, and it serves as the only larval food for the endangered Karner blue butterfly. Southern lupines (Lupinus texensis), also known as bluebonnets, are the state flower of Texas and typically grow to be 6-18 inches tall. These prairie natives thrive in dry, sandy soil and will form a colony if allowed to self-sow, making them an excellent addition to meadow gardens.

May Night salvia

May Night Salvia (Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night')
Common name May Night Salvia
Botanical name Salvia x sylvestris ‘May Night’
Growth rate Fast
Hardiness zone 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
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May Night salvia (Salvia x sylvestris ‘May Night’) is a perennial with deep bluish-purple blooms that appear on 2-foot tall flower spikes. Renowned for its long blooming period from May through June, this plant is a valuable addition to landscapes. It’s a great choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or wildflower gardens. To encourage fresh growth, cut back the plants in early spring.

Larkspur

Larkspur (Delphinium)
Common name Delphinium, Larkspur, Staggerweed
Botanical name Delphinium
Hardiness zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Sunlight Full Sun
Maintenance High
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True larkspurs, with Consolida ajacis being the most common species in gardens, are hardy annual flowers that grow quickly from seed. They can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet, with spiky blooms that emerge on the main stalk during spring and summer. Larkspurs may self-seed freely, providing new plants year after year. However, be mindful that larkspurs are toxic, so avoid planting them where children or pets might ingest them.

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