25+ Purple-Flowering Perennials to Add Color Year After Year
There’s something magical about purple flowers in the garden, isn’t there? They bring a vibrant pop of color that instantly brightens up any space, making everything feel a little more alive and cheerful.
With so many beautiful perennials to choose from, I’ve gathered a list of 28 stunning options that will keep your garden blooming year after year. Get ready to fall in love with these fabulous purple beauties!
1. Lavender
Ah, Lavender! This lovely little perennial is known for its stunning purple flowers and that oh-so-soothing fragrance. Not only does it look gorgeous in the garden, but it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for a vibrant, lively space. Lavender can thrive in a variety of conditions, although it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine.
And let’s not forget about its versatility! You can use lavender in cooking, crafts, or even just to add a beautiful scent to your home. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established, which is always a win in the gardening world!
Popular Varieties
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Classic choice known for its sweet fragrance and beautiful purple spikes.
- French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Features unique, tufted flowers and a more robust scent, great for warmer climates.
- Spanish Lavender (Lavandula latifolia): Known for its striking, large flowers and tolerant nature.
2. Salvia
Salvia is like the cool kid in the garden. With its tall spikes of purple flowers, it brings height and drama to your perennial beds. This plant comes in many varieties, but all are fantastic for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, which makes your garden come alive! Salvia prefers full sun and well-drained soil, which means it’s pretty low-maintenance once established.
One of the best parts? The flowers bloom all summer long, giving you a splash of color for a good part of the season. Plus, they’re drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to fuss over them too much—perfect for the busy gardener!
Popular Varieties
- Mealycup Sage (Salvia farinacea): Known for its tall flowers and drought resistance, perfect for borders.
- Wood Sage (Salvia nemorosa): Offers compact growth and a long blooming period.
- Culinary Sage (Salvia officinalis): Not just pretty, but tasty too! Great for cooking.
3. Aster
Asters are the stars of the fall garden! These perennial beauties bloom in late summer to fall, when many other flowers are starting to fade. Their rich purple flowers can light up any garden and provide much-needed nectar for pollinators preparing for winter. They thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy full sun to partial shade.
Asters are also pretty forgiving, which makes them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. They come in various heights, so you can create layers in your garden with ease!
Popular Varieties
- New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): Tall, hardy, and produces large purple flowers, perfect for a dramatic effect.
- New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii): Known for its compact habit and multitude of blooms.
- Alma Potschke: A standout with vibrant pinkish-purple flowers that bloom profusely.
4. Catmint
Catmint, or Nepeta, is a perennial favorite that not only pleases gardeners but also attracts our feline friends! With its soft, gray-green foliage and lovely spikes of purple flowers, it’s a great low-maintenance choice for any garden. It blooms from late spring through summer, providing an extended show of color.
Catmint is super adaptable; it thrives in dry, poor soil and loves full sun. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established, freeing you from constant watering!
Popular Varieties
- Walker’s Low: A well-known selection with long-lasting blooms and a lovely mounding habit.
- Six Hills Giant: Offers tall flower spikes and makes a great backdrop in mixed borders.
- Blue Wonder: Known for its deep blue-purple flowers and compact growth.
5. Bellflower
Bellflowers are charming little plants that add a whimsical touch to your garden. With their bell-shaped blooms, they come in various shades of purple, creating a lovely cascade of color. These perennials thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial shade to full sun, making them versatile for various garden designs.
What’s great about bellflowers is they’re also excellent at , so they’ll spread happily over time, giving your garden a lush, full look without much effort!
Popular Varieties
- Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell): A delicate blue-purple flower that loves rocky, well-drained areas.
- Carpathian Bellflower (Campanula carpatica): Known for its compact growth and vibrant purple blooms, great for borders.
- Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia): Tall and showy, perfect for adding height.
6. Purple Coneflower
The Purple Coneflower, or Echinacea, is a favorite among gardeners and pollinators alike! These sturdy perennials boast large, daisy-like flowers with prominent, conical centers. They bloom from summer into fall and are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies, which is a bonus for nature lovers.
These beauties thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re also drought-tolerant once established. Plus, they make fantastic cut flowers, so you can enjoy their beauty indoors as well!
Popular Varieties
- Magnus: A standout with long-lasting purple petals and a classic coneflower shape.
- White Swan: A lovely white variety that adds a unique twist to the traditional purple.
- PowWow Wild Berry: Known for its vibrant, deep purple blooms and robust growth.
7. Iris
Iris plants are a staple in many gardens, and for good reason! These stunning perennials showcase elegant, sword-like leaves and beautiful blooms that come in a wide range of purple shades. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them an excellent choice for sunny borders.
Irises are also known for their unique flower shapes and patterns, which can add texture and interest to your garden. Plus, they’re relatively low-maintenance once established.
Popular Varieties
- Bearded Iris: Features stunning shaggy blooms in various shades of purple, pink, and blue.
- Japanese Iris: Known for its large, flat flowers and unique color combinations.
- Dwarf Iris: A compact version, perfect for smaller gardens or containers.
8. Monkshood
Monkshood, or Aconitum, is a striking perennial with tall spikes of hooded purple flowers. It’s a lovely addition to shaded areas and prefers moist, rich soil, making it a great choice for . This plant adds height and drama, standing tall among other perennials.
However, be cautious—this plant is toxic if ingested, so it’s not the best choice for gardens frequented by pets or small children. Just enjoy its beauty from a distance!
Popular Varieties
- Carniolicum: Features bright blue-violet flowers and a compact growth habit, great for shady spots.
- Fischeri: A taller variety with deep , perfect for creating a dramatic focal point.
- Bicolor: Offers unique bicolor flowers, adding a fun twist to any garden.
9. Allium
Allium plants bring a touch of drama to the garden with their striking globes of purple flowers. These perennials are part of the onion family, and they thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom in late spring to early summer, providing a pop of color when many other plants are just starting to wake up.
Alliums are also fantastic for attracting pollinators and can be used in bouquets, making them a wonderful addition to both your garden and your home!
Popular Varieties
- Allium giganteum: The classic giant allium, known for its tall, impressive flower heads.
- Allium moly (Golden Garlic): A shorter variety with bright , great for borders.
- Allium schubertii: Features unique star-shaped flowers that create a whimsical effect in the garden.
10. Phlox
Phlox is a garden favorite, with its clusters of vibrant purple flowers that bloom in summer. This perennial is perfect for adding color to borders and flower beds, and bees while providing a delightful fragrance. Phlox prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to grow in various settings.
Not only do they add a splash of color, but they also come in a range of heights, allowing you to mix and match in your garden design!
Popular Varieties
- Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata): Known for its tall growth and vibrant purple blooms, ideal for the back of borders.
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A low-growing variety that’s perfect for and ground cover.
- Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox): A lovely woodland variety with delicate flowers and a spreading habit.
Popular Reads
11. Perennial Geranium
Perennial geraniums are a charming option for any garden with their lovely purple flowers and lush foliage. These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and do well in various soil conditions. They can also spread over time, creating a beautiful carpet of color in your garden.
Not only are they easy to grow, but they also make excellent companions for other plants, adding depth and interest to your flower beds.
Popular Varieties
- Geranium ‘Rozanne’: Known for its long bloom time and vibrant blue-purple flowers.
- Geranium sanguineum (Bloodroot): Features deep purple flowers and vibrant green foliage, great for borders.
- Geranium macrorrhizum: Offers fragrant foliage and delicate purple flowers, perfect for ground cover.
12. Russian Sage
Russian Sage, or Perovskia, features stunning spikes of purple flowers atop silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial loves full sun and thrives in well-drained soil, making it a favorite for low-maintenance gardens. It blooms in late summer, adding a beautiful pop of color when many other plants are starting to fade.
Not only does it provide visual interest, but it also attracts pollinators, making it a great choice for eco-friendly gardens.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Blue Spire’: A classic variety with tall flower spikes and silvery foliage, perfect for border planting.
- ‘Filigran’: Known for its compact growth and fine, delicate leaves, ideal for smaller spaces.
- ‘Longin’: Features shorter flower spikes and a longer bloom time, great for adding color late in the season.
13. Bluebell
Bluebells are a lovely addition to woodland gardens, with their drooping, bell-shaped flowers creating a charming display. These perennials thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for creating a dreamy, fairy-tale atmosphere in your garden.
Bluebells bloom in the spring, filling your garden with a lovely purple hue that can spread beautifully over time, making them a delightful choice for naturalizing!
Popular Varieties
- Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Common Bluebell): The classic bluebell with lovely drooping flowers, great for naturalizing.
- Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica): Features larger blooms and a more upright growth habit.
- Wood Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia): A charming variation with delicate purple flowers perfect for woodland settings.
14. Veronica
Veronica, or speedwell, is a charming perennial with lovely spikes of purple flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. These plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making them versatile garden companions. They can add a burst of color and are great for attracting pollinators.
Veronica is also excellent for borders or cottage gardens, as it has a lovely, informal look that can soften any garden design.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Royal Candles’: Known for its upright flower spikes and rich purple blooms, great for the back of borders.
- ‘Georgia Blue’: A low-growing variety that’s perfect for ground cover with its vibrant purple flowers.
- ‘Longwood Blue’: Features a longer bloom time and is great for attracting bees and butterflies.
15. Liatris
Liatris, or blazing star, is a stunning perennial known for its tall, feathery spikes of purple flowers. These beauties bloom in late summer and are fantastic for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Liatris thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought once established, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
They provide a lovely vertical element in the garden, adding texture and height to your flower beds!
Popular Varieties
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star): The classic variety with tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers.
- Liatris pycnostachya (Prairie Blazing Star): A hardier variety, great for naturalizing in meadows.
- Liatris aspera (Rough Blazing Star): Known for its unique, rough texture and stunning blooms.
16. Agastache
Agastache, or hyssop, is a fantastic perennial known for its aromatic foliage and colorful spikes of purple flowers. These plants are loved by pollinators and will light up your garden from summer to fall. Agastache prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for sunny flower beds.
They’re also drought-tolerant once established, making them a favorite for low-maintenance gardens!
Popular Varieties
- ‘Blue Fortune’: A popular variety with tall purple spikes and fragrant foliage, perfect for attracting bees.
- ‘Golden Jubilee’: Offers golden foliage that contrasts beautifully with its purple flowers.
- ‘Kudos Series’: Compact varieties with a range of colors, great for containers or small spaces.
17. Balloon Flower
Balloon flowers are known for their unique, balloon-like buds that open into lovely star-shaped flowers. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Their vibrant purple blooms add a delightful pop of color, especially in late spring to summer.
Balloon flowers are also great for cutting, bringing a fun and whimsical touch to your arrangements!
Popular Varieties
- ‘Mariesii’: A classic with large, vibrant purple flowers and a sturdy growth habit.
- ‘Sentimental Blue’: Offers softer blue-purple blooms, perfect for creating a gentle color palette.
- ‘Violet’: Deep purple flowers that add drama and elegance to your garden.
18. Bugleweed
Bugleweed, or Ajuga, is a low-growing perennial that spreads quickly to form a lovely ground cover. It produces spikes of purple flowers in spring and has attractive foliage that can feature exciting colors all season long. Bugleweed prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it perfect for shady areas in your garden.
This little plant is fantastic for suppressing weeds while providing a splash of color and texture!
Popular Varieties
- Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’: Features stunning dark purple foliage and lovely blue flowers, perfect for ground cover.
- Ajuga reptans ‘Caitlin’s Giant’: Known for its larger leaves and vibrant purple flowers, creating a bold display.
- Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’: Offers beautiful variegated leaves with hints of pink and cream, adding interesting color to any garden.
19. Sweet William
Sweet William, or Dianthus, is a charming perennial with clusters of vibrant purple flowers and a lovely fragrance. These plants do well in full sun and well-drained soil, and they can bloom throughout the summer, adding bursts of color to your garden. They’re also great for attracting butterflies, making your garden feel alive and vibrant!
Sweet William is perfect for borders or mixed flower beds, adding a classic touch to any garden design.
Popular Varieties
- ‘Chantilly’: Known for its large blooms and wide color range, perfect for adding drama to your garden.
- ‘Sweet Kisses’: Features compact growth and gorgeous vibrant purple flowers, great for containers.
- ‘Dianthus barbatus’: The classic variety with a traditional look and sweet fragrance.
20. Scabiosa
Scabiosa, or pincushion flower, is a delightful perennial that produces round, fluffy blooms of purple. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow and care for. Scabiosa blooms from late spring to fall, providing long-lasting color and attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.
Their unique flower shape adds visual interest, making them a favorite for mixed borders and cutting gardens!
Popular Varieties
- Scabiosa columbaria (Butterfly Blue): A well-loved variety with stunning blue-purple pincushion blooms.
- Scabiosa atropurpurea (Black Knight): Features dark purple flowers and a more dramatic presence in the garden.
- ‘Fama’: Known for its long-lasting blooms and compact growth habit, great for smaller gardens.
21. Columbine
Columbine is a whimsical perennial that produces unique, delicate flowers in a range of colors, including stunning shades of purple. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens. Columbine blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a lovely show that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
These charming flowers have a graceful appearance, making them a favorite for cottage gardens!
Popular Varieties
- Aquilegia caerulea (Colorado Columbine): Features beautiful blue and , perfect for native gardens.
- Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine): A classic with a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white.
- ‘Nora Barlow’: Known for its unique double blooms and beautiful purple shades, adding a twist to your garden.
22. Chives
Chives aren’t just for cooking! These produce lovely purple flowers that can add a pop of color to your garden while providing a delicious herb for your meals. Chives thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to grow in vegetable gardens or flower beds.
Their flowers are not only pretty, but they also attract pollinators, adding a touch of liveliness to your garden.
Popular Varieties
- Allium schoenoprasum (Common Chives): The classic variety with lovely purple flowers and edible green stalks.
- Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum): Features white flowers and a garlic flavor, perfect for culinary use.
- ‘Giant Chives’: Known for its larger stature and larger flowers, making a bold statement in the garden.
23. Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme is a delightful ground cover that produces lovely purple flowers and fragrant foliage. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for sunny areas in your garden. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it a fantastic low-maintenance choice!
Creeping thyme blooms in late spring to early summer, creating a beautiful carpet of purple that can also withstand foot traffic, making it ideal between stepping stones or in pathways.
Popular Varieties
- Thymus serpyllum (Wild Thyme): The classic creeping variety with vibrant purple flowers, perfect for ground cover.
- Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’: Features lovely pinkish-purple blooms and a fragrant, compact habit.
- Thymus ‘Elfin’: A low-growing variety great for pathways with tiny purple flowers that attract pollinators.
24. Japanese Anemone
Japanese Anemone adds a lovely touch of elegance to the fall garden with its delicate purple blooms. This perennial thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it a perfect choice for woodland gardens. Japanese Anemone blooms in late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants are starting to fade.
They have a graceful, airy appearance that looks lovely swaying in the breeze!
Popular Varieties
- ‘September Charm’: Known for its soft pinkish-purple flowers and sturdy growth habit.
- ‘Honorine Jobert’: Features pure white flowers and a tall stature, great for adding contrast.
- ‘Wild Swan’: A newer variety with semi-double blooms and a unique, charming look.
25. Toad Lily
Toad lilies are unique perennials that produce intricate, orchid-like flowers in shades of purple and lavender. These plants thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shady corners. They bloom in late summer to fall, adding a delightful touch of color when many other plants are winding down.
Toad lilies have a whimsical appearance, making them a favorite among gardeners looking for something a little different!
Popular Varieties
- Tricyrtis hirta (Hairy Toad Lily): Known for its spotted purple flowers and sturdy growth.
- Tricyrtis formosana (Formosan Toad Lily): Features elegant blooms with a more refined look and intricate markings.
- Tricyrtis ‘Gilt Edge’: A variegated variety known for its striking foliage and beautiful flowers.
26. False Indigo
False indigo, or Baptisia, is a beautiful perennial that produces tall spikes of purple flowers resembling sweet peas. These hardy plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them excellent for sunny borders. False indigo blooms in late spring to early summer, providing stunning color and attracting butterflies to your garden.
They’re also great for adding structure to your garden, with their upright growth and robust foliage!
Popular Varieties
- Baptisia australis (Blue False Indigo): The classic variety with stunning blue-purple flowers and a compact habit.
- Baptisia ‘Twilight’: Offers unique two-toned flowers with deep purple and white coloring.
- Baptisia ‘Carolina Moon’: A standout with bright yellow flowers, adding an unexpected color twist.