Purple perennial flowers are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their outdoor spaces. These hardy plants come back year after year, making them a low-maintenance option for those who want a beautiful garden without a lot of upkeep! With that said, there’s a wide variety of purple perennials to choose from, ranging from delicate, pastel-hued blooms to bold, vibrant blossoms.
One of the benefits of planting purple perennials is that they are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings. Whether you have a cottage garden with lots of wildflowers, a formal garden with carefully manicured hedges, or a modern garden with sleek lines and minimalist design, there is a purple perennial that will fit right in. Some popular varieties include lavender, salvia, and iris, all of which offer their own unique beauty and charm.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, purple perennials also have practical benefits. Many of these plants are drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making them a good choice for gardeners who want to conserve water and reduce their environmental impact. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
What are Purple Perennial Flowers?
Purple perennial flowers are a type of flowering plant that produces beautiful and long-lasting blooms. Perennial flowers are plants that live for more than two years, and they are known for their ability to come back year after year, usually without doing anything to them. They are a popular choice among gardeners due to their low maintenance and long-lasting nature.
Purple is a popular color among perennial flowers, and there are many different types to choose from. Some popular varieties include the Purple Coneflower, Lavender, Salvia, and Russian Sage. These flowers come in different shades of purple, from light lavender to deep violet.
One of the advantages of growing purple perennial flowers is that they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. This can help to promote a healthy ecosystem and improve the overall health of your garden. Additionally, many purple perennial flowers have medicinal properties and are used in herbal remedies.
When planting purple perennial flowers, it is important to choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. It is also important to water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods. With proper care, purple perennial flowers can thrive and provide a beautiful addition to any garden.
Popular Varieties of Purple Perennial Flowers
Lavender
Lavender is a popular perennial known for its soothing fragrance and beautiful blooms. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender is available in a variety of shades of purple, from pale lilac to deep violet. Some popular varieties of lavender include:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula dentata)
Lavender can grow in zones 3-10 depending on the variety!
Iris
Iris is another popular purple perennial flower that comes in a range of shades and varieties.
The bearded iris is a common variety that blooms in late spring to early summer. Siberian iris is another popular purple variety that blooms in early summer. Some other popular varieties of iris include:
- Dutch Iris (Iris hollandica)
- Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)
- Louisiana Iris (Iris fulva)
Phlox
Phlox is a beautiful purple perennial flower that blooms in mid to late summer. It is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties of phlox include:
- Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
- Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a popular purple perennial flower that blooms in mid to late summer. It is a hardy plant that thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Some popular varieties of hydrangea include:
- Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Purple Lupin
Purple lupin is a popular choice among gardeners due to its low-maintenance nature and vibrant blooms. They like full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Lupins come in a wide variety of plants so make sure to purchase the perennial variety to ensure it comes back year after year. Common varieties include:
- Large-leaved lupine
- Wild lupine
Overall, there are many popular varieties of purple perennial flowers to choose from. Whether you prefer the soothing fragrance of lavender, the striking blooms of iris, the vibrant colors of phlox, or the beauty of hydrangea, there is a perfect purple perennial flower for every garden.
Attracting Pollinators with Purple Perennial Flowers
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are essential for the reproduction of many plants, and purple perennial flowers are a great way to attract them to your garden. A lot of pollinators including bees are attracted to the color purple which is why planting these types of flowers will ensure their survival! To learn more about the bees check out our related article here!
Here are some of the best purple perennials for attracting pollinators:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple coneflower is a popular choice for attracting pollinators, as it produces large, daisy-like flowers that are rich in nectar. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all attracted to this plant, and it blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
2. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a member of the mint family and produces vibrant purple flowers that are irresistible to pollinators. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is particularly attractive to bees and butterflies.
3. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, also known as sage, is a hardy perennial that produces spikes of purple flowers that are a favorite of hummingbirds. It blooms from early summer to late fall and is also attractive to bees and butterflies.
4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian sage is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces tall spikes of delicate purple flowers that are a favorite of bees and butterflies. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and is also attractive to hummingbirds.
Growing Purple Perennial Flowers
Sun and Soil Requirements
Purple perennial flowers are a great addition to any garden. They can thrive in a variety of conditions, but it’s important to make sure they have the right amount of sun and soil nutrients. Most purple perennials prefer full sun to partial shade, but be sure to check the specific requirements for the type of plant you’re growing.
In terms of soil, purple perennials generally prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Some varieties may have specific soil requirements, so be sure to do your research before planting.
Watering and Fertilizing
Watering is an important aspect of growing purple perennials. While they are generally drought tolerant, it’s important to keep the soil moist during the plant’s first growing season to help establish strong roots. After that, they can typically handle periods of dryness.
Fertilizing is also important for promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer, and be sure to follow the instructions on the package for application rates.
Fertilizers we recommend
Shopping for a good fertilizer can be overwhelming since there are so many on the market! That’s why we wanted to share two fertilizers we actually use in our gardens. They’ve been tested year after year and seem to produce the healthiest garden beds.
1) Miracle Grow: All-Purpose Plant Food
This all-purpose fertilizer can be used on plants every 1-2 weeks. Packed with nutrients it helps your plants grow large and strong.
2) Organic Fertilizer: Burpee All Purpose
You can use this all-natural fertilizer for seed starting, vegetable and garden beds, pots, and more! Packed with major nutrients as well as calcium, minor nutrients, and some beneficial microbes it will help keep your soil and plants healthy!
Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning and deadheading are important for maintaining the health and appearance of your purple perennials. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Pruning should be done in the spring or fall, depending on the type of plant, to remove any dead or damaged growth and promote new growth.
Our favorite garden pruners
These rust-resistant gardening shears will help you get your plants under control in no time! They’re durable, comfortable to use, and can easily cut through wood if you have shrubs.
Using Purple Perennial Flowers in Landscaping
When it comes to landscaping, purple perennial flowers are a great addition to any garden. With their vibrant hues and long-lasting blooms, they can add a pop of color and interest to any space. Here are some ways to incorporate purple perennials into your landscape design.
Height and Spacing
One of the most important things to consider when using purple perennials in landscaping is their height and spacing. Some varieties can grow quite tall, while others are more compact. Be sure to choose plants that will fit well in your space and won’t overcrowd other plants.
Containers and Hanging Baskets
Purple perennials also work well in containers and hanging baskets. They can add a splash of color to patios, balconies, and other small spaces. When using them in containers, be sure to choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and provide adequate drainage.
Ground Cover and Rock Gardens
Purple perennials can also be used as ground cover or in rock gardens. They can help to fill in gaps between other plants and add texture and interest to the landscape. When using them as ground cover, be sure to choose a variety that will spread well and won’t become invasive.
In summary, purple perennials can be a great addition to any landscape design. Whether you’re looking to add height and interest to a garden bed, or color and texture to a small space, there are many varieties to choose from. Just be sure to consider their height and spacing, as well as their suitability for containers, hanging baskets, ground cover, and rock gardens.
Why plant Purple Perennials
Purple perennial flowers are a great addition to any garden. Their qualities, elegance, beauty, and association with royalty make them a popular choice among gardeners.
One of the most attractive qualities of purple perennial flowers is their ability to bloom year after year. This means that you can enjoy their beauty and elegance without having to replant them every year (a win, win!). Additionally, they come in a variety of shades and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your garden.
Overall, whether you are looking to add a pop of color to your garden or create an elegant atmosphere, purple perennial flowers are a great choice. With their beauty and enduring qualities, they are sure to be a welcome addition to any garden.
Chris says
Super helpful !
Jenna says
I’m so glad!