Purple flowers add a pop of royal color to any garden. These eye-catching blooms come in many shades, from soft lavender to deep violet. They can create a calming atmosphere or make a bold statement in your outdoor space.
Growing purple flowers can be easy and rewarding for gardeners of all skill levels. With so many types to choose from, you’re sure to find options that suit your garden’s conditions. Whether you want tall spikes of flowers or low-growing ground covers, there’s a purple bloom for every spot in your yard.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Lavender
Lavender is a beloved purple flower known for its soothing scent and delicate beauty. This fragrant herb has been cherished for centuries.
- Botanical Name: Lavandula
- Meaning: Purity, devotion, serenity
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, sandy
- Water Needs: Low
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer
You can easily grow lavender in your garden or in pots. It thrives in sunny spots with good air circulation. Plant it in soil that drains well to prevent root rot.
Lavender comes in many varieties, from English to French to Spanish. Each type has its own unique charm. The flowers range from pale lilac to deep purple.
You’ll love how lavender attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. It’s also great for dried arrangements and sachets. With proper care, your lavender plants will provide beauty and fragrance for years to come.
2. Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflower is a beautiful and hardy perennial. It’s native to North America and easy to grow in many gardens.
- Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Meaning: Strength and health
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can grow purple coneflower from seeds or plants. If you start from seeds, sow them indoors about 5 weeks before spring. Or scatter them directly in your garden after the last frost.
These flowers love full sun but can handle some shade. They need well-draining soil and moderate water. Once established, they’re quite drought-tolerant.
Purple coneflower blooms from summer to fall. The large, daisy-like flowers have drooping purple petals and spiky orange centers. They attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
These plants are low-maintenance and disease-resistant. They make great cut flowers and can even be used in herbal remedies.
3. African Daisy
African daisies bring a burst of purple to your garden. These cheerful flowers have daisy-like petals in shades ranging from light lavender to deep purple.
- Botanical Name: Osteospermum
- Meaning: Innocence and purity
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can grow African daisies as annuals in cooler areas. They work great in borders, containers, and rock gardens.
These plants are easy to care for and bloom for a long time. They like cool nights and warm days.
Water your African daisies when the soil feels dry. Deadhead spent blooms to keep them flowering.
In hot climates, give them some afternoon shade. This will help the plants keep blooming through summer.
4. Bellflower
Bellflowers are charming purple blooms that can add a whimsical touch to your garden. These delicate flowers come in various shades of purple, from soft lavender to deep violet.
- Botanical Name: Campanula
- Meaning: Gratitude
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Medium
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
You can find many types of bellflowers, like the Serbian bellflower, which creates a stunning display of star-shaped blooms. Some varieties, such as “Sarastro,” produce large, drooping bells in a rich violet-purple color.
Bellflowers are great for rock gardens, cottage gardens, or as ground cover. They’re easy to grow and care for, making them a good choice for both new and seasoned gardeners.
With proper care, these purple beauties will bloom from spring to fall, giving you months of colorful enjoyment in your outdoor space.
5. Clematis
Clematis is a stunning purple flower that can add a touch of elegance to your garden. These climbing vines produce beautiful blooms that come in various shades of purple.
- Botanical Name: Clematis
- Meaning: Mental beauty
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can find many purple clematis varieties to suit your garden. The ‘Jackmanii’ is a popular choice with rich purple flowers that bloom in summer.
Another option is the ‘Etoile Violette’, which has deep purple flowers that can reach 3 to 4 inches wide. This variety typically grows 10 to 12 feet tall.
Clematis vines look great climbing up trellises, fences, or walls. With proper care, you can enjoy their lovely purple blooms throughout the growing season.
6. Lilac
Lilacs are beloved spring-blooming shrubs that fill gardens with their sweet fragrance. You’ll love their clusters of tiny purple flowers that create a stunning display.
- Botanical Name: Syringa vulgaris
- Meaning: [First love](https://morflora.com/lilac-flower-meaning/), youthful innocence
- Growing Zones: 3-7
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, slightly alkaline
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring
Lilacs come in many shades of purple, from pale lavender to deep violet. You can find compact varieties that fit small spaces or larger shrubs that make a big impact.
These hardy plants are easy to grow and can live for decades with proper care. Plant them where you can enjoy their scent near windows or walkways.
Lilacs attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding even more beauty to your garden. With the right conditions, you’ll have a stunning purple display every spring.
7. Iris
Irises are stunning purple flowers that add elegance to any garden. These perennials come in various shades of purple, from deep violet to soft lavender.
- Botanical Name: Iris germanica
- Meaning: Faith, wisdom, and valor
- Growing Zones: 3-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You can grow irises easily in your garden. They prefer full sun but can handle some shade. Make sure to plant them in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Irises come in different heights, from 6 inches to 4 feet tall. This makes them great for both borders and as focal points in your flower beds.
These flowers have a sweet scent that will make your garden smell lovely. You can also cut them for indoor displays. When the bottom buds turn purple, snip them for a beautiful vase arrangement.
8. Wisteria
Wisteria is a stunning purple flowering vine that can add a romantic touch to any garden. Its cascading clusters of fragrant blooms are a sight to behold.
- Botanical Name: Wisteria
- Meaning: Love, longevity, wisdom
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
You can grow wisteria as a climbing vine or train it into a tree form. It’s perfect for pergolas, arbors, and fences.
Wisteria comes in various shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet. The ‘Royal Purple’ variety offers some of the darkest purple blooms.
Be patient with your wisteria, as it may take a few years to start flowering. Once established, it can grow quite vigorously, so regular pruning is important.
9. Foxglove
Foxgloves are stunning purple flowers that add vertical interest to any garden. These tall, elegant plants produce clusters of bell-shaped blooms on long spikes.
- Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
- Meaning: Insincerity
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
You can easily grow foxgloves in your garden. They prefer cooler climates and do well in partial shade. Plant them 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Foxgloves are biennial, meaning they bloom in their second year. They self-seed readily, so you’ll have flowers year after year. Be careful, though – all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.
These purple beauties attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to your garden. They make great cut flowers too, adding a touch of drama to your indoor arrangements.
10. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are stunning purple flowers that can bring a pop of color to your garden. These showy blooms come in various shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet.
- Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
- Meaning: Gratitude and understanding
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can find many purple hydrangea varieties to suit your garden. The ‘Let’s Dance Moonlight’ is a popular choice with its beautiful mophead flowers that bloom all summer.
Another option is the ‘Mariesii’ variety, which has lacecap flowers that can range from blue to purple. The color of your hydrangeas may change based on your soil’s acidity.
To keep your purple hydrangeas happy, make sure they get enough water and partial shade. With proper care, these lovely flowers will bring joy to your garden year after year.
11. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a stunning purple flower that can add beauty to your garden. This versatile plant comes in many varieties and shades of purple.
- Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
- Meaning: Wisdom and longevity
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can easily grow salvia in your garden. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens.
Salvia is drought-tolerant once established, so you don’t need to water it often. This makes it perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
To keep your salvia looking its best, trim it back after the first bloom. This will encourage more flowers to grow throughout the season.
12. Viola
Violas are charming flowers that bring a splash of purple to your garden. These dainty blooms come in various shades, from soft lavender to deep violet.
- Botanical Name: Viola
- Meaning: Modesty and innocence
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, moist soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
You’ll love how easy violas are to grow. They’re perfect for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Plant them in your flower beds or containers for a pop of color.
Violas are great for adding charm to your garden edges or filling in empty spots. They look lovely when paired with other spring flowers like daffodils and tulips.
These little flowers are tough despite their delicate appearance. They can handle cooler temperatures and will often bloom again in the fall if you keep them well-watered.
13. Periwinkle
Periwinkle flowers add a lovely purple touch to your garden. These small, delicate blooms spread easily and make great ground cover.
- Botanical Name: Vinca minor
- Meaning: Friendship, remembrance
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can plant periwinkle in spring or early fall. Space them 12-18 inches apart to give them room to spread. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil moist for the first 6-10 weeks.
These hardy plants grow 3-6 inches tall and can spread up to 2 feet wide. They’re great for filling in bare spots in your garden or adding color to shaded areas.
Periwinkles bloom from spring through fall, giving you months of pretty purple flowers. Their dark green leaves stay attractive year-round, making them a nice choice for winter interest too.
14. Pasque Flower
Pasque flowers are stunning purple blooms that appear in early spring. They’re a cheerful sight after a long winter.
- Botanical Name: Pulsatilla vulgaris
- Meaning: Resilience
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Low
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Early spring
You’ll love how these flowers nod gently in the breeze. Their cup-shaped blooms come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
Pasque flowers are easy to grow. Plant them in a sunny spot with good drainage. They don’t need much water once established.
These plants bloom for about two months. After flowering, they develop fuzzy seed heads that add interest to your garden.
You can start pasque flowers from seeds. Chill them in the fridge for a few weeks before planting. Spread them on soil and cover lightly.
15. Verbena
Verbena adds a lovely purple touch to gardens. These flowers come in many varieties, from low-growing types to tall, airy plants.
- Botanical Name: Verbena bonariensis
- Meaning: Cooperation
- Growing Zones: 7-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can plant verbena in borders or containers. They attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
Verbena bonariensis, also called purpletop vervain, grows tall with small purple flowers. It can reach up to 6 feet in height.
These plants are easy to care for. They like full sun and well-draining soil. Water them when the soil feels dry.
Verbenas bloom from summer to fall. You can deadhead spent flowers to keep them blooming longer.
16. Anemone
Anemones are charming flowers that add a pop of purple to your garden. These delicate blooms sway in the breeze, earning them the nickname “windflowers.”
- Botanical Name: Anemone coronaria
- Meaning: Anticipation
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring or fall
You can find anemones in shades of lavender, violet, and deep purple. They’re easy to grow and perfect for borders or containers.
Plant your anemones in the spring or fall, depending on the variety. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. These flowers like cool weather and will bloom for several weeks.
Anemones attract bees and butterflies to your garden. They’re also great for cutting and will last a while in vases. With proper care, you’ll enjoy these purple beauties year after year.
17. Aster
Asters bring vibrant purple blooms to your garden in late summer and fall. These daisy-like flowers attract butterflies and add cheer to any landscape.
- Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum
- Meaning: Star
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
You can find many purple aster varieties to suit your garden. Some popular choices include ‘Purple Dome’ and ‘Raydon’s Favorite’. These plants grow in clumps and can reach heights of 1 to 5 feet.
To keep your asters looking their best, cut them back by about a third in early summer. This promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Make sure to give them enough space to spread out as they grow.
18. Columbine
Columbine flowers bring a splash of purple to your garden. These charming blooms have a unique shape with spurred petals that resemble a jester’s hat.
- Botanical Name: Aquilegia
- Meaning: Foolishness or Folly
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, Rich
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
You can easily grow columbines in your garden. They like cool weather and do well in partial shade. Plant them in spring or fall in rich, well-draining soil.
Water your columbines regularly, but don’t let the soil get too wet. These pretty flowers will bloom from spring to early summer, adding color to your garden.
Columbines come in many shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making your garden a lively place.
19. Delphinium
Delphiniums are stunning purple flowers that can add height and drama to your garden. These towering beauties are sure to catch your eye with their vibrant spikes of blooms.
- Botanical Name: Delphinium
- Meaning: Openness to new experiences
- Growing Zones: 3-7
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
You’ll love the variety of purple shades delphiniums offer, from soft lavender to deep indigo. These flowers can grow quite tall, reaching up to 6 feet in some varieties.
Delphiniums are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden beds or borders. They also make great cut flowers for bouquets.
When planting delphiniums, choose a spot protected from strong winds. These tall flowers may need staking to keep them upright.
With proper care, your delphiniums will reward you with beautiful purple blooms year after year. They’re sure to become a favorite in your garden!
20. Gladiolus
Gladiolus flowers bring tall, elegant spikes of colorful blooms to your garden. These stunning purple flowers come in shades from soft lavender to deep violet.
- Botanical Name: Gladiolus
- Meaning: Strength and integrity
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
You can plant gladiolus corms in spring for beautiful summer blooms. These flowers work great as cut flowers or tall garden accents.
Purple gladiolus varieties like ‘Purple Flora’ have velvety, ruffled petals. The flowers open from bottom to top on tall spikes, giving you weeks of color.
Gladiolus plants need full sun and good air flow. Give them rich, well-draining soil and water regularly. Stake tall varieties to keep them upright in wind.
21. Hebe
Hebe is a lovely purple-flowering shrub that can add charm to your garden. These compact plants are native to New Zealand and offer pretty blooms throughout spring and summer.
- Botanical Name: Hebe buxifolia
- Meaning: Named after the Greek goddess of youth
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Well-draining
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
You’ll love the small, purple flowers that appear on 2-inch racemes. The ‘Patty’s Purple’ variety is a popular choice, with its spreading habit and dark green leaves.
Hebes are easy to grow and care for. They work well in rock gardens, mixed borders, or containers. These shrubs can reach about 50 cm in height and spread, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
Plant your hebe in well-draining soil and give it regular water. It thrives in full sun but can handle some shade too. With proper care, you’ll enjoy its pretty purple blooms year after year.
22. Heather
Heather is a charming purple flower that adds beauty to gardens. This low-growing shrub produces tiny, bell-shaped blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white.
- Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
- Meaning: Good luck, protection
- Growing Zones: 4-6
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, acidic
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
You can plant heather in rocky areas or poor soil. It’s great for adding color to your garden during colder months. Heather is easy to care for and doesn’t need much attention.
This plant attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. It’s perfect for rock gardens or as ground cover. You can also use it in containers or as border plants.
With proper care, your heather will bloom for many years. It’s a tough plant that can handle harsh conditions. You’ll love the pop of purple it brings to your outdoor space.
23. Morning Glory
Morning glories are charming purple flowers that bring beauty to your garden. These climbing vines can quickly cover fences and trellises with their heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-like blooms.
- Botanical Name: Ipomoea purpurea
- Meaning: Love, affection
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
You can easily grow morning glories from seeds. Plant them in spring after the last frost. These fast-growing vines need support to climb, so give them a trellis or fence.
Morning glories like full sun and moist soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells. They bloom from summer to fall, opening their flowers in the morning and closing them in the evening.
Be careful where you plant them, as they can spread quickly. Some gardeners see them as invasive. With proper care, you’ll enjoy a stunning display of purple flowers throughout the growing season.
24. Pansy
Pansies are charming flowers that bring a pop of purple to your garden. These cheerful blooms have “faces” that seem to smile at you.
- Botanical Name: Viola × wittrockiana
- Meaning: Loving thoughts
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring and fall
You can find pansies in many shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet. Some varieties even have pretty patterns or contrasting colors in the center.
Pansies are easy to grow and perfect for beginners. You can plant them in garden beds or containers. They love cool weather, so they’re great for early spring or fall gardens.
These flowers are small but tough. They can handle light frost and keep blooming for weeks. With proper care, your pansies will reward you with lots of colorful blooms.
25. Petunia
Petunias are popular garden flowers known for their trumpet-shaped blooms. They come in many shades of purple, from soft lavender to deep violet.
- Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida
- Meaning: Anger, resentment
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
You can find many purple petunia varieties to add to your garden. Some popular choices include ‘Royal Velvet’, ‘Storm Deep Blue’, and ‘Picasso in Purple’.
Petunias are easy to grow and make great additions to hanging baskets, window boxes, and flower beds. They bloom all summer long, providing a burst of purple color to your outdoor spaces.
To keep your petunias looking their best, give them plenty of sunlight and water regularly. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers throughout the season.