What Type Of Flowers Are Purple – 17 Stunning Varieties For A Majestic

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in your garden, picturing a cascade of rich, royal color, but felt unsure where to start? You know you want that calming, majestic feel that only purple can bring, but the options seem endless and a little overwhelming.

I promise you, creating that dream garden is easier than you think. As a lifelong gardener, I’ve learned that the secret isn’t just knowing the flowers, but understanding their unique personalities and needs. It’s about finding the perfect purple partner for your specific space and style.

In this complete guide, we’ll explore exactly what type of flowers are purple, from sun-loving annuals to hardy perennials. We’ll dive into a curated list of 17 stunning varieties, share a practical care guide, and even offer design tips to make your garden truly sing. Let’s get started!

Why Choose Purple? The Surprising Benefits of Purple Flowers in Your Garden

Before we jump into our list, let’s talk about why purple is such a powerhouse color in the garden. Its appeal goes far beyond just looking beautiful. Adding this hue brings a wealth of benefits to your outdoor space.

First, purple conveys a sense of calm, luxury, and creativity. Deep, velvety purples can create a dramatic, sophisticated mood, while lighter lavenders and lilacs feel serene and peaceful. It’s an incredibly versatile color that can adapt to any garden style you’re aiming for.

One of the key benefits of what type of flowers are purple is their incredible appeal to pollinators. Bees, in particular, are highly attracted to shades of purple, blue, and violet. Planting purple flowers is a wonderful way to support these essential creatures, making your garden a lively, buzzing ecosystem. This is a core principle of creating an eco-friendly what type of flowers are purple garden.

Our Top Picks: What Type of Flowers Are Purple and Perfect for Your Garden

Ready for the main event? This comprehensive what type of flowers are purple guide will walk you through 17 of our absolute favorite purple blooms. We’ve included a mix of annuals, perennials, bulbs, and climbers to fit every garden need.

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

No list of purple flowers is complete without Lavender. Its iconic fragrance and silvery foliage make it a garden classic. It’s perfect for borders, herb gardens, or pots where you can enjoy its scent up close.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun (6+ hours)
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly alkaline
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-9
  • Pro Tip: Prune it back by about one-third in early spring to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from getting woody.

2. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

If you want a hardworking, long-blooming perennial, look no further than Salvia. Its spiky purple flowers are a magnet for bees and hummingbirds, and it’s incredibly drought-tolerant once established. ‘May Night’ and ‘Caradonna’ are two fantastic deep purple varieties.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Average, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Pro Tip: Deadhead the first flush of flowers right after they fade, and you’ll often be rewarded with a second bloom in late summer.

3. Allium (Allium giganteum)

For a touch of drama and whimsy, Alliums are unbeatable. These “ornamental onions” send up tall, slender stalks topped with globe-shaped clusters of tiny purple flowers in late spring. They look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book!

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Pro Tip: Plant Allium bulbs in the fall. Their foliage dies back before the flowers appear, so plant them among other perennials like Hostas or Peonies to hide the fading leaves.

4. Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

A classic for a reason! Petunias are cheerful annuals that provide non-stop color all summer long. They come in every shade of purple imaginable, from pale lilac to nearly black. They are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and filling in gaps in your garden beds.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: Annual (all zones)
  • Pro Tip: To keep them blooming profusely, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

5. Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)

The intricate, velvety petals of the Bearded Iris are simply breathtaking. These elegant perennials come in a vast range of purples, often with beautiful contrasting colors on their “falls” (the drooping petals). They add a touch of timeless grace to any garden.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-9
  • Pro Tip: When planting iris rhizomes (their root structure), make sure the top is slightly exposed to the sun. If you bury them too deep, they may not bloom.

6. Clematis (Clematis)

Want to add some vertical interest? Clematis is your answer. This stunning vine will happily scramble up a trellis, fence, or arbor, covering it in spectacular purple blossoms. ‘Jackmanii’ is a popular, reliable, and deep purple variety.

  • Sun Needs: Full sun on the leaves, but cool, shaded roots.
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Pro Tip: Plant a low-growing perennial or place a layer of mulch at the base of your Clematis to keep its roots cool—they call this the “cool feet” method!
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7. Catmint (Nepeta)

Don’t worry—this isn’t the aggressive catnip you might be thinking of! Catmint is a wonderfully behaved perennial with clouds of hazy, lavender-blue flowers and fragrant, gray-green foliage. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Average, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-8
  • Pro Tip: Shear the plant back by half after its first major bloom to keep it tidy and encourage a second wave of flowers.

8. Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

Just when your summer garden starts to fade, Asters burst onto the scene. These daisy-like flowers provide a crucial late-season source of nectar for pollinators and bring a welcome splash of vibrant purple to the autumn landscape.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Pro Tip: Pinch back the stems in early summer (before July 4th) to create a bushier, more compact plant that won’t flop over when it’s covered in blooms.

9. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Airy, delicate, and a true pollinator favorite. Tall Verbena has wiry stems topped with clusters of tiny purple flowers. It creates a see-through effect, allowing you to plant it at the front of a border without blocking the view of plants behind it.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Average, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 7-11 (often grown as an annual)
  • Pro Tip: This plant readily self-seeds, so you’ll have new volunteers popping up next year. If you don’t want them, they are very easy to pull up.

10. Bellflower (Campanula)

With charming, bell-shaped flowers, Campanula adds a touch of cottage-garden romance. There are many varieties, from low-growing groundcovers to tall, stately spires, all offering beautiful shades of purple and violet-blue.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Moist, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (varies by species)
  • Pro Tip: Taller varieties may need staking to prevent them from flopping over in wind or heavy rain.

11. Lupine (Lupinus)

Lupines create stunning, dense spires of flowers that look like colorful skyscrapers in the garden. They are a fantastic choice for adding vertical height and a bold splash of color in late spring and early summer.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Pro Tip: Lupines have a long taproot and don’t like to be moved, so choose their permanent home carefully when you first plant them.

12. Anemone (Anemone)

Also known as Windflower, Anemones offer simple, poppy-like blooms that dance in the breeze. Fall-blooming varieties like ‘Honorine Jobert’ (white) have purple cousins that bring elegant color to the garden when other plants are winding down.

  • Sun Needs: Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Moist, rich, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Pro Tip: They can spread by underground runners to form a beautiful colony, so give them a little space to roam.

13. Wisteria (Wisteria)

For a truly breathtaking display, nothing compares to a Wisteria vine in full bloom. Its long, draping clusters of fragrant purple flowers are the definition of garden romance. However, it requires a very sturdy support and regular, aggressive pruning to keep it in check.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Fertile, moist, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 5-9
  • Pro Tip: Be patient! Wisteria can take several years to start blooming, but the show is well worth the wait. Choose a plant grown from a cutting, not a seed, for faster blooms.

14. Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)

With their cheerful “faces,” pansies are a cool-weather favorite for spring and fall containers and borders. They come in stunning deep purples, often with contrasting yellow or white markings.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: Annual (all zones)
  • Pro Tip: Regular deadheading is the key to keeping pansies producing flowers throughout their season.

15. Crocus (Crocus vernus)

One of the very first signs of spring! The sight of a purple crocus pushing up through the last remnants of snow is pure joy. These small bulbs are perfect for planting in lawns, under trees, or at the front of borders.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-8
  • Pro Tip: Plant them in large drifts of 25 or more for the most impactful display.

16. Gladiolus (Gladiolus)

Tall, dramatic spikes of flowers make Gladiolus a fantastic cutting flower. The funnel-shaped blooms open from the bottom up, providing a long-lasting display in both the garden and the vase. They come in gorgeous shades of deep purple and lavender.

  • Sun Needs: Full Sun
  • Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining
  • Hardiness Zones: 8-10 (corms can be lifted and stored over winter in colder zones)
  • Pro Tip: Plant the corms at different intervals (every two weeks) in the spring for a continuous supply of blooms throughout the summer.

17. Monkshood (Aconitum)

For a shady spot in the garden, Monkshood is an excellent choice. It produces tall spires of hooded, deep purple-blue flowers in late summer. It adds architectural height and rich color to woodland garden settings. Important Note: All parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested, so plant with caution and wear gloves when handling.

  • Sun Needs: Part Shade
  • Soil Type: Moist, rich
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-7
  • Pro Tip: It prefers consistently moist soil and will struggle in hot, dry conditions.
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How to Grow Purple Flowers: A Simple Care Guide for Vibrant Blooms

Now that you’ve picked your favorites, let’s talk care. Following a few what type of flowers are purple best practices will ensure your plants thrive. This simple what type of flowers are purple care guide covers the basics.

Getting the Light Right: Sun vs. Shade

The most important rule in gardening is “right plant, right place.” Pay close attention to the sun requirements for each flower. “Full sun” means 6 or more hours of direct sunlight, while “part shade” is typically 4-6 hours, ideally in the morning.

Soil Prep: The Foundation of Success

Most flowers love rich, well-draining soil. Before planting, amend your garden beds with a few inches of compost. This improves soil structure, adds nutrients, and helps with water retention. Good soil is the foundation of a healthy garden!

Watering Wisely for Healthy Roots

Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages roots to grow down into the soil, making plants more resilient. It’s better to give your garden a good, long soak once or twice a week than a light sprinkle every day. Check the soil with your finger; if it’s dry an inch or two down, it’s time to water.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Purple Gardening Practices

Creating a beautiful garden can and should go hand-in-hand with supporting the environment. A focus on sustainable what type of flowers are purple choices makes your garden a healthier place for you and for local wildlife.

Choose native purple flowers like Asters or Joe Pye Weed when possible. These plants are adapted to your local climate and provide essential food and habitat for native pollinators. Grouping plants with similar water needs also helps conserve water, a key part of eco-friendly gardening.

Common Problems with Purple Flowers (and How to Solve Them!)

Even experienced gardeners face challenges! Here are a few common problems with what type of flowers are purple and how to troubleshoot them.

Fading Colors: Is It Too Much Sun?

Sometimes, intense afternoon sun can cause the rich pigments in purple flowers to fade. If you notice this, especially on plants like Pansies or Clematis, check if they might appreciate a little more afternoon shade.

Pests and Diseases to Watch For

Powdery mildew, a white dusty film on leaves, can be an issue for plants like Phlox and Asters. Ensure good air circulation by giving plants enough space. Aphids can be blasted off with a strong spray of water from the hose.

Why Aren’t My Flowers Blooming?

This common frustration usually comes down to three things: not enough sun, too much nitrogen fertilizer (which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers), or improper pruning (especially for vines like Wisteria or Clematis).

Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Flowers

What are the easiest purple flowers for beginners to grow?

For beginners, I highly recommend Catmint (Nepeta), Salvia, and Petunias. They are all very forgiving, require minimal fuss, and provide a huge floral payoff for your efforts. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners!

Are there any purple flowers that bloom all summer?

Absolutely! Annuals like Petunias and Verbena are workhorses that will bloom from spring until the first frost. For perennials, ‘Walker’s Low’ Catmint and many varieties of Salvia have an incredibly long bloom time, especially if you deadhead them.

Can I grow purple flowers in containers?

Yes! Many purple flowers are fantastic for containers. Petunias, Lavender, Salvia, Pansies, and smaller varieties of Bellflower all do wonderfully in pots. Just make sure your container has good drainage holes.

What do purple flowers symbolize?

Historically, purple has been associated with royalty, nobility, and wealth because purple dye was once rare and expensive. In the language of flowers, they can also symbolize dignity, success, creativity, and admiration.

Your Majestic Purple Garden Awaits

There you have it—a deep dive into the wonderful world of purple flowers. From the fragrant spikes of Lavender to the dramatic globes of Alliums, there is a perfect purple plant waiting to bring its magic to your garden.

Remember, the key is to choose plants that fit your climate and light conditions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations and textures. The most beautiful gardens are the ones filled with love, care, and a little bit of creative fun.

Now, go forth and grow! Your stunning purple paradise is just a few plants away.

Rimon Chowdhury
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