Purple flowers have an undeniable charm and beauty that can instantly elevate any garden. The color purple is traditionally associated with royalty and luxury, as well as creativity and spirituality. Thus, with their captivating hues ranging from soft lavender to deep violet, these blossoms can bring a sense of tranquility and sophistication to any space.
The list of the most popular types of purple flowers includes everything from lovely lavender to spiky salvia and dramatic delphinium, and each one has its own specific requirements for sun exposure, soil, and more. Before you go planting any of these stunning purple blooms in your garden, learn more about each one in this informative guide.
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Known for its soothing fragrance and delicate purple spikes, lavender is a versatile herb that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It attracts pollinators and can be used for culinary purposes or in dried arrangements.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
2. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus spp.)
With its clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped flowers, hyacinth is a popular spring bulb known for its vibrant purple, pink, or white blooms. It's perfect for borders, beds, or containers.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-8
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
3. Iris (Iris spp.)
Irises are iconic flowers available in various colors, including stunning purple varieties. Their distinctive, delicate petals and sword-like foliage make them eye-catching additions to any garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
4. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
Clematis vines offer an abundance of breathtaking blooms in various colors, including rich purple hues. These climbers are perfect for trellises, fences, or arbors, adding vertical interest to your garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 4-9)
Bloom time: Spring to fall (depending on the variety)
5. Allium (Allium spp.)
Alliums are unique globe-shaped flowers that come in stunning shades of purple, among other colors. They add a whimsical touch to the garden and are loved by pollinators.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
6. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia plants are known for their spiky flower stalks and aromatic leaves. With various shades of purple, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a delightful addition to any garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 4-9)
Bloom time: Summer to fall
7. Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena is a low-maintenance perennial with clusters of tiny, vibrant flowers. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or cascading over garden walls and borders.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 6-10)
Bloom time: Spring to fall
8. Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Balloon flowers feature unique balloon-like buds that burst open to reveal star-shaped blooms. Their long-lasting flowers and compact growth habit make them suitable for borders or containers.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-8
Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall
9. Bellflower (Campanula spp.)
Bellflowers are charming perennials with bell-shaped flowers. They come in various heights and make excellent additions to rock gardens, borders, or cottage-style landscapes.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 3-9)
Bloom time: Spring to fall
10. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbines are delicate, nodding flowers with distinctive spurs and intricate petals. Their purple varieties attract hummingbirds and add a touch of whimsy to any garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 3-9)
Bloom time: Spring to early summer
11. Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Delphiniums are tall, majestic plants that produce towering spikes adorned with densely packed, vibrant flowers. These herbaceous perennials make a dramatic statement when planted in a garden.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 3-7
Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer
12. Spiderwort (Tradescantia spp.)
Spiderworts are resilient perennials with grass-like foliage and clusters of small, star-shaped purple flowers. They add a splash of color to borders or woodland gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 4-9)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
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13. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial with aromatic silver-gray foliage and delicate spikes of lavender-purple flowers. It's an excellent choice for hot and dry areas.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Summer to fall
14. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a hardy perennial known for its gray-green foliage and profusion of small, lavender-purple flowers. It's attractive to bees and butterflies, and makes a lovely border or ground cover.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 3-9)
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
15. Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Pansies are popular annual flowers with velvety petals and a wide range of vibrant colors, including enchanting shades of purple. They are ideal for containers, borders, or bedding displays.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 6-11
Bloom time: Spring to fall
16. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a culinary herb with aromatic gray-green leaves. It produces lovely purple flowers in summer, attracting bees and adding a touch of color to herb gardens or borders.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Summer
17. Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
Sweet peas are fragrant annual vines that bear clusters of delicate, ruffled flowers. They are popular for their heavenly scent and make stunning additions to trellises or fences.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 2-11 (varies by species)
Bloom time: Spring to summer
18. Morning glory (Ipomoea spp.)
Morning glories are fast-growing annual vines with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. Purple varieties add a vibrant splash of color and create a captivating vertical display.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 3-11)
Bloom time: Summer to fall
19. Orchid (Orchidaceae family)
Orchids are elegant and exotic flowering plants known for their intricate and stunning blooms. Purple orchids, such as the phalaenopsis or cattleya, create an air of sophistication and beauty in indoor or greenhouse environments.
Sun exposure: Varies by species (typically bright, indirect light)
Soil needs: Orchid-specific potting mix
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 6-11)
Bloom time: Varies by species
20. Camellia (Camellia spp.)
Camellias are evergreen shrubs with glossy foliage and showy, rose-like flowers. Certain varieties, such as the "Purple Dawn," display enchanting blooms that add elegance to shaded areas.
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 7-10)
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
21. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxgloves are biennial or short-lived perennial plants that produce tall spikes adorned with bell-shaped flowers. The purple varieties bring a touch of wild charm to cottage gardens or woodland settings.
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full sun
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
22. Statice (Limonium spp.)
Statice, also known as sea lavender, is a perennial flower that bears clusters of tiny, papery flowers. Purple statice adds texture and color to dried arrangements and bouquets.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 4-9)
Bloom time: Summer to fall
23. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are shade-loving perennials with elegant, cup-shaped flowers. Certain varieties, such as the "Grape Galaxy," showcase mesmerizing shades of purple and bloom early in the year.
Sun exposure: Partial shade to full shade
Soil needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
24. Anemone (Anemone spp.)
Anemones are versatile perennials that produce charming flowers with delicate petals and prominent centers. Purple anemones, such as the Anemone hupehensis (aka Japanese anemone), create a vibrant display in borders, rock gardens, or woodland settings.
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 4-9)
Bloom time: Spring to fall (varies by species)
25. Liatris (Liatris spp.)
Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather, is a tall perennial with striking spikes covered in tiny, fluffy purple flowers. It's a favorite among butterflies and adds vertical interest to meadows, borders, or wildflower gardens.
Sun exposure: Full sun
Soil needs: Well-drained soil
USDA hardiness zones: Varies by species (typically 3-9)
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Types of Flowers by Color
Learn more about the most popular types of flower by color in our article series
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