Are you looking to design a stunning ornamental garden with an emphasis on purple flowers? Then you’ll want to explore these perennial plants that will add beauty, color, and charm to your garden. Here’s a list of the top purple flowering perennials you should consider!

Top Purple Flowering Perennials to Have in Your Garden

Perennial plants with purple flowers are perfect for adding a pop of color to any garden. These plants come in various shapes and sizes, from herbaceous to shrubby forms, with blooms that appear in spring or summer. Whether they thrive in full sun or prefer a more shaded spot, these plants are as versatile as they are beautiful. Let’s take a closer look at the best purple flowering perennials for your garden!


1. The Butterfly Tree

The butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a shrubby honey plant that attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for pollinator gardens. It thrives in full sun and needs a wind-sheltered location to fully flourish, offering vibrant purple blooms in mid-summer.


2. Alliums

Alliums, or ornamental garlic, are known for their stunning purple spherical flowers that add texture and interest to any garden. These easy-to-grow plants are also pest-repellent, making them an excellent choice for those looking to keep bugs at bay.


3. Veronica

Veronica, also known as speedwell, is a favorite among pollinators like bees, beetles, and ladybugs. It blooms from June to October, and thrives in sun or partial shade. With its delicate purple spikes, Veronica is a beautiful addition to any garden.


4. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) is a must-have aromatic herb for any garden. Not only does it offer purple flowers, but it also provides medicinal and culinary benefits. Plant it in poor, well-drained soil in full sun to promote healthy growth.


5. Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is not only known for attracting cats but also repels slugs and snails, making it a pest-repellent choice for your garden. It enjoys full sun and blooms with purple flowers, adding both beauty and functionality.


6. Sage

Sage (Salvia) is another aromatic herb with purple flowers. This versatile plant is used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but doesn’t like excessive moisture.


7. Garden Phlox

Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a shrubby perennial that blooms from June to September. The ‘Purple Sprite’ and ‘Ultraviolet’ varieties are perfect for adding a vibrant purple touch to your garden. These plants thrive in moderate sun and adapt well to a west-facing garden.


8. Clematis

Clematis is a versatile climbing plant with purple flowers that are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden. These plants are dense in foliage and flower-rich, making them great for trellises or fences. Look for remontant cultivars to enjoy blooms all season long.


9. The Anemone

Anemones are delicate-looking plants with purple, mauve, and white flowers. Native to Asia, they thrive in shade or partial shade and prefer rich, well-drained soil. These plants can be a lovely addition to shaded areas of your garden.


10. Purple Foxglove

Purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a striking plant with bell-shaped purple flowers. Though toxic, it is a beautiful addition to any garden, blooming from May to July. It prefers partial shade and humus-rich soil.


Other Must-Have Purple Flowers

While the above plants are some of the top choices for purple flowering perennials, there are plenty of other stunning options to consider, including:

  • Columbines (Aquilegia)
  • Asters
  • Irises
  • Hydrangeas (Hydrangea)
  • Petunias

These plants can be added to your garden to create a vibrant, colorful display that will last for years.


Designing your garden with purple flowering perennials is a fantastic way to bring beauty, color, and diversity to your outdoor space. With the right combination of these plants, you can create a stunning ornamental garden that will attract pollinators and thrive throughout the seasons. Whether you want to add a pop of color or improve your garden’s biodiversity, these purple plants are sure to make your landscape shine!