Perennials With Small Purple Flowers: 10 Low-Maintenance Picks

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever felt that your garden is missing a certain something? You have the big, bold statement flowers, but the overall picture feels… incomplete. It’s a common feeling among gardeners, that search for the perfect texture and color to tie everything together.

I’m here to let you in on a little secret that has transformed my garden beds: the magic of perennials with small purple flowers. These aren’t the show-offs demanding the spotlight; they are the graceful, hardworking team players that bring depth, texture, and a sense of serene beauty to any space.

In this complete guide, I promise to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explore ten of the most reliable and beautiful varieties, I’ll share my best planting and care tips, and we’ll even look at how these plants can create a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem right in your backyard. Get ready to discover your new favorite garden additions!

Why Choose Perennials with Small Purple Flowers? The Unsung Heroes of Your Garden

Before we dive into my favorite picks, let’s talk about why these plants are such a game-changer. Big blooms are fantastic, but the delicate charm of smaller flowers offers unique advantages. This is a core part of our complete perennials with small purple flowers guide.

One of the biggest benefits of perennials with small purple flowers is their versatility. They act as a “filler” and a “weaver,” knitting together different elements of your garden. Their cool purple tones can calm down hot color schemes (like reds and oranges) or create a sophisticated, monochromatic look when paired with other purples, blues, and pinks.

They also create a soft, meadow-like texture that makes a garden feel more natural and inviting. Imagine a gentle haze of purple catmint spilling over a walkway or delicate bellflowers peeking out from behind a hosta leaf. It’s this subtle detail that elevates a garden from good to truly breathtaking.

Finally, many of these plants are absolute magnets for pollinators. The small, numerous flowers are a perfect food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, turning your garden into a lively, buzzing haven. Choosing these plants is a simple step towards more eco-friendly perennials with small purple flowers.

Our Top 10 Low-Maintenance Perennials with Small Purple Flowers

Ready to find the perfect plant for your space? Here are ten of my all-time favorite perennials that are as tough as they are beautiful. Don’t worry—these are perfect for beginners!

1. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

If I could only recommend one plant, it would be Catmint. It produces clouds of tiny, lavender-purple flowers for months on end. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and beloved by bees. It’s the definition of a low-maintenance powerhouse.

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Size: 1-3 ft. tall and wide
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
  • Zones: 3-8

Pro Tip: Shear the plant back by about half after its first major flush of blooms in early summer. You’ll be rewarded with a second, equally stunning show in the fall.

2. English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

No list of purple flowers would be complete without Lavender. Its iconic scent and delicate purple spikes are a staple in cottage and herb gardens. It thrives on neglect, preferring dry soil and full, blazing sun.

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Gritty, well-drained
  • Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
  • Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
  • Zones: 5-9

Pro Tip: Good drainage is non-negotiable for Lavender. If you have heavy clay soil, consider growing it in a raised bed or container with a gritty potting mix.

3. Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Perfect for planting between stepping stones or as a groundcover, Creeping Thyme forms a dense, walkable mat. In early summer, it becomes a carpet of tiny purple-pink flowers that buzzes with happy bees. Plus, it releases a lovely fragrance when you walk on it!

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Size: 2-4 in. tall, spreading wide
  • Bloom Time: Early summer
  • Zones: 4-9

4. Salvia ‘May Night’ (Salvia nemorosa)

This perennial sage is a star performer. ‘May Night’ sends up dozens of deep, violet-purple flower spikes in late spring. It’s incredibly hardy and a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Its upright form provides excellent vertical interest.

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Average, well-drained
  • Size: 18-24 in. tall and wide
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
  • Zones: 4-9
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Pro Tip: Deadheading the spent flower spikes promptly will encourage reblooming throughout the summer.

5. Hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Geranium ‘Rozanne’)

Don’t confuse this with the annual geraniums in window boxes! Hardy Geraniums are tough groundcovers, and ‘Rozanne’ is the queen of them all. She produces a seemingly endless supply of vibrant, violet-blue flowers from late spring until the first frost. She’ll happily weave through other plants in your border.

  • Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained
  • Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
  • Zones: 5-8

6. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

For a spectacular spring show, look no further than Creeping Phlox. This ground-hugging plant is completely covered in a blanket of flowers for several weeks. It’s perfect for rock walls, slopes, and the front of the border. While often seen in pink and white, the lavender and purple varieties are stunning.

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Size: 4-6 in. tall, spreading to 2 ft. wide
  • Bloom Time: Spring
  • Zones: 3-9

7. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

Here’s a fantastic choice for the shadier parts of your garden! Lungwort is prized not only for its clusters of small, bell-shaped purple flowers in early spring but also for its fascinating silver-spotted foliage. It’s one of the first perennials to bloom, providing a vital early food source for bees.

  • Sun: Part Shade to Full Shade
  • Soil: Moist, rich
  • Size: 1 ft. tall and wide
  • Bloom Time: Early spring
  • Zones: 3-9

8. Bellflower (Campanula)

There are many types of Bellflower, but varieties like Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) are perfect for this list. They form low-growing mounds that become covered in small, star-shaped or bell-shaped violet flowers. They are perfect for rock gardens or spilling over walls.

  • Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Size: 6-8 in. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
  • Zones: 4-8

9. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)

An incredibly tough, evergreen groundcover for shady areas where little else will grow. Vinca Minor produces charming, pinwheel-shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers in spring. It can be an aggressive spreader, so it’s best used in contained areas or large spaces where it can roam freely.

  • Sun: Part Shade to Full Shade
  • Soil: Adaptable to most soils
  • Size: 4-6 in. tall, spreading indefinitely
  • Bloom Time: Spring
  • Zones: 4-9

10. Liriope (Lilyturf)

Often used as an edging plant for its grass-like foliage, Liriope surprises with spikes of tiny, grape-hyacinth-like purple flowers in late summer. It’s incredibly tough, tolerating drought, shade, and sun. A true problem-solver plant!

  • Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
  • Soil: Adaptable
  • Size: 1 ft. tall and wide
  • Bloom Time: Late summer
  • Zones: 5-10

Your Complete Perennials with Small Purple Flowers Guide: Planting for Success

You’ve picked your plants, now what? Following a few perennials with small purple flowers best practices during planting will set them up for a long and healthy life. This is the most crucial part of learning how to perennials with small purple flowers.

Step 1: Site Selection is Key

Observe your garden. Where does the sun hit and for how long? Match your chosen plant’s needs (full sun, part shade, etc.) to the right spot. Most of the sun-lovers on our list need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom their best.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Most perennials thrive in well-drained soil. If you have heavy clay, amend it by mixing in compost or pine bark fines to improve its structure and drainage. This single step can make a huge difference!

Step 3: The Planting Process

  1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the plant’s container and just as deep.
  2. Gently remove the plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly wound (root-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers.
  3. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  4. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
  5. Water deeply and thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle in.

The Ultimate Care Guide for Thriving Purple Blooms

The beauty of these perennials is their resilience, but a little ongoing care will keep them looking spectacular. This perennials with small purple flowers care guide is simple and straightforward.

Watering Wisely

For the first year, water your new perennials regularly to help them establish a strong root system. After that, most of the plants on our list (especially Lavender, Catmint, and Salvia) are quite drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

To Feed or Not to Feed?

Go easy on the fertilizer! Many of these perennials, particularly those native to Mediterranean climates, prefer lean soil. Too much fertilizer can lead to floppy growth and fewer flowers. A top-dressing of compost once a year in the spring is usually all they need.

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Pruning and Deadheading

Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can encourage plants like Salvia and Hardy Geraniums to rebloom. For mounding plants like Catmint and Creeping Phlox, a light shearing after their main bloom period will keep them tidy and can promote a second, smaller wave of flowers.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gardening with Purple Perennials

Choosing the right plants is a cornerstone of sustainable gardening. By incorporating these purple powerhouses, you’re already on your way to a more eco-friendly garden. These are truly sustainable perennials with small purple flowers.

Many of these plants, once established, are drought-tolerant, which helps conserve water. Their dense growth can also act as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and reducing the need for chemical herbicides. Most importantly, their flowers provide a continuous source of nectar for pollinators from early spring (Lungwort) to late fall (Catmint), supporting a healthy local ecosystem.

Solving Common Problems with Perennials with Small Purple Flowers

Even the toughest plants can run into trouble. Here are some solutions to common problems with perennials with small purple flowers.

Leggy or Floppy Growth

This is often a sign of too much shade or too much fertilizer. Plants like Catmint and Salvia can flop open in the center. You can use a hoop-style plant support or simply prune them back by a third in late spring to encourage sturdier, more compact growth.

Powdery Mildew

Creeping Phlox and some Salvias can be susceptible to this white, dusty-looking fungus, especially in humid weather. Ensure good air circulation by giving plants enough space. If it appears, you can use a horticultural oil or a simple spray of one part milk to nine parts water.

Pests

The good news? Many of these plants, like Lavender and Catmint, are aromatic and naturally repel pests like aphids and deer. If you do see aphids, a strong blast of water from the hose is often enough to dislodge them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perennials with Small Purple Flowers

Which of these perennials is best for a shady spot?

For shady or part-shade gardens, your best bets are Lungwort (Pulmonaria) and Vinca Minor (Periwinkle). Hardy Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and Bellflower can also tolerate part-shade, especially in hotter climates.

Are any of these small purple perennials deer-resistant?

Yes! Deer tend to avoid plants with fuzzy or fragrant leaves. Catmint (Nepeta), Lavender (Lavandula), and Salvia are excellent deer-resistant choices. Lungwort is also generally left alone by deer.

How do I keep my creeping perennials from taking over?

For vigorous spreaders like Vinca Minor or even Creeping Thyme, the best method is containment. Use a garden spade to edge around the patch once a year in the spring, cutting back any runners that have strayed out of bounds. This is a simple and effective way to keep them in their designated spot.

Can I grow these perennials in containers?

Absolutely! Lavender, Salvia, Catmint, and Hardy Geraniums do wonderfully in containers. Just make sure your pot has excellent drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Container plants will also require more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Your Garden’s Purple Haze Awaits

There you have it—a deep dive into the wonderful world of perennials with small purple flowers. These plants are more than just a pretty face; they are the reliable, hardworking backbone of a beautiful, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly garden.

They soften edges, attract pollinators, and provide a calming color that complements everything around them. By choosing a few of these varieties, you are investing in years of effortless beauty that will return again and again.

So go ahead, find a sunny spot for some Catmint or a shady corner for some Lungwort. I promise you won’t regret adding these little purple gems to your garden family. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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