Purple is a color that holds immense power. The Pantone Color Institute recognized this when they declared Ultra Violet, a shade of purple, as the Color of the Year, describing it as “complex and contemplative.” Purple has always been associated with unconventionality and artistic brilliance. While I may not be an expert in using purple for interior design, art, or fashion, I certainly know how to use it in a garden. Purple perennials have a bold and commanding presence in a landscape, which cannot be denied. Hence, in this article, I am excited to share my favorite perennial flowers that come in shades of purple. These beautiful plants, whether dark and regal or light and luscious, bring depth, richness, and a vibrant pop of color to your garden.
Purple is a stunning color that can add brilliance to any garden, whether it be dark and regal or soft and luscious. If you’re a fan of purple in your garden, you’ll be glad to know that there are a variety of violet-hued blooming perennials available in different sizes and shapes. From ground covers to the tallest perennials, you can find a purple plant that will fit in any garden, regardless of its size or style.
To make it easier to find the right purple perennial, I’ve divided them into three groups based on their height: tall, medium, and short. By doing this, gardeners can determine where to place the plants and whether they will work well in their space based on their mature height. Each plant’s botanical name, site preferences, growth habits, hardiness, and bloom times are included, as well as whether or not they are deer-resistant.
I’m confident you will love these purple perennial flowers and will want to add them to your garden. If you have any other favorite varieties, please share them in the comments section below. I always enjoy learning about what my readers love!
Numerous purple-flowering perennials are worth cultivating in your garden. Among the tall-growing options is Phlox (Phlox paniculata). Garden phlox is a timeless, gorgeous perennial, and the purple varieties such as ‘Flame Blue’ or ‘Blue Paradise’ add an extra touch of elegance. These plants can reach 2 to 3 feet in height and produce clusters of round blooms. They prefer full sun, but be aware that deer have a fondness for them. You can enjoy these purple perennials from mid-summer until fall. To encourage more blooms, make sure you deadhead them regularly, and trim the stems back by a third in late spring to promote branching. Purple phlox can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and are beloved by bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbird moths, and other pollinators.
If you’re searching for a purple-flowering perennial that thrives in different climates, Phlox is an outstanding option. Its striking appearance is sure to catch anyone’s eye. However, if you prefer a native North American plant, Vervain or Verbena stricta is a great alternative. Its tall purple flowers are stunning and will undoubtedly make your garden stand out. Although it can grow up to 4 to 5 feet in height, it’s often overlooked by gardeners. It’s not commonly available in nurseries, but starting from seed is easy. Additionally, deer don’t usually bother it, and native bees love its nectar. Vervain is also incredibly cold-tolerant, capable of surviving temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The vervain plant’s tall and elegant flowers create a breezy atmosphere in any landscape. When it comes to the German bearded iris (Iris germanica), there are a plethora of colors to choose from, but I personally love the violet shade the most. Luckily, there are many different types of this perennial to satisfy your desire for purple blooms in your garden. These plants can thrive in full or partial sun, and they’re incredibly resilient. However, make sure not to plant the rhizomes too deep, or they may rot. Among the numerous purple perennials that deer tend to avoid, German iris are one of the simplest to cultivate. These flowers can survive even the harshest winters, withstanding temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They also bloom early in the spring and require minimal maintenance.
Although bearded iris are quite common, they are still popular due to their durability and simplicity in maintenance. On the other hand, if you desire a bigger perennial that produces purple flowers, bear’s breeches is an ideal choice. The extensive, eye-catching, spine-covered leaves are adorned with 3-foot-tall spires of hooded flowers every summer. This plant can thrive fully in sunlight, and its blooms can last for several months. Furthermore, this purple perennial can endure winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees F, so make sure to allocate ample space for it in your garden. With all those spines, deer and rabbits will not bother it.
Bear’s breeches is an incredibly bold plant that adds a unique touch to any garden. Its spiny leaves and striking hooded blooms are truly a sight to behold. If you’re on the lookout for purple perennials that bloom in the fall, look no further than monkshood. This plant is a real treat, with its tall spires of flowers that don’t open until late summer and last well into autumn. For best results, give it full sun – it will stand tall and proud. In the shade, however, it can be a bit floppier. It’s also worth noting that all parts of this plant are poisonous, so take care when handling it. On the bright side, this trait does make monkshood deer-resistant, which is a definite plus. Hardy to -40 degrees F, this plant tops out at 3 to 4 feet in height.
One of the most impressive late-blooming perennials is monkshood, which can often still be in bloom long after the first frost of fall. However, my personal favorite tall purple perennial is the Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus). This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and attracts migrating monarch butterflies with its clusters of small, pale purple flowers. Tatarian aster is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and requires no staking for support, even in temperatures as low as -40 degrees F. While it’s not a favorite of deer in my garden, some gardeners have reported nibbling from these animals on occasion. Overall, Tatarian aster is a beautiful and beneficial addition to any garden.
The Tatarian asters are adored by pollinators for their late blooms, and you will surely love them too! If you’re looking for an exceptional early-blooming perennial, then False indigo (Baptisia australis) is the perfect choice. It’s always fascinating to watch chubby bumblebees open the lidded blooms every spring as they are the only bees heavy enough to do so and pollinate them. It’s noteworthy that False indigo is one of the purple flowering perennials that deer avoid eating, which is definitely a plus. While the straight species produces spikes of purple-blue flowers, other variations bloom in shades of yellow, burgundy, and white. It can grow up to 3 feet tall in sunny spots and is winter-hardy down to -40 degrees F. Although False indigo doesn’t have a long bloom time, the foliage itself is quite striking.
During mid spring, false indigo showcases its spires of blooms that tower above the foliage. The sunny perennial garden classic, lupines, prove to be a challenge for me to cultivate due to my heavy clay and acidic soil. But come late spring, these plants produce towering spires of dense blooms that add beauty to any garden. Despite its name, ‘Russell Blue’ lupine is more purple than blue. It’s an ideal variety for those who desire plants with purple flowers. Notably, it’s deer-resistant and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees F during winter.
Lupines are a great addition to any garden, thanks to their long-lasting purple blooms. Another option for medium-sized purple perennials is the clustered bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula glomerata. Its deep purple flowers are sure to catch the eye of anyone who sees them in your garden. This plant can thrive in both full and partial sun, and it can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees F. Bees and other pollinators love the clustered bellflower, which blooms throughout the summer months. However, to keep the plant healthy, it’s important to deadhead it regularly. Additionally, this perennial has been reported to be resistant to deer. You’ll notice the blooms of the clustered bellflower are bunched together to form balls at the top of the flower stems.
During mid-summer, the clustered bellflower can brighten up any garden with a pop of color. Another native North American perennial, the blazing star or Liatris spicata, is a favorite of bees and butterflies. These plants boast tall spikes of purple blooms that gradually open downwards along their stem, providing a lengthy blooming period. Blazing stars grow from corms and thrive in full sun, making them easy to plant and care for. Additionally, they make lovely cut flowers and are deer-resistant, as well as hardy enough to withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.
Pollinators absolutely love the beautiful blooms of blazing star. For those looking for another purple perennial that blooms throughout summer, consider salvia (Salvia nemorosa). This plant thrives in hot, sunny and dry garden beds and has thin spikes of flowers with square stems, a characteristic of the mint family. By deadheading the plant, you can enjoy the blooms for several months. Reaching a height of 18 inches, this purple flower is also deer-resistant. Popular varieties include ‘Cardonna’ and ‘Amethyst’, with one of our personal favorites being S. sylvestris ‘May Night’. These plants are typically hardy to -30 degrees F, making them a great addition to any garden.
If you’re looking for a stunning addition to your garden, consider perennial salvia with its delicate flower spikes that complement other plants. However, if you want to attract pollinators and add some vibrant purple blooms to your garden, then anise hyssop is a must-have. Known for its licorice-scented foliage and chubby light purple spikes of flowers, this plant is loved by bees and butterflies but detested by deer. Moreover, it continues to bloom for months. You can boost its blooming potential by pinching it back in late May by a third. This hardy plant can tolerate -20 degrees F temperature and prefers full sun, though it can survive in light shade as well.
Purple-blooming perennials are a great addition to any garden, but if you’re looking for one with a unique scent, the anise hyssop is your best bet. Its licorice-scented foliage sets it apart from the rest. Another option is the mistflower, which has purple, powder puff-like blooms that appear in clusters. While it may remind some of ageratum, this late-blooming perennial is fully hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees F. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, and enjoy its deer-resistant, pale purple blooms on 1-foot-tall stems. Just be aware that it spreads prolifically, so keep an eye on it.
Mistflower’s fuzzy blooms may strike you as similar to annual ageratum at first glance, but in reality, it is a long-lasting native perennial. A deer-resistant classic purple flowering plant that has been cherished by generations of gardeners is Veronica spicata or Spike Speedwell. However, some variations are prone to powdery mildew, so it’s best to opt for resistant ones like ‘Royal Candles.’ Reaching up to 12 inches in height, this plant boasts pointy spires of densely-packed purple flowers that open from the bottom up, remaining in bloom for several weeks. It can survive harsh winters dropping down to -40 degrees F without requiring staking when planted in full sunlight.
Gardeners all around the world have been fond of the spike speedwell for a long time. However, there’s another purple perennial that bees love, called ‘Pikes Peak Purple’ beardstongue (Penstemon x mexicali ‘Pikes Peak Purple’). This plant stands out from the rest with its stunning appearance, abundant dark purple flowers, and easy maintenance. It can survive in winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees F, and its tubular blooms resemble tiny trumpets. For optimal growth, select a spot with full sunlight and soil that drains well.
If you want a plant that will thrive with well-drained soil and full sun, Pikes Peak Penstemon is the perfect choice. It boasts short purple perennial flowers that will add a pop of color to any garden. If you prefer a shade-loving perennial, consider the Wood Phlox. This lovely plant produces early-season blooms and thrives in the woodlands of eastern North America. Its pale purple blooms have five petals each and are borne in clusters atop wiry stems. Although it only blooms for a few weeks each spring, it’s hardy to -40 degrees F and resistant to deer and dry soil.
The wood phlox is an excellent plant for those who prefer the shade, and it boasts beautiful early-season blooms. Another plant to consider is the purple-leaved spiderwort, scientifically known as Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Queen’. This plant produces small lavender flowers, but its main attraction is its purple foliage. It is only suitable for warmer climates that don’t experience temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is still a great addition to any garden even if it needs to be replaced each spring. ‘Purple Queen’ is one of the most impressive plants with purple leaves available to gardeners, standing out due to its dramatic display. Additionally, at only 12 inches tall, it cascades beautifully over the edges of containers and retaining walls.
If you’re looking for a plant that can work well in containers, purple tradescantia is a great option. But if you want a low-growing perennial with plenty of blooms, try ‘Lalla’ – a hybrid aster that’s native to North America. This hardy plant can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees F and produces countless small purple flowers in late season. It’s a favorite of tiny pollinators and adds much-needed color to any garden or border. While deer may nibble on it, ‘Lalla’ thrives in full sun or dappled shade. If you can’t get your hands on ‘Lalla’, ‘Purple Dome’ is a good substitute.
The ‘Lalla’ aster is a great option for the front of your garden border as it has a low-growing and spreading characteristic. If you’re looking for a plant with purple flowers, lavender is a popular choice. It’s known for its delightful fragrance and essential oil content, and is resistant to deer and loves sunlight. To ensure optimal growth, plant it in soil that is well-drained. There are numerous species and varieties of lavender to choose from, so make sure you pick one that can thrive in your particular climate. My personal top picks are Lavandula x intermedia ‘Phenomenal’ and ‘Grosso’.
Lavender is a must-have when it comes to purple-flowered perennials. Another great addition to your garden would be the creeping speedwell (Veronica x ‘Waterperry Blue’). This low-growing perennial with its beautiful purple flowers is perfect as a ground cover. Though its blooming time during spring is short-lived, the plant still looks stunning all year round. It’s semi-evergreen and requires just a light trim in early spring. This hardy groundcover can withstand temperatures as low as -30 degrees F and is also deer resistant. Furthermore, it produces delightful little blossoms when placed in full sun.
If you’re looking for a plant to cover the ground, ‘Waterperry Blue’ is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you’re in search of purple perennial flowers that can withstand deer and thrive in the shade, then lungwort (Pulmonaria species) might just be the perfect fit. There are several varieties of lungwort with lovely purple blooms like ‘Diana Clare’, ‘Mrs. Moon’, and ‘Blue Ensign’. Some of these varieties also produce pink or white flowers and have mottled or spotted foliage. To ensure optimal growth, plant lungwort in a shady location and provide it with sufficient water. Luckily, this type of flower can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.
Numerous types of Pulmonaria exist and some have leaves with spots. Although not purple perennial flowers, Coralbells (Heuchera species) are purple-leaved perennials that come in a wide range of cultivars, each with uniquely colored foliage. These foliage plants shine in the shade with bronze, chartreuse, silver, green, peach, and especially purple varieties like ‘Plum Pudding’, ‘Dark Secret’, ‘Forever Purple’, and ‘Wildberry’. The best part is that the purple appears all season long because the color is in the foliage.
The foliage of Heucheras may be well-known for its purple hue, but it’s not their flowers that steal the show. Cue the Millenium flowering onion (Allium ‘Millenium’), a plant that’s not only resistant to rabbits, voles, and deer, but also boasts vibrant purple blooms that are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. With orb-shaped clusters that last for weeks, this perennial thrives in full sun and can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees F. Its compact growth habit, easy maintenance, and long blooming period make it a standout choice for any garden.
The blooms of Allium ‘Millenium’ are simply stunning and have a long-lasting effect. This particular plant looks especially beautiful when partnered with dark-leaved dahlias, hostas, and coleus.
Pulsatilla vulgaris, commonly known as Pasque flower, is an adorable little plant that welcomes spring with its bright and cheerful blooms. Its delicate fern-like foliage soon follows the blooms, making it a perfect addition to any garden. In addition to its poufy seed heads that sway in the wind, this purple perennial is able to withstand extremely cold temperatures of up to -40 degrees F and thrives best in well-drained soils. Pasque flowers also reseed themselves easily if they are content in their environment. These plants are one of the earliest blooming purple perennials and flourish in full to partial sun. Moreover, they are also deer resistant.
