64 Best Purple Flowers to Grow

Purple flowers and plants with purple foliage can have a soothing effect in the landscape. Purple is a color that has long been a symbol of royalty, also suggesting richness and elegance.

Plants with purple flowers and green leaves provide a stunning addition to any garden. They are available in many shade variations, from graceful lavender to dark and rich violet. They come in spring bulbs, fall-blooming wildflowers, ground covers, climbing plants, and more.

Here are our favorite purple flowers, with pictures, that add beautiful hues to the garden.

01 of 64
May Night Salvia

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

May Night salvia (Salvia x sylvestris 'May Night') is a deep bluish-purple perennial that produces small blooms on flower spikes about 2 feet tall. It is known for its long blooming period from May through June, making it a valuable landscape plant. Like other salvias, this one is a great choice for perennial borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, or wildflower gardens. Early spring is the best time to cut plants back to encourage fresh new growth.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple with blue tints
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
02 of 64
Caradonna Salvia

The Spruce / K. Dave

Caradonna salvia (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna') is similar to May Night, but it has a deeper shade of purple and features a more slender flower stalk that highlights the flowers. It grows 1 to 2 feet high, and like other salvias, it has a very long bloom period from June to September. It does well in dry conditions, but it flowers best if it gets regular moisture.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Deep shades of purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist
03 of 64
Purple Dragon Lamium

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Lamium maculatum is perhaps best known as a ground cover plant with silvery foliage, but the cultivar 'Purple Dragon' adds light purple flowers. (It also comes in pink, mauve, red, and white, depending on the cultivar.) Lamium plants don't tolerate foot traffic, so they should be situated out of the way. Leaves also will easily scorch, so it's best to keep the plants away from direct sun.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Part sun, Shade
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
04 of 64
Allium

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Alliums (Allium spp.) are a welcome addition to the landscape, not only for their color but also for their globular shape. The flower head is made of clusters of individual florets that create a full and lush round shape. Like other spring-flowering bulbs, they need to be planted in the fall. Heights range from 2 to 5 feet, depending on the variety. Flowering occurs in the late spring to early summer.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, yellow, white, green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Slightly acidic, well-drained
Continue to 5 of 64 below
05 of 64
Petunia

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Petunias (Petunia x hybrida) are one of the most well-known purple flowers, recognized by their wide, trumpet-shaped blooms. The petals come in a variety of looks, including double blooms, ruffled, smooth, striped, solid colors, and even varieties with heart-shaped patterns. Petunias are commonly used in hanging baskets, in window boxes, and as bedding plants. They bloom from early May right up until frost, and they need lots of sun and water to keep them full and blooming.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11, typically grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: Pink, purple, yellow, orange, red, green, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
Tip

Try panting the same flower in various purple shades to add interest to the garden. Incorporate plants with purple foliage to add texture.
06 of 64
Chrysanthemum

Carina Darjan/500 px / Getty Images

Chrysanthemums or mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) are well-loved garden flowers often purchased as annuals to display in containers. But mums do beautifully as perennials, too. Pinch them back by removing the stem and top two leaves until late June; this promotes bushier growth and more flower buds. Mums come in a wide array of colors including purples; try 'Purple Andrea', 'Grape Queen', and 'Grandchild' cultivars for gorgeous color in the autumn garden.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
07 of 64
Azalea

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are gorgeous evergreen shrubs with spring blooms that light up the garden with their delicate shapes and vibrant hues. They bloom well in partial shade to full sun, making them a versatile ornamental plant. There are some compact varieties, while some older heirlooms get very large. The wide range of colors includes some lovely purples, including 'Autumn Lilac', 'Lee's Dark Purple', and 'Purple Splendor'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
08 of 64
Columbine

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Columbine plants (Aquilegia vulgaris) have delicate flowers that appear in April and May. A. vulgaris and its cultivars mature at about 1 to 3 feet tall. They work well in cottage gardens and rock gardens. Although this plant loves the sun, it does not like excess heat. Add a layer of mulch around the plant to keep the roots cool and moist.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Sandy or loamy, medium moisture, well-drained
Continue to 9 of 64 below
09 of 64
Larkspur

jessicahyde / Getty Images

True larkspurs (Consolida ajacis) are annual flowers that are tough and hardy. These plants grow to around 3 to 4 feet tall, with spiky blooms that show up on the main stalk. They grow quickly from seed, blooming in spring and summer. These annuals may self-seed freely, producing plants year after year. But be aware that larkspurs are toxic, so avoid planting them where kids or pets might eat them.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, white, blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
10 of 64
Lobelia

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) blooms from summer through the first frost. There are numerous varieties of lobelia plants, but the cultivars providing trailing blue/purple flowers are usually L. erinus. Lobelia flowers have five petals, and some have white eyes. You don't need to deadhead them, because they drop the spent flowers on their own. If they suffer from heat, revive the plants by cutting them back and then providing regular water.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11, typically grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, pink, white, red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
11 of 64
Jackman's Clematis

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Jackman's clematis (Clematis 'Jackmanii') is a flowering vine that produces large, deep purple flowers in mid-summer. This clematis has pretty and profuse flowers with four velvety petals. The vines are best trained to climb on trellises, arbors, walls, and fences. A trick to success with clematis vines is growing the plants in sunlight but keeping the roots cool. This can be achieved by mulching the root area or adding short plants over the root zone to provide ground shade.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 11
- Color Varieties: Lavender to deep purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
12 of 64
Dahlia

Jeanine Akers/500px / Getty Images

Dahlias (Dahlia spp.) require a bit of work in colder zones, storing their bulbs indoors for winter, but many gardeners think their lush beauty is worth the effort. There are a number of gorgeous purple dahlias available, including the vigorous deep plum 'Thomas Edison', the blue-violet 'Lilac Time', and the purple-tipped pink 'Mikayla'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
Continue to 13 of 64 below
13 of 64
Heliotrope

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Heliotrope (Heliotropium spp.) is a shrub-like plant with clusters of fragrant blooms, growing 1 to 4 feet high. These plants begin blooming in summer and continue through the first frost. Maintaining even soil moisture is key to their growth. They will wither away in either soil that is too dry or too soggy. Moreover, these plants are toxic, so keep them away from kids and pets.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11, typically grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: Lavender to deep purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, loamy, moist, well-drained
14 of 64
Crocus

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Harbingers of spring, crocuses (Crocus spp.) and other bulb plants are welcome flowering visitors to gardens in March and April. Crocuses are small plants with star-shaped blooms that grow close to the ground, reaching just 3 to 6 inches tall depending on the type. Looking like blades of grass, the foliage is marked down the middle with a light stripe. Make sure your crocuses aren't sitting in soggy soil, which can cause them to rot.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, pink, yellow, gold, orange, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
15 of 64
Verbena

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

The Verbena genus includes both annual and perennial species, many of which produce purple flowers. The flowers are tiny and fragrant, creating saucer-shaped clusters that can span 3 inches. The plant itself is airy, ethereal, and tends to sprawl. Although they easily spread, they can be trained to grow in a more compact space with new blooms through regular pruning.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, white, orange
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, acidic, well-drained
16 of 64
Black Knight Delphinium

aimintang / Getty Images

Delphinium species grow as tall as 8 feet and are often featured in cottage gardens. The 'Black Knight' cultivar adds a robust burst of dark purple into a garden thanks to its spiked flowers. Delphinium are relatively short-lived perennials, rarely surviving more than three to four years. The blooms appear in clusters along the stalk in June to July, sometimes re-blooming in the fall. Staking is suggested to help them grow well. Delphinium are toxic, so avoid planting it in areas with children and pets.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
Continue to 17 of 64 below
17 of 64
Purple Ice Plant

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The purple ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) features flowers with finely textured petals surrounding solid centers. It blooms through most of the summer and fall. The "ice" in this plant's common name comes from the sparkle on its leaves, which is the result of sunlight reflecting off tiny hairs on the leaf surface. This perennial demands soil that drains sharply, so ensure that it's not sitting in soggy soil.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 11
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, orange, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy, dry, well-drained
18 of 64
Pacific Rhododendron

Moelyn Photos / Getty Images

Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) shrubs can grow quite high. They produce showy bell-shaped flowers in the spring and summer. These evergreen shrubs don’t actually need fertile soil to grow well; rather, they prefer fairly low-nutrient soil. They are hardy shrubs, but they do like even soil moisture. Good drainage is also important, because soggy soil can kill them.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Pink, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
19 of 64
Butterfly Bush

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a deciduous shrub with arching branches. It produces brightly colored flower spikes throughout the summer that are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, hence the shrub’s common name. This bush is invasive, so consider growing newer varieties with sterile flowers that don't spread as aggressively.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, white, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
Warning

This shrub is quite easy to grow and is considered invasive in some areas. Be sure to check for any local restrictions before planting it.
20 of 64
Bougainvillea

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bougainvillea is a genus of tropical vines. These showy plants can act as ground covers if they’re left free to grow. Or they can easily be trained to grow on a support, such as a trellis or fence. The foliage is evergreen in tropical areas. Their large, brightly colored blooms appear seasonally. These vines do have thorns, so take care when working with them.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11, typically grown as an annual
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, pink, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
Continue to 21 of 64 below
21 of 64
Midnight Blue Rose

é¿æ© HQ / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

The midnight blue rose (Rosa 'Midnight Blue') is a beautiful rose cultivar with deep purple flowers that stretch around 2 to 3 inches across. The blooms are known to have a strong fragrance. These shrubs can flower from spring to fall, and deadheading can help to encourage further blooming. But be careful of the thorns on these shrubs.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 11
- Color Varieties: Deep purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
22 of 64
Rhapsody in Blue Rose

Nadya So / Getty Images

The rhapsody in blue rose (Rosa 'Rhapsody in Blue') is another stunning plant with purple flowers. Its blooms, which stretch around 2.5 inches across, appear from late spring all the way until fall. They start out as a vivid purple color and then fade to a mauve-gray. In their centers, they have bright gold stamens. They also feature a strong orange-like fragrance. Deadheading is ideal to promote repeat-blooming.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
23 of 64
Blue Beard

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Blue beard (Caryopteris x clandonensis), also known as blue spirea and blue mist, is a small shrub with a mounding growth habit. It only reaches around 2 to 4 feet tall and wide. It features aromatic foliage, and in the late summer, the flowers appear. The small, blue-violet flowers are said to look like clouds of blue mist on the plant. This shrub needs sharp soil drainage, as it is particularly intolerant to soggy soil.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Blue-violet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
24 of 64
Winter Heath

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

Winter heaths (Erica spp.) are small evergreen shrubs with dense foliage and a mounding growth habit. Like heather, they also look best when planted en masse for maximum impact. Their flowering time depends on location and variety. But often the small clusters of blooms will appear during winter (in mild climates) and in early spring. Prune as needed just after the shrubs are done flowering.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, yellow, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Acidic, moist, well-drained
Continue to 25 of 64 below
25 of 64
Lilac

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Lilac bushes (Syringa vulgaris) are popular plants with purple flowers. These deciduous shrubs bloom in the mid-to late spring with branching clusters of tiny flowers. The flowers have an exceptionally sweet fragrance. The foliage ranges from blue-green to gray-green. These shrubs are fairly low-maintenance once established. Prune to clean up growth just after flowering is finished. Newer varieties are available that perform well in warmer climates.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
- Color Varieties: Lavender-blue, white, burgundy, deep purple, lilac
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
26 of 64
Heather

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Many species of heather shrubs (Calluna spp.) feature dainty purple flowers along long stems that appear from summer to fall. Heather shrubs look especially striking when planted en masse, and they do particularly well on slopes and in rock gardens. Make sure to give your heather plants consistent moisture, but ensure that the soil has good drainage. Prune them as needed in the early spring before new growth starts.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 6
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Acidic, moist, well-drained
27 of 64
Hydrangea

The Spruce / Claire Cohen Bates

Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) long have been popular garden plants for their flowers that come in many different colors, including purple. Some varieties have large, round flower clusters while others have smaller, flatter flowers. They generally bloom from mid-summer to fall. Water hydrangeas at least weekly unless you’ve had rainfall, but make sure they’re not sitting in soggy soil. Note that soil pH affects bloom color.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: White, blue, green, red, pink, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained
28 of 64
Morning Glory

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) are fast-growing annual flowering vines that are a favorite of many gardeners. They’re low-maintenance, and they don’t require pruning or deadheading to look their best. They can grow along the ground or up on a support structure. Their colorful trumpet-shaped flowers appear in the summer and fall. Be sure to water weekly unless you’ve had rainfall.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, blue, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Warning

Note that morning glory can be invasive in some areas.
Continue to 29 of 64 below
29 of 64
Wisteria

The Spruce / Loren Probish

Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens) is a woody vine with deep green foliage that can stretch to 30 feet or longer under prime growing conditions. It bears fragrant purple flowers on drooping stems in the spring. Narrow, smooth seed pods follow the flowers. Provide this vine with a sturdy trellis, post, or other support structure to fully enjoy its beautiful growth.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Humus-y, moist, well-drained
30 of 64
Lavender

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is an herb that’s popular not only for its fragrance but also for its purple flowers. The tiny clusters of flowers appear in the summertime on upright spikes. The aromatic foliage is a gray-green color. Make sure to situate your lavender plant in a spot that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. In an optimal growing site, the plant needs relatively little care.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
31 of 64
Purple Coneflower

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a particularly showy plant. It has an upright growth habit, reaching around 2 to 5 feet high. And in the summer, daisy-like flowers with a spiny center cone bloom. The flowers can stretch up to 5 inches across. The stiff stems also bear dark green foliage. This plant will often self-seed if the spent flower heads are left in place. If you wish to control its spread, remove the spent blooms.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple-pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
32 of 64
Reticulated Iris

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Reticulated irises (Iris reticulata) come in a number of varieties with slightly different appearances and growth habits. These flowers feature blooms made of two types of petals. The outer petals droop downward while the smaller inner petals stand upright. This gives the whole flower an interesting shape. Irises often attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Deadhead spent blooms, and trim back the foliage once frost arrives in the fall.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, white, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained
Continue to 33 of 64 below
33 of 64
Pansy

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) are a popular but short-lived garden plant. Outside of their hardiness zones, they’re often grown as annuals. They prefer cool weather and tolerate frosts. In southern climates, they're typically planted in fall and overwinter, blooming through spring until summer temperatures arrive. They rarely reach more than a foot in height and spread, but they have large, colorful flowers that bloom in the spring.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10, typically grown as annuals
- Color Varieties: Blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, orange, white, bicolors
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
34 of 64
Monkshood

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) blooms late in the season and adds a gorgeous deep violet color to the garden. There's a range of colors in the many cultivars from white to deep purples and blues, with many hues and colors in between. Monkshood is sometimes also called wolfsbane, likely because it was once used as a poison to kill wolves.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, white, deep blue
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist
Warning

Note that monkshood is toxic if ingested.
35 of 64
Wild Violets

jfairone / Getty Images

Violets (Viola papilionacea) are a common low-growing ground cover that spread eagerly and often appear in lawns. Their sweet-smelling colorful flowers arrive in mid spring, and their heart shaped dark green leaves remain through autumn. Some think of violets as a weed, but their early blooms are important food for pollinators.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, white, lavender
- Sun Exposure: Part sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Tolerates a wide range of soil
36 of 64
Grecian Windflower

Iva Vagnerova / Getty Images

Grecian windflowers (Anemone blanda) are also known as Balkan windflowers. They grow from a hard, nut-like tuber and the flowers naturalize readily in loamy, well-drained soil. The daisy like, spring blooming flowers come in shades of periwinkle blue, white, light purple, and pink.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, white, periwinkle blue
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
Continue to 37 of 64 below
37 of 64
Grape Hyacinth

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are a spring blooming bulb that provide gorgeous color in the garden. The classic M. armeniacum has deep violet blue flowers. Two great grape hyacinths to try for purple shades are M. latifolium (a bicolor with periwinkle and plum flowers) and M. latifolium 'Purple Rain' (which has light lavender purple flowers).
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Shades of blue, purple, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained but moist
38 of 64
Wood's Purple Aster

jonnysek / Getty Images

Asters (Symphyotrichum spp.), also known as Michaelmas daisies, bloom for weeks in early autumn. The most commonly grown asters in North America are New England asters. There are a number of purple asters, but one of the most reliable is Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Purple'. This light purple aster with yellow centers grows about 12 inches tall, loves a sunny spot, and spreads out happily, weaving in among other perennials.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Light purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
39 of 64
Dutch Hyacinth

The Spruce / K. Dave

Dutch hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are reliably fragrant, colorful spring bloomers. These beloved flowers are grown all over the temperate world. One cut flower will perfume an entire room. The best deep purple varieties are 'Peter Stuyvesant', 'Purple Sensation', and 'Atlantic'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Shades of blue, purple, white, pink, yellow
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained but moist, slightly acidic
Warning

The bulbs are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, so exercise caution when planting or digging them.
40 of 64
Bachelor's Button

automidori / Getty Images

Bachelor's button (Centaurea cyranus), also called cornflower, is a colorful annual that looks lovely in the cottage style garden. They reseed readily but can also be planted from seed in late fall or early to mid spring. Bachelor's button comes in a wide range of colors, including purple. Two great varieties to try are 'Mauve Boy' (light purple) and 'Black Ball' (deep burgundy purple).
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
- Color Varieties: Shades of blue, purple, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained but moist
Continue to 41 of 64 below
41 of 64
Catmint

The Spruce / LetÃcia Almeida

Flowering catmint (Nepeta spp.) has tiny pale purple flowers that grow on tall spikes from rounded clumps of grey-green leaves. Cats love the minty-smelling leaves and hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators love the nectar-rich flowers. Catmint likes sun and well-drained soil, but is otherwise not fussy and is a great addition to the cottage garden, where it blooms for weeks in summer. There are a number of cultivars that vary in height, but most have light blue and purple flowers.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Light purple and blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy or loamy
42 of 64
Snapdragon

Ellen Kinsi / Getty Images

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) don't come in deep royal purple, but there are many shades of pale orchid, fuchsia pink, deep burgundy, and bright magenta to lend vivid color to your garden. They come in deep solid colors and lovely bicolors and bloom from late summer until after frost. They're considered an annual in colder zones, but some varieties will often reseed themselves, so watch for the tiny seedlings to appear in mid spring.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11
- Color Varieties: Magenta, fuchsia, pink, white, red, yellow, burgundy
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
43 of 64
Sweet William

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

There are over 300 varieties of Dianthus. The clumping semi-perennial sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is the most common, with some cultivars being the double-petaled, clove-scented carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus). Trim spent flowers to encourage a second round of buds. Dianthus come in a range of hues including bicolors in magenta and light purple.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Magenta, fuchsia, pink, white, red, bicolors
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy
44 of 64
Blue Waterfall Bellflower

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Bellflowers come in a wide range of types, in different sizes and shapes, but nearly every variation has shades of purple from light to dark. Campanula poscharskyana 'Blue Waterfall' is native to Serbia, a vigorous creeping variety with lavender-blue flowers. It grows very well on slopes and in rock gardens.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, violet
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
Continue to 45 of 64 below
45 of 64
Tall Phlox

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Tall phlox (Phlox paniculata), also known as garden phlox, are indispensable in the late summer garden. Their sturdy structure and long-lasting blooms are a vibrant color boost at a time when many summer blooms are fading. They do need some air circulation to avoid powdery mildew, so give them some room and divide frequently. Some of the best purple cultivars include 'Blue Boy', 'Blue Paradise', and 'Amethyst'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8 (varies by cultivar)
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, scarlet, pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
46 of 64
Tall Bearded Iris

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Perhaps the most popular iris type is the tall bearded, or German, iris (Iris germanica), which grows from spreading rhizomes and bears colorful, fluffy flowers in mid spring. The older heirlooms have smaller but vigorous flowers, while newer hybrids have larger, frilly blooms. Divide frequently to keep blooms abundant. Some stunning purple cultivars include 'Dracula's Shadow', 'Titan's Glory', and 'Superstition'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
47 of 64
Cranesbill Geranium

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Despite the similar name, perennial cranesbill geraniums (Geranium spp.) look very different from annual geraniums. These hardy ground cover plants have delicate foliage and abundant summer flowers in colors including blue, purple, white, and pink. The best purple cultivars include 'Orion', 'Raven', 'Rozanne', and 'Johnson's Blue'. Trim the first round of spent flowers to encourage new growth.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
48 of 64
Mr. Fokker Anemone

MichelR45 / Getty Images

Anemone is a genus that includes a wide variety of flowers. Of the many types, one loved for its deep purple-blue tones is Anemone coronaria 'Mr. Fokker'. This spring bloomer provides dynamic color in the garden and attracts butterflies. It is perennial in zones 7 through 10 or can be planted in early spring for summer blooms in colder zones.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Color Varieties: Deep cobalt blue and purple tones
- Sun Exposure: Partial to full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
Continue to 49 of 64 below
49 of 64
Million Bells

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Million bells (Calibrachoa spp.) is a trailing flowering plant that is popular for use in container gardens. This vigorous annual provides many weeks of color and requires only regular watering and deadheading to remove spent blooms to keep it thriving for the season. Some of the most vibrant purple cultivars of Calibrachoa are 'Callie Blue', 'Lindura Purple', and 'Trailing Blue'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full to part sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist, rich
50 of 64
Tulip

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Who doesn't love tulips (Tulipa spp.)? Their graceful form and vast palette of colors are such a beautiful balm in spring. Some are annual, while some are perennial, so do some research before choosing your bulbs. There are many lovely purple tulips to try, including the dark purple 'Queen of Night', pale, frosty 'Candy Prince', and light orchid 'Violet Beauty'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8 (varies)
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic
51 of 64
Blue Ageratum

Anna Grigorjeva / Getty Images

Also known as floss flower or billy goat weed, blue agertum (Ageratum houstonianum) comes in a short annual variety and a taller perennial. The perennial version grows from a loose clump of shallow roots. Ageratum comes in shades of pale violet blue or white, and blooms late summer through autumn. It may spread quickly but is easily controlled by simply pulling it.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 11
- Color Varieties: Pale violet purple, reddish purple, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist
52 of 64
Pasque Flower

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is an herbaceous perennial that resembles a tiny tulip and comes in shades of bluish and reddish purple. It emerges very early in spring, making it a welcome harbinger of the season. These small colorful flowers are useful for edging and in rock gardens.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, reddish-violet
- Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, well-drained
Continue to 53 of 64 below
53 of 64
English Bluebell

The Spruce / K. Dave

English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are a quintessential fairy tale flower. They multiply where they're planted and are a reliable spring bloomer. They're not as vigorous as Spanish bluebells, but they're also not as invasive. Plant them in clumps in your cottage garden, or in woodland areas for delightful vivid blue-violet hues in late spring.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
- Color Varieties: Purple, blue, violet
- Sun Exposure: Dappled to partial sun
- Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, clay
54 of 64
Gladiolus

Katrin Ray Shumakov / Getty Images

Gladiolus (Gladiolus palustris) grows from a bulb and is perennial in warmer zones. Their tall spikes of graceful flowers in a rainbow of colors make them popular for floral arrangements. There's a range of purple colors from light to dark, including 'Milka', 'Big Girl', and 'Purple Magic'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, red, orange, yellow, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy loam
55 of 64
Balloon Flower

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is in the Campanula family. There are tall and dwarf varieties, and the flowers are either bright purple, creamy white, or pale pink. Before the flower buds open they form a delightful round shape that looks like a balloon. They bloom in summer and attract many pollinators including bees and butterflies.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, pale pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, rich, well-drained
56 of 64
Woodland Phlox

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) provides delicate colors in the spring garden. These hardy perennials increase each year and divide easily. Heirloom varieties produce lightly-fragrant flowers of pale periwinkle blue or white, but newer hybrids (like 'Sherwood Purple' and 'Blue Moon') have larger flowers in shades of bright violet blue. 'Chatahoochee' is a new cultivar with pale blue flowers and reddish-purple centers.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, pale blue, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
Continue to 57 of 64 below
57 of 64
Zinnia

Teresa Kopec / Getty Images

Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) are well-loved annual flowers that come in a cheery array of vivid colors. Planted from seed in spring, they provide weeks of color in late summer through autumn; seeds can be saved to plant the following year. Purple varieties include 'Purple Prince', 'Double Violet Queen', and 'Lavender Gem'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, yellow, orange, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
58 of 64
Lupine

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Lupines (Lupinus x hybrida) are attractive perennials with starry-shaped green leaves and tall spikes of delicate flowers. They bloom in spring and summer, depending on the variety. They are deer resistant and attractive to pollinators. Some great purple varieties of lupine include 'Blacksmith', 'Russell Blue Shades', and 'Masterpiece'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, yellow, orange, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist
59 of 64
Stock

The Spruce / Jayme Burrows

Stock flowers (Matthiola incana) are old-fashioned, deliciously fragrant annuals that make great cut flowers. They come in a wide range of colors including pink, white, blue, and purple. The purple varieties cover a wide range, including deep plum 'Iron Purple', violet-blue 'Chanter Blue', magenta 'Quarter Purple', and pale orchid 'Lavender Quartet'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, blue, apricot, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich
60 of 64
Hollyhock

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Tall, old-fashioned hollyhocks (Alcea spp.) are lovely at the back of the garden bed or against a fence. They bloom for weeks in summer and provide plenty of seeds for replanting. Hollyhocks are biennial, so plant every year to keep the blooms going. Purple varieties include 'Queeny Purple', 'Purple Rain', and 'Creme de Cassis'. Dark purple shades include 'Blacknight' and 'Enigmatic Twilight'.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 10
- Color Varieties: Purple, pink, red, burgundy, apricot, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, moist
Continue to 61 of 64 below
61 of 64
Cosmo

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Cosmos (Cosmos spp.) are flowering annuals that love hot conditions and full sun. They come in a variety of colors, including purple. Cosmos resemble daisies and attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your yard. You can grow these easy-going plants almost anywhere.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2-11
- Color Varieties: Golden yellow, white, pink, magenta, orange, yellow, red, chocolate
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Warning

Note that cosmos can be invasive in some regions.
62 of 64
Lily of the Nile

Photo by Alex Tihonov / Getty Images

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus spp.), also known as African lily, is a stunning flower that will add a pop of vibrancy to any garden. It comes in blue, white, and purple flowers that have a funnel shape. Once it's established, lily of the Nile is drought-tolerant. Lily of the Nile also shows off its blooms for a long time, sometimes even from early summer to early fall.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8-10
- Color Varieties: Blue, white, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
63 of 64
Dendrobium Orchid

Irina Marwan / Getty Images

Dendrobium orchids belong to the Dendrobium genus, one of the largest orchid groups featuring almost 2,000 species. Dendrobium orchids are mostly epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants without stealing their nutrients. Dendrobium orchids are loved for their beautiful pastel blooms.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9-12
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, orange, green, pink, purple, brown
- Sun Exposure: Partial
- Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
64 of 64
Cattleya Orchid

Alvis Upitis / Getty Images

Cattleya orchids, also known as corsage orchids or queen of orchids, have stunning flowers that emit a lovely fragrance. Cattleya orchids come in a variety of shades, including purple. They love well-drained soil and partial sun.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10-12
- Color Varieties: White, green, yellow, orange, red, purple
- Sun Exposure: Partial
- Soil Needs: Well-drained

42 Prettiest Flowers in the World to Grow in the Garden

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.