Purple is a favorite color in gardens for good reason. It provides a sense of calm while adding depth and contrast, creating a stunning backdrop for other plants. From soft lavenders to rich violets, purple perennials are show-stopping additions to any landscape. Below, we’ll explore ten of the best purple perennials for your garden, covering everything from companion plants to care tips.
1. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
- Height: 18-24 inches
- Sun/Shade: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates dry conditions
- Nuances: Deadheading encourages repeat blooms. Fertilize sparingly; overfeeding reduces flowering.
- Companion Plants: Combines beautifully with yellow coreopsis and white daisies.
- Notes: Resistant to deer and rabbits, and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Nuances: Cut back in early spring to encourage vigorous growth. Thrives in xeriscapes.
- Companion Plants: Pair with echinacea or ornamental grasses for a striking effect.
- Notes: Drought-tolerant and virtually pest-free.
3. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Adaptable but prefers well-drained soil
- Nuances: Deadhead for extended blooming or leave seed heads for winter interest and feeding birds.
- Companion Plants: Looks fantastic with black-eyed Susans and sedum.
- Notes: Highly attractive to pollinators and resistant to most pests.
4. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)
- Height: 12-24 inches
- Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, dry to medium moisture
- Nuances: Cut back after the first bloom for a second flush of flowers. Avoid overwatering.
- Companion Plants: Complements roses and combines well with silver foliage plants like lamb’s ear.
- Notes: Loved by pollinators and resistant to deer.
5. Hebe (Hebe spp.)
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun to light shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil, tolerates alkaline conditions
- Nuances: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Avoid waterlogged soils.
- Companion Plants: Ideal alongside heathers and dwarf conifers for year-round interest.
- Notes: Attractive to bees and other pollinators.
6. Liatris (Liatris spicata)
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, medium moisture
- Nuances: Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding. Stake taller varieties in windy locations.
- Companion Plants: Pairs well with yarrow and tall grasses.
- Notes: Its vertical spires are a magnet for butterflies.
7. Asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Nuances: Mulch to retain moisture and prevent soil splashing, which reduces the risk of powdery mildew.
- Companion Plants: Blend with goldenrod and sedges for a natural meadow look.
- Notes: Late-season blooms support pollinators in fall.
8. Iris (Iris germanica)
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil
- Nuances: Divide rhizomes every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding. Avoid burying rhizomes too deeply.
- Companion Plants: Combine with peonies or alliums for striking spring displays.
- Notes: Bearded irises are easy to grow and provide stunning blooms.
9. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Sun/Shade: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Nuances: Cut back after flowering to encourage branching. Thrives in poor soils.
- Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with cosmos and gaura for a cottage garden feel.
- Notes: Excellent for attracting bees and butterflies.
10. Hardy Geranium (Geranium ‘Rozanne’)
- Height: 12-18 inches
- Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Nuances: Low-maintenance, but trimming back after the first flush of blooms encourages a second wave.
- Companion Plants: Works well with hostas and astilbes in shaded gardens.
- Notes: A long-blooming perennial that requires minimal care.
Why Purple Stands Out in the Garden
Purple is a versatile color that can act as a bridge between warmer tones like reds and yellows and cooler shades like blues and whites. It’s also highly visible to pollinators, making purple flowers functional as well as beautiful. The depth and variety of purple shades allow you to create contrast and focal points in your garden while providing a soothing, cohesive feel.
Care Tips and Considerations for Purple Perennials
- Soil Preparation: Most purple perennials prefer well-drained soil, so amend heavy clay or compacted areas with compost or sand.
- Fertilizer: Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for optimal results.
- Watering: While many purple perennials are drought-tolerant, they still need regular watering during establishment.
- Disease Management: Powdery mildew and root rot are common issues in poorly ventilated or overly wet conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Pruning: Deadheading not only keeps plants looking tidy but also encourages more blooms.
Bringing It All Together
Adding purple perennials to your garden is a simple way to introduce elegance, functionality, and a pollinator-friendly environment. By selecting a mix of heights and bloom times, you’ll enjoy a garden that transitions seamlessly through the seasons. Pair these plants with complementary colors and textures, and follow their care requirements for a vibrant, thriving garden.
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https://sherryrupert.com/spring-flower-garden/Looking to get a head start on next season? Check out our article on 3 Tips for a Successful Spring Flower Garden for practical advice to ensure your spring blooms are a success. From soil preparation to selecting the best plants, you’ll find everything you need to create a stunning spring display!
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