50 Purple Flowers for Your Garden: From Spring Bulbs to Late-Season Asters
From lavender to clematis, discover 50 stunning purple flowers for your garden — organized by plant type with USDA zones, care tips, and the best varieties to grow.
Purple is the rarest colour in the wildflower spectrum. Most native flowers evolved toward yellow and white — colours that attract generalist pollinators across the broadest possible wavelength range. Purple flowers are specialists: the anthocyanin pigments that produce that violet hue absorb green light and reflect at 380–450 nm, precisely the range most visible to bees, which see into the ultraviolet. A purple planting scheme isn’t just aesthetically striking. It is biologically optimised to attract the most valuable garden visitors.
The practical case for purple goes further. No single colour spans more growing conditions. You can build an all-purple garden from snowdrops and crocuses in February through to asters flowering into November, from 4-inch ground-hugging creepers to 30-foot wisterias scaling a pergola, from deep drought-tolerant borders in full sun to rain-garden beds in part shade. The 50 flowers below cover every plant type — annual, perennial, bulb, shrub, and climber — with USDA hardiness zones, light and soil requirements, and the specific varieties worth seeking out. For ideas on combining purple with complementary colours in a border, our cottage garden design guide covers purple as one of the most versatile anchor colours in an informal scheme.
Annual Purple Flowers
Annuals deliver purple faster than any other plant type — many bloom within 8 weeks of transplanting. They’re ideal for filling gaps in established borders, loading up containers, and testing colour combinations before committing to perennials. All entries below are treated as annuals in most of North America; hardiness zones are given where the plant overwinters in warm climates.
1. Annual Salvia (Salvia farinacea)
Few annuals deliver more continuous purple from June through October. Mealycup sage produces slender 18–24 inch flower spikes in violet-blue, covered in silvery-white calyces that hold their colour even after the petals drop. It thrives in full sun with average to dry soil and is critically heat- and drought-tolerant once established. The variety ‘Victoria Blue’ is the benchmark; ‘Evolution Violet’ offers a deeper, more saturated purple. Excellent for cutting.
2. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)
Petunias offer the widest purple range of any annual, from soft lavender ‘Lavender Sky’ to deep near-black ‘Black Velvet’. Grandiflora types have larger individual flowers; multiflora types cover the plant more thoroughly. Wave series sprawl to 4 feet as ground cover and handle heat better than older varieties. Full sun, average moisture. Deadhead spent blooms or shear back by 30% in midsummer to maintain flowering through September.
3. Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa x hybrida)
Million Bells produce hundreds of half-inch flowers in warm purple, violet, and lavender shades on trailing 6–12 inch stems. Unlike petunias, calibrachoa does not require deadheading — it is truly self-cleaning. This makes it the superior choice for hanging baskets and container edges where constant attention isn’t available. Full sun. Superbells ‘Plum’ and Cabaret ‘Violet Star’ are the most reliably purple varieties. Consistently moist but well-drained soil.
4. Annual Verbena (Verbena x hybrida)
Spreading verbena forms a low 6–12 inch mat covered in flat-topped clusters of flowers from spring through frost. It is one of the most heat-tolerant purple annuals available, shrugging off conditions that wilt petunias. Homestead Purple is a landmark variety — an accidental cross discovered in a Georgia garden that outperforms all modern cultivars for vigour, pest resistance, and length of bloom. Full sun, well-drained soil. Excellent spilling over wall edges.
5. Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens)
Heliotrope is grown as much for fragrance as colour — the dark purple flower clusters produce a heavy vanilla-cherry scent that is among the most distinctive in the summer garden. Zones 10–11; treated as an annual everywhere else. Height 18–24 inches. Full sun to part shade; needs consistent moisture and shelter from hot afternoon sun in zones 7 and above. ‘Marine’ is the most compact and darkest purple variety; ‘Iowa’ has the strongest fragrance.
6. Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)
A cool-season annual with tall, delphinium-like spikes in violet, purple, pink, and white. Sow direct in fall (zones 6–10) or very early spring — larkspur does not transplant well and needs cold stratification to germinate reliably. Heights of 2–4 feet. Full sun, well-drained alkaline to neutral soil. Giant Imperial Series produces the fullest flower spikes; ‘Blue Spire’ is the deepest violet. Once summer heat arrives, larkspur sets seed but self-sows reliably for next year.
7. Stock (Matthiola incana)
Stock is intensely fragrant — the evening scent from a cluster of deep purple stock can carry 20 feet in still air. Another cool-season annual: transplant out in early spring for late spring bloom, or in fall in zones 8–11 for winter-through-spring flowers. Height 12–30 inches. Full sun, well-drained soil, consistent moisture. ‘Katz Antique Purple’ and ‘Vintage Purple’ offer the deepest tones. Double-flowered forms are strongly preferred over singles for both fragrance and visual impact.
Not sure which one to pick? jalapeno vs serrano compares the key differences.
8. Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)
One of the few annuals that genuinely prefers shade. Wishbone flower — named for the Y-shaped stamen that resembles a wishbone — produces a continuous succession of tubular flowers in lavender, violet, and purple with a yellow throat from summer through frost. Height 6–12 inches; ideal for shadier window boxes, container combinations, and woodland border edges. Consistent moisture is essential. Clown Series offers the widest purple colour range.
9. Statice (Limonium sinuatum)
Statice is an everlasting: the papery flowers hold their purple colour for months after cutting and drying, making it uniquely useful among cut-flower annuals. In the garden it forms rosettes of dark green leaves 12–18 inches tall with wiry branching stems. Full sun, well-drained to dry soil — it tolerates sandy coastal soils better than almost any other annual. ‘Purple’ and ‘QIS Purple’ are standard varieties; ‘Midnight Blue’ pushes toward a deeper violet.
10. Verbena bonariensis
Technically a tender perennial (USDA zones 7–11), verbena bonariensis is grown as an annual in colder climates and is one of the most architecturally distinctive purple flowers available. Tall, branching stems of 4–6 feet carry clusters of tiny vivid violet flowers at the tips. The transparent, see-through habit means it works at the front of a border without blocking what’s behind it. Butterflies find it irresistible. Self-sows freely — once established, expect it to return year after year even where it can’t technically overwinter.
Perennial Purple Flowers
Perennials are the backbone of a purple planting scheme — plant once and they return, expand, and compound in beauty year after year. The 18 below cover USDA zones 3 through 10, bloom windows from April through November, and heights from 6 inches to 6 feet.
11. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is the purple flower most North American gardeners know — and frequently underuse. Beyond the classic English lavender, there are Spanish, French, and lavandin hybrids suited to different zones, soil types, and use cases. Zones 5–9 for English lavender; zones 7–11 for Spanish and French types. Full sun, sharply drained alkaline to neutral soil. The key differentiator: lavender requires dry, not average, soil — it dies in wet winters faster than in cold ones. For full variety guidance, growing conditions by zone, and pruning schedules, see our complete lavender growing guide.
12. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Catmint is arguably the most versatile purple perennial in North American gardens. It forms dense, fragrant mounds 18–24 inches tall smothered in tiny lavender-blue flowers from late May through July, then rebounds for a second flush after shearing. Zones 4–8. Full sun to part shade, very drought-tolerant once established. ‘Walker’s Low’ remains the gold standard — it does not flop, flowers for 8 or more weeks, and combines naturally with almost any border plant. Pair with roses, salvias, and alliums for a classic purple combination.
13. Meadow Sage (Salvia nemorosa)
A workhorse purple perennial for summer borders. Meadow sage produces tight vertical spikes 18–24 inches tall in deep violet-blue from May through July, with persistent purple-red calyces that extend visual interest for weeks after flowers fade. Zones 4–8. Full sun, well-drained soil — heat and drought tolerant. ‘Caradonna’ has near-black stems that set off the violet flowers beautifully; ‘May Night’ is the most widely available and most award-winning. Cut back by half after first bloom for a strong September rebloom.
14. Russian Sage (Salvia yangii)
Russian sage creates a haze of soft lavender-blue through July, August, and September — filling the midsummer gap when many spring perennials are spent. Its silver-white stems and finely cut aromatic foliage add textural interest even before flowers open. Zones 4–9. Full sun, very well-drained to dry soil — exceptional drought tolerance makes it a top choice for gravel gardens and dry western gardens. ‘Little Spire’ is compact at 24 inches; ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ has striking contrast between blue flowers and white stems.
15. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
One of the most ecologically important perennials in North America. Purple coneflower provides nectar for 150-plus bee species, seeds for goldfinches and chickadees, and dense root systems that improve soil structure. In the garden it forms clumps of upright stems 2–4 feet tall with rose-purple daisy flowers and distinctive orange-bronze central cones from July through September. Zones 3–9. Full sun to part shade, adaptable to most soils. For a full list of plants that support native pollinators through the season, see our pollinator garden guide.
16. Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)
Bearded iris offers the widest purple range of any perennial — from near-white ‘Jane Phillips’ through mid-blue ‘Babbling Brook’ to near-black ‘Before the Storm’. The ruffled falls and standards create a texture unlike any other flower, and the blooms are often fragrant. Zones 3–9. Full sun, very well-drained soil — the rhizomes rot in wet ground. Plant with the top of the rhizome exposed to sunlight. Divide every 3–4 years when clumps become congested and flowering declines.
17. Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Speedwell produces dense, upright spikes of tiny violet-blue flowers June through August on plants 18–24 inches tall. Unlike taller purple spikes, speedwell is virtually maintenance-free — it does not need staking, rarely needs dividing, and reblooms reliably after deadheading. Zones 3–8. Full sun, average to well-drained soil. ‘Blue Charm’ is the classic; ‘Royal Candles’ stays more compact at 18 inches. Combine with yellow coreopsis and orange hemerocallis for a vibrant complementary border.
You might also find variegated plants that look hand helpful here.
18. Delphinium (Delphinium elatum)
The architectural giant of the purple border — tall spikes of 4–6 feet covered in densely packed florets in shades from pale sky blue through midnight violet. Zones 3–7 (it struggles in southern heat). Full sun, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Staking is essential in all but the most sheltered positions. Pacific Giant and Magic Fountains series offer the widest purple range. After first bloom, cut spikes to 12 inches — a second, smaller flush follows in late summer. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.
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→ View My Garden Calendar19. Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus)
Lupine spires in violet, purple, blue, and bicolour combinations are a signature of late-spring gardens in zones 4–8. The dense, columnar flower spikes — 2–4 feet tall — produce a singular vertical accent that few other perennials can match in May and June. Full sun to part shade; well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Lupines are nitrogen-fixing legumes, improving soil as they grow. Russell Hybrids offer the best colour range; ‘The Governor’ is a classic blue-purple bicolour.
20. Hardy Geranium / Cranesbill (Geranium magnificum)
Hardy geraniums are among the easiest, most adaptable purple perennials available. They form tidy mounds 18–24 inches tall and wide, covered in 1-inch saucer-shaped flowers in violet-purple in June and July, with attractive autumn foliage as a bonus. Zones 4–8. Sun to part shade, most soil types. G. ‘Rozanne’ is exceptional for its very long bloom season from May through October. Shear back after first bloom to promote fresh growth and a second flowering period.
21. False Indigo (Baptisia australis)
A slow-starting but long-lived native perennial with indigo-blue flower spikes in May–June, attractive grey-green foliage from spring through fall, and decorative seed pods that rattle in autumn wind. Zones 3–9. Full sun to light shade, deep well-drained soil — once established, the deep taproot makes it exceptionally drought tolerant. Give it 3 years before judging performance: baptisia delivers its best from year four onwards and persists for decades without division.
22. Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia)
Bellflowers deliver a fine-textured, airy quality that contrasts beautifully with bold purple perennials. Peach-leaved bellflower produces 2–3 foot stems carrying open, nodding cup-shaped flowers in lavender, violet, or white from June through August. Zones 3–7. Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. ‘Telham Beauty’ is a classic large-flowered lavender-blue. Deadhead regularly — bellflowers reseed freely and can become weedy if allowed to set seed. Divide every 3 years for best performance.
23. Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Dome-shaped flower heads of richly fragrant purple and lavender blooms July through September, at 2–4 feet tall. The evening fragrance — a spicy-sweet honeyed scent with a slight clove undertone — is one of the most distinctive in the summer garden. Zones 4–8. Full sun, moist, fertile soil. Mildew is the primary enemy: plant in positions with good air circulation. ‘Blue Paradise’ is the most intensely purple; ‘Shortwood’ combines mildew resistance with rich pink-purple flowers.
24. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Anise hyssop is a native prairie perennial combining highly fragrant foliage with long-lasting violet-purple flower spikes that bloom from July through September. Zones 4–9. Full sun, well-drained to dry soil. It is among the top five perennials for pollinators: bumblebees, native bees, and monarchs work the flowers continuously through midsummer. ‘Blue Fortune’ is the most popular hybrid — it blooms more prolifically and sets less seed than the straight species. Selfs seeds freely where conditions suit it.
25. Penstemon (Penstemon grandiflorus)
Native penstemons provide some of the most saturated purple available in a perennial, particularly P. grandiflorus with its large, inflated tubular flowers in violet and blue-purple in May–June. Zones 3–9 depending on species. Full sun, sharply drained, lean soil — penstemons die in rich, wet soils. Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators. Prairie Jewel series offers a good purple range. Short-lived perennials — allow to self-sow for continuous garden presence.
26. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
The premier fall perennial for purple — New England asters carry the border through September and October when most of the garden is shutting down. Daisy flowers in violet-purple and rich purple on 3–6 foot stems. Zones 4–8. Full sun, average soil — tolerates wet conditions better than most perennials. Pinch stems back by half in late June to control height and encourage bushier growth. ‘Purple Dome’ stays compact at 2 feet and flowers heavily; ‘Alma Potschke’ produces vivid rose-purple on taller stems.
27. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa)
Wild bergamot, the species native to North American prairies and woodlands, produces 2–4 foot stems with clusters of lavender-purple tubular flowers July–August. It is extraordinarily valuable for native pollinators: hummingbirds, bumblebees, and specialist bee species all rely on monarda. Zones 3–9. Full sun to part shade, average to moist soil. Mildew is an issue in humid conditions — give plants good air circulation. ‘Purple Rooster’ has the deepest purple of any monarda cultivar.
28. Blazing Star (Liatris spicata)
Liatris spikes in violet-purple open from the top down — the opposite of most spiked flowers — creating a distinctive sequential bloom pattern July through September on 2–4 foot stems. A prairie native rated among the top plants for monarch butterflies by the Xerces Society. Zones 3–9. Full sun, well-drained to dry soil. Tolerates poor, rocky soil better than most perennials. ‘Kobold’ is the most compact at 18 inches and one of the most reliably purple; ‘Floristan Violet’ is the standard for cut flower production.
Purple Flowering Bulbs
Bulbs offer purple from the earliest days of the garden year — crocuses and squill in February, muscari in March, tulips in April, alliums through May–June. Plant in fall for spring flowers; many naturalise readily and are largely deer-resistant.
29. Ornamental Allium (Allium hollandicum, A. giganteum)
The spherical flower heads of ornamental alliums — from 2-inch balls on 18-inch stems to 5-inch globes on 4-foot columns — are one of the most architectural elements in the late spring garden. They bridge the gap between spring tulips and early summer perennials. Zones 4–9. Full sun, well-drained soil. A. ‘Purple Sensation’ offers the most saturated violet-purple on 2–3 foot stems; A. giganteum produces the largest heads. Plant 6 inches deep in fall.
30. Purple Tulip (Tulipa varieties)
Purple tulips span a remarkable range — from the pale lavender Darwin hybrid ‘Synaeda Blue’ to the near-black ‘Queen of Night’, one of the darkest flowers in all of horticulture. Triumph tulips offer mid-season purple; parrot tulips provide ruffled, extravagant blooms. Zones 3–8. Full sun, well-drained soil. In zones 8–9, lift and pre-chill bulbs 10–12 weeks before planting. ‘Queen of Night’ and ‘Blue Diamond’ are the benchmark purple-to-black selections.
31. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
Grape hyacinths are the carpet-layer of the spring bulb garden — small but planted by the dozen they create pools of intense cobalt-purple below taller tulips and in lawn areas under deciduous trees. Zones 3–9. Full sun to part shade, well-drained soil. Height 6–8 inches; blooms March–April. M. latifolium has distinctive two-tone flowers — dark navy at the base, lighter blue at the top. Plant 3 inches deep at 3-inch spacing for full carpet effect.
32. Crocus (Crocus vernus and C. tommasinianus)
Crocuses are the earliest reliable purple bulb — often in bloom by late February or March while snow is still possible. Large-flowered Dutch crocuses in ‘Remembrance’ (violet-purple) and ‘Flower Record’ (rich purple) are the standard. Species crocuses, particularly C. tommasinianus ‘Barr’s Purple’, naturalise aggressively in lawns and return for decades. Zones 3–8. Full sun to part shade. Plant 3–4 inches deep in fall. Tommasinianus is generally left alone by squirrels where large-flowered types are dug up.
33. Camassia (Camassia leichtlinii)
An underused native North American bulb producing star-shaped flowers in violet-blue on 2–3 foot stems in May. Camassia thrives in the conditions that defeat most spring bulbs — it tolerates wet soil in winter and spring, making it ideal for rain garden areas, meadow plantings, and low spots. Zones 3–9. Full sun to part shade. ‘Blue Danube’ and ‘Caerulea’ offer the deepest purple-blue. Leave to naturalise undisturbed — it spreads slowly by offset and seeds over years.
34. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Hyacinths produce some of the most intensely fragrant purple flowers available — the grape-scented density of a mature spike carries across a garden in still spring air. Zones 4–9 (zones 7–9 require pre-chilling). Full sun, well-drained soil. ‘Deep Purple’ and ‘Amethyst’ are the deepest purple varieties; ‘Blue Jacket’ is a reliable mid-purple. In zones 6 and warmer, hyacinths tend to produce smaller, less formal spikes in subsequent years — many gardeners replant fresh bulbs each fall for peak display.
35. Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
One of the most reliable early spring bulbs — nodding brilliant blue-violet bells on 4–6 inch stems appear in March–April before most bulbs even emerge. It naturalises rapidly in lawns and woodland edges, eventually forming dense colonies of brilliant colour. Zones 2–8. Full sun to part shade, moist well-drained soil. ‘Spring Beauty’ is slightly larger and a deeper blue-violet than the species. Note: technically invasive in some northeastern states — check local regulations before planting in naturalistic settings.
36. Dutch Iris (Iris x hollandica)
Dutch iris blooms May–June on 18–24 inch slender stems with striking upright standards and reflexed falls in violet, blue-purple, and yellow combinations. They are the most popular iris for cutting — the flowers last 7–10 days in the vase. Zones 6–9 (zones 4–5 require mulching). Full sun, well-drained soil. ‘Professor Blaauw’ is a classic rich violet-blue; ‘Blue Magic’ combines blue standards with yellow and white falls.
37. Checkered Lily (Fritillaria meleagris)
One of the most distinctive spring bulbs: small nodding bells with a chess-board pattern of dark purple and grey-white on 10–12 inch stems in April–May. They naturalise in moist meadow grass and damp borders, gradually forming colonies. Zones 3–8. Part shade to full sun, consistently moist soil — unlike most bulbs, fritillaria meleagris tolerates and prefers dampness. Plant 4 inches deep in fall in groups of 10 or more for visual impact.
Purple Flowering Shrubs
Shrubs provide height, structure, and in many cases the longest bloom windows of any purple plant category. Several shrub entries below flower for 3–4 months continuously — a performance no perennial or annual can match.
38. Purple Hydrangea (Hydrangea varieties)
True purple hydrangeas require acidic soil conditions — the aluminium availability in low-pH soils produces the blue-to-purple pigmentation in mophead and lacecap types. On alkaline soil, the same cultivar will flower pink. Zones 5–9. Full sun to part shade, consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil. ‘Nikko Blue’ in amended acidic soil produces intense purple-blue; Endless Summer ‘BloomStruck’ shifts toward rich violet. For complete guidance on varieties, soil amendment for colour, and pruning by species, see our hydrangea growing guide.
39. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
The most intensely fragrant of all flowering shrubs, and the definitive purple bloom of late spring. Common lilac produces dense panicles of flowers in shades from white through pink, lilac, and deep purple on shrubs that eventually reach 8–15 feet. Zones 3–7 (cold winters are essential for flowering — lilacs fail in the deep South without sufficient chill). Full sun, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. ‘Charles Joly’ is the benchmark double dark purple; ‘Sensation’ has purple flowers edged in white. Prune immediately after flowering.
40. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
No shrub attracts butterflies more visibly — a flowering butterfly bush in August is a landmark event in any garden, often carrying 20–30 butterflies simultaneously. Long arching panicles in violet, purple, and blue-purple flower July through October on shrubs 4–8 feet tall. Zones 5–9. Full sun, well-drained soil. Note: B. davidii is invasive in parts of the Pacific Northwest and some eastern states — check local status. ‘Black Knight’ is the darkest violet-purple; ‘Miss Ruby’ is compact and has earned non-invasive certification.
41. Blue Mist Shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
Blue mist shrub fills the late summer gap — it blooms August through October when most shrubs are finished, producing misty blue-purple flower clusters on 2–4 foot mounds of aromatic grey-green foliage. Zones 5–9. Full sun, well-drained to dry soil — excellent drought tolerance. Cut back hard in early spring to 6 inches to promote vigorous new growth; flowers form on new wood. ‘Dark Knight’ has the deepest blue-purple flowers; ‘Petit Bleu’ is a compact cultivar suited to smaller spaces.
42. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
A large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree reaching 10–15 feet, producing candles of violet-blue flowers June through August on aromatic, deeply cut foliage. Chaste tree is one of the most heat- and drought-tolerant flowering shrubs for southern gardens. Zones 6–9. Full sun, well-drained to dry soil. ‘Shoal Creek’ is the most widely available and most florific; ‘Blue Puffball’ stays compact at 4–5 feet. In zones 6–7, stems may die back in hard winters — cut back in spring and the plant rebounds from the base.
43. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon delivers large, tropical-looking flowers — 3–4 inch hollyhock-style blooms in lavender, violet, and blue-purple — from August through October when summer has exhausted most other shrubs. Grows to 8–12 feet tall with an upright habit. Zones 5–9. Full sun to part shade, adaptable to most soils. ‘Minerva’ (lavender with a dark red eye) and ‘Bluebird’ (single violet-blue) are the most popular purple selections. Deadhead spent blooms to prevent prolific self-seeding.
44. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Purple rhododendrons provide some of the most dramatic spring colour available — large trusses of bell-shaped flowers in lavender, violet, and deep purple on evergreen foliage from April–June. Zones 4–9 depending on cultivar. Dappled shade to morning sun, acidic, moist, well-drained soil — rhododendrons fail in alkaline or waterlogged ground. PJM Hybrids are the most cold-hardy (zones 4–6) and produce reliable lavender-purple; ‘Purple Gem’ is compact and deeply coloured. Never plant deeper than the root ball.
Purple Climbing Plants
Purple climbers scale fences, pergolas, arches, and walls — adding vertical dimensions that no ground-level planting can achieve. The six below range from dainty sweet peas reaching 6 feet on a bamboo support to wisterias capable of covering a full house front.
45. Purple Clematis (Clematis varieties)
Clematis is the most versatile purple climber — there are purple-flowering varieties for every pruning group, every bloom season, and every size from 3-foot containers to 15-foot pergola covers. Group 3 varieties like ‘Jackmanii’ (the classic deep purple) and ‘Etoile Violette’ bloom July–September on new wood; Group 2 ‘The President’ produces large violet flowers May–June. Zones 4–9. Full sun to part shade on the vine; cool root zone. Shear Group 3 types to 12 inches in early spring for best performance.
46. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis, W. floribunda)
Wisteria’s cascading violet-blue flower racemes — up to 18 inches long in Japanese wisteria — are among the most spectacular displays in gardening, with a heady fragrance to match. Zones 4–9. Full sun, deep well-drained soil. Caution: W. sinensis and W. floribunda are invasive in parts of the southeastern US. Consider native Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’ as a non-invasive alternative that blooms reliably in hotter climates. All wisterias take 3–7 years from planting to reliable bloom.
47. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning glories are the fastest way to achieve purple on a trellis — they grow 6–10 feet in a single season from direct-sown seed, producing trumpet flowers that open fresh each morning. Annual (zones 10–11 tender perennial). Full sun, average to poor soil — avoid rich soil, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. ‘Grandpa Ott’ is an heirloom selection with deep violet flowers and a magenta star. Soak seed overnight before sowing for reliable germination.
48. Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
Hyacinth bean offers a triple-season display: lavender flower clusters in summer, followed by striking glossy purple seed pods that remain decorative into fall, all on vines with purple-tinged foliage. Annual; grows 10–15 feet in one season. Full sun, average well-drained soil. Start indoors 4 weeks before last frost. Seeds are toxic when raw — treat as ornamental, not edible. ‘Ruby Moon’ is the standard ornamental selection and the deepest purple variety available.
49. Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
A native North American passionflower with extraordinary 3-inch intricate purple and white blooms from June through September on vigorous vines reaching 15–25 feet. A host plant for Gulf Fritillary, Zebra Longwing, and Julia butterflies. The edible passion fruit maypops are a bonus. Zones 5–9 (roots survive zone 5 winters; tops die back in zones 5–7). Full sun, well-drained soil. It spreads by underground runners — plant in a raised bed or install a root barrier if space is limited.
50. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas deliver the fragrance of cottage gardens in purple, violet, lavender, and every intermediate tone — clusters of delicate winged flowers on 5–8 foot tendrilled climbers. Annual; sow in fall for zones 8–11, in early spring for zones 4–7. Full sun, deep, rich, moist soil. ‘Matucana’ is the most intensely fragrant bicolour (maroon and violet); ‘Almost Black’ approaches deep purple; Spencer series provides the largest flowers. Cut daily — sweet peas stop flowering if allowed to set seed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular purple flowers for gardens?
The most widely grown purple garden flowers are lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), catmint (Nepeta), salvia, allium, and clematis. Lavender and catmint combine drought tolerance with long bloom seasons and exceptional fragrance, making them the go-to purple perennials for most American gardens. For spring, alliums and bearded iris are the most popular. For fall, New England asters and butterfly bushes carry purple through to frost.
Which purple flowers come back every year?
All perennials and shrubs listed above return each year: lavender, catmint, salvia, echinacea, bearded iris, asters, liatris, and shrubs like lilac, vitex, and hydrangea. Most bulbs — alliums, camassia, muscari, crocus — also naturalise and return reliably. Verbena bonariensis, though technically tender, self-seeds so freely it effectively returns every year even in cold climates.
What purple flowers attract the most pollinators?
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), agastache, liatris, monarda, and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) are rated among the top pollinator plants in North America. Lavender is among the top five plants for honeybees. Verbena bonariensis is exceptional for butterflies. The anthocyanin pigments that produce purple specifically target the wavelength range most visible to bees, which see into the ultraviolet — purple flowers are biologically optimised for bee attraction.
Do purple flowers need full sun?
Most do, but not all. Full-sun purple flowers include lavender, salvia, alliums, asters, butterfly bush, and most annuals. Part-shade performers include wishbone flower (Torenia), hardy geraniums, bellflowers (Campanula), and rhododendrons. Bearded iris tolerates part shade but flowers less freely. For deep shade, astilbe in purple varieties and woodland violets are reliable options in shaded conditions.
Sources
- University of Minnesota Extension. Flower selection guides and perennial plant profiles for northern climates. extension.umn.edu
- Royal Horticultural Society Plant Finder. Purple flower varieties, cultural requirements, and RHS Award of Garden Merit recipients. rhs.org.uk
- USDA PLANTS Database. Native range, hardiness zones, and habitat data for native purple-flowering species including echinacea, liatris, baptisia, and camassia. plants.usda.gov
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox. Growing information, soil requirements, and regional performance data for ornamental purple-flowering plants. plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Horticulture. Perennial and shrub cultural notes, hardiness data, and cultivar recommendations. hort.extension.wisc.edu
