Purple Flowering Plants: Complete Guide, Species, Care, and Garden Uses

Are you seduced by purple flowers? The purple or lilac color is one of the most special within the botanical and floral universe: it transmits peace, harmony and a subtle sense of mystery and elegance. In fact, it is no coincidence that in color psychology it is related to creativity, sensitivity and even with mysticism and femininity. Choosing plants with purple flowers for your garden, terrace, or interior is a fantastic way to add life and color, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The world of purple flowering plants is incredibly extensive: from aromatic spices, like lavender, until lush climbers such as bougainvillea, and even exotic indoor plants like the African violet. They allow for striking combinations both outdoors and in pots inside the home. Furthermore, many of these species have long flowering periods or alternate bloom cycles throughout the year, ensuring an almost constant spectacle of colors.

In this article we present you a comprehensive guide that brings together the best plants with purple flowers, from the most well-known to unusual options, with their characteristics, growing tips, interesting facts, and ornamental uses. We also include images and keys to help you choose the most suitable species based on your needs, climate, and preferences.

Why choose plants with purple flowers?

Choosing color in the garden goes far beyond the simple visual aspect.

• Purple symbolizes calm, respect and femininity. It provides a subtle energy suitable for creating relaxation and meditation areas.
• They combine easily with other colors: Purple looks enhanced next to intense greens, white, pink, yellow or even intense orange tones.
• They attract pollinators: Many purple species, such as verbenas or Buddleja, are magnets for butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects.
• Variety of shapes and sizes: You can find everything from small herbaceous ground cover to large shrubs and climbers.
• For indoor and outdoor use: There are alternatives adapted to both gardens and bright interiors.

This color has such decorative power that, according to feng shui, it's ideal for enhancing creativity, relaxation, and introspection. Furthermore, giving purple flowers on special occasions symbolizes good wishes, support, and recognition of spirituality.

The best outdoor plants with purple flowers

Whether in flowerbeds, borders, rockeries, or decorative pots, the following plants bring color, personality, and resilience to gardens in all climates.

Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is the undisputed queen of purple plants. Bushy, aromatic, and very hardy, It blooms from late spring until well into summer and its flowers, of an intense violet and captivating aroma, are used in gardening as well as in aromatherapy and natural cosmetics.

• Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure.
• Irrigation: Moderate; drought resistant once established.
• Usage: Borders, flowerbeds, pots, low hedges and as a medicinal plant.

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Famous for its stigma, saffron gives us gifts in spring large, deep violet flowers which contrasts with its thin, bright green foliage. Ideal for rockeries, borders, or naturalizing in lawns.

• Plantation: It is carried out in autumn for spring flowering.
• Exhibition: Sun or semi-shade.
• Care: Light soil and controlled irrigation, avoiding waterlogging.

Digitalis (digitalis purpurea)

Known as foxgloves, these biennial plants are unmistakable for their thimble-shaped flower clusters, in shades of violet to purple. Their attractive, upright shape makes them perfect for areas protected from intense sunlight.

• Level: From 40 to 70 cm.
• Care: It prefers moist, rich, but well-drained soils.
• Warning: All parts are toxic if ingested.

Petunia (Petunia spp.)

One of the most popular choices for pots and planters. They bloom profusely from spring to autumn., with flowers in deep purple, lilac, mixed and bicolor tones.

• Level: Between 30 and 35 cm.
• Care: Fertile soil and frequent watering, avoiding waterlogging. Plenty of light.
• Easy replacement: Very economical and easy to replace in case of severe frost.

Dimorphotheca (Osteospermum ecklonis)

Also called Cape daisy, it is distinguished by its abundant flowering in shades of purple, violet and white from spring to early summer, with a possible second flowering in September.

• Level: up to 40 cm.
• Usage: Excellent as a ground cover or groundcover in warm gardens.
• Curiosity: Its flowers only open fully when there is direct sunlight.

BougainvilleaBougainvillea)

An icon of Mediterranean patios and facades, the bougainvillea is a Climber that covers walls and pergolas with purple, fuchsia or reddish bracts for monthsIts real flowers are small and white, but the bracts are the main ornamental attraction.

• Ports: It can reach several meters in height.
• Flowering: From spring until well into autumn.
• Care: Sunny exposure; prefers poor, well-drained soils.

Lily (Iris)

The lilies, with their large fan-shaped inflorescencesThey feature a color palette that includes a deep purple, highly valued in ornamental gardening. They are ideal for both gardens and well-lit indoor cultivation.

• Level: Leaves of 20 to 30 cm and flower stems up to 1 m.
• Flowering: In spring, after planting them in autumn.
• Adaptability: Resistant, it tolerates semi-shade or full sun.

Liatris spicata

Known as a blazing star, it develops spike-shaped inflorescences of blue-lilac color which look spectacular in flowerbeds or perennial mixes.

• Level: Around 40 cm.
• Care: Requires full sun and spaced watering; tolerates periods of drought.
• Recommended for beginners: Very easy to grow.

Rosa (purple-flowered roses)

If you are looking for impact and fragrance, we recommend varieties such as 'Purple Dream' or 'Rhapsody', both with intensely scented flowers and petals in purple and violet hues.

• Location: Semi-shade or full sun.
• Irrigation: Regular, especially during flowering season.

Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-not)

The forget-me-not is a charming species for its small lilac flowers grouped in large numbers, ideal for indoor pots or colorful garden borders. Blooms profusely in spring.

• Level: From 20 to 50 cm.
• Cultivation: It prefers semi-shade and regular watering.

Agapanthus or African Lily (Agapanthus)

Its flowering forms umbels composed of 20 to 30 flowers In shades ranging from deep blue to lilac and white, it's ideal for sunny beds or partial shade in warm climates.

• Recommendation: The greater the light, the more abundant the flowering.
• Irrigation: Moderate and good drainage.

Lobelia (Lobelia differed)

Annual or perennial plant in mild climates, with compact growth and flowering from spring to autumnIts small flowers can be blue, pink or, of course, deep purple.

• Use: Ideal for flower pots and borders.
• Irrigation: Regular, but avoiding wetting the flowering.

Lupine (Lupinus)

Spectacular for their erect spikes that emerge in early summer In shades of lilac, pink, and white. They require slightly acidic soils and a good supply of organic matter.

• Level: Up to 1 meter in ideal conditions.
• Tip: Improve the substrate by mixing in blond peat if the soil is very basic.

Polygala myrtifolia

Small and tough, it produces delicate purple flowers almost all year round in temperate climates. It can be grown in a garden or pot and requires full sun exposure.

• Irrigation: More frequent in pots, moderate in soil.

Limonium sinuatum (Immortelle)

Low-growing perennial plant, famous for its spikes of purple flowers, white or yellow and its prolonged flowering that extends from the end of winter to the end of summer.

• Location: Areas with full sun and sandy soils.
• Resistance: It tolerates proximity to the sea and dry environments.

Aptenia cordifolia (Dew)

Fast-growing succulent ground cover, excellent substitute for grass. small flowers are usually pink or violet and tolerates long periods without irrigation.

• Location: Sun or semi-shade.
• Requires: Very well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

Tradescantia pallida (Glitter)

This plant stands out for its purple leaves and small lilac flowersVery ornamental and easy to care for, it tolerates periods of drought, although it does not tolerate severe frost.

• Location: Bright places, but tolerates some shade.

Thunbergia erecta (King's Mantle)

A shrub with solitary, blue-purple flowers, abundant and long-flowering in warm environments. It does not tolerate frost and requires a constant temperature.

• Care: Protect from low temperatures to prevent loss of leaves and flowers.

Echium candicans (Pride of Madeira)

Shape cylindrical inflorescences of colors varying between blue and violetHighly prized in Mediterranean gardening, although in some regions it is considered an invasive species. It prefers full sun.

Allyogyne huegelii

Vigorous shrub that can reach 2 meters, It blooms all summer with large, bell-shaped lilac flowers.. It resists drought and high temperatures, but does not tolerate intense frosts.

Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa parviflora)

With a trailing habit and profuse flowering from spring to late summer, it's perfect for hanging baskets. It displays purple, yellow, and orange flowers and is often confused with petunia.

Erysimum «Bowles Mauve» (Lilac Wallflower)

It stands out for the very extensive flowering from spring to midsummer. Perfect for dry gardens and light soils, as it is very resistant to drought.

Lamium maculatum (Spotted nettle)

Ideal for understory areas, pots or as ground coverIts flowers appear in mid-summer in shades of pink and violet, and its foliage is decorative all year round.

Verbena bonariensis (Buenos Aires Verbena)

Vivacious, highly appreciated for its purple bloom It grows from early spring to autumn, attracting butterflies and pollinators. It withstands drought and heat, making it ideal for sunny flowerbeds.

Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush)

It blooms in mid-summer with clusters of tiny purple or bluish flowersAs its name suggests, it is a powerful butterfly magnet.

Platycodon grandiflorus (Platycodon)

Very decorative both in the garden and in a pot. It stands out for its purple-blue bell-shaped flower., with white and pink variants.

Indoor plants with purple flowers

Lilac and purple can also be enjoyed indoors, as some species are perfectly adapted to growing in bright environments.

African Violet (Saintpaulia)

One of the most appreciated indoor plants for its long flowering and easy care. Its flowers can range in color from soft lilac to deep violet and appear almost year-round under suitable conditions.

• Light: Indirect, avoiding direct sunlight.
• Irrigation: Moderate, without wetting the leaves.

Orchid

Orchids, especially the genera Phalaenopsis y Cattleya, include purple and lilac varieties of high ornamental value, perfect for decorating living rooms and offices.

tradescantia

In addition to its outdoor use, purple tradescantia is an excellent choice for creating contrasts on indoor shelves or hanging displays thanks to its purple foliage and discreet flowers.

oxalis triangular

It stands out for its triangular purple leaves and small lilac flowers. Perfect for pots and indoor planters.

Begoña Rex

This begonia is famous for its decorative leaves in shades that can range from green to deep purple and its small flowers in shades of lilac and pink.

Basic care for plants with purple flowers

The purple species, although diverse, share needs that can be summarized in the following tips:

• Light: Most require very bright spaces, with direct sunlight for outdoor plants and filtered light for indoor plants.
• Irrigation: Moderate, adapted to each species. It's better to under-water than over-water, as many survive brief droughts but suffer from waterlogging.
• Substratum: Loose soils, rich in organic matter and well drained.
• Subscriber: Specific flower fertilizers stimulate flowering; apply them during the period of maximum development.
• Pruning: To control size and stimulate new blooms, especially in shrubs and perennials.
• Protection: Some species are frost-tolerant. In cold regions, grow them in pots to protect them during the winter.

Curiosities and symbolism of the color purple in flowers

The color purple is historically associated with values ​​such as creativity, spirituality, magic, nobility and femininityFor this reason, many people choose flowers of this color for events, celebrations, and significant dates. In floral design, purple bouquets send messages of calm, support, and good vibes, making them the ideal gift during times of uncertainty or personal reconnection.

In some countries, purple is the official color for holidays like International Women's Day, and giving flowers in this shade represents admiration and solidarity. Furthermore, in landscaping, gardens with an abundance of purple are often perceived as places of serenity and subtle beauty.

When integrating purple flowers into your landscape design, keep in mind:

• Contrast: Combine with white, silver or yellow flowers to highlight the violet.
• Staggering: Mix species with different flowering periods to ensure year-round color.
• Play with textures: Group lavender, lilies and verbenas together with grasses or succulents.
• Use pots: Bring purple to terrace and balcony areas, or to unattractive corners.
• Pollinator attraction: Plants such as verbena, buddleja or dimorphotheca invite butterflies and bees.

Choosing purple flowering plants for your garden or interior allows you to create a sophisticated, elegant, and meaningful color palette, suitable for those seeking beauty and serenity as well as those seeking a vibrant space filled with positive energy. Whether in sunny flowerbeds, combined with green shrubs, or as the centerpiece in pots, the range of options is as wide as your imagination.