15 Stunning Perennial Plants with Purple Flowers for a Vibrant Garden

Purple flowers have long symbolized elegance, creativity, and tranquility—making them a favorite among garden lovers. If you're looking to create a vibrant, eye-catching landscape that returns year after year with minimal effort, perennial plants with purple flowers are a perfect choice. These hardy bloomers not only add a splash of color but also attract pollinators and bring lasting beauty to your outdoor space.

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15 Stunning Perennial Plants with Purple Flowers

Why Choose Perennial Plants with Purple Flowers?

Adding purple perennials to your garden isn't just a stylistic choice—it's a smart, sustainable way to enjoy long-lasting color with minimal upkeep. These versatile plants offer both beauty and function, making them ideal for gardeners of all experience levels.

Long-Lasting Beauty with Low Maintenance

Perennial plants with purple flowers are known for their long-lasting purple blooms that return year after year without the need for constant replanting. Many are easy-care purple perennials that thrive with little watering, pruning, or feeding, making them perfect for busy or beginner gardeners.

Attract Pollinators Like Bees & Butterflies

Purple is a magnet for pollinators, and many of these perennials are pollinator-friendly purple flowers. Plants like bee balm and lavender not only provide vibrant color but also attract beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, creating a lively and healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Perfect for Both Full Sun and Partial Shade Gardens

Whether your garden basks in sunlight or offers a bit of shade, you'll find purple perennials for full sun and shade alike. Many of these hardy purple flowering plants adapt well to different conditions, giving you plenty of options for various garden layouts and climates.

Best Perennial Plants with Purple Flowers for Sun-Loving Gardens

If your garden gets full sun for most of the day, you're in luck—many of the most vibrant perennial purple flowers thrive in sunny conditions. These varieties not only deliver color and structure, but some also grow tall enough to serve as bold focal points. Below are some stunning options, along with quick tips for purple perennial flower identification.

Lavender (Lavandula)

A classic sun-lover, lavender is easily recognized by its fragrant, spiky blooms and silvery-green foliage. This perennial purple flower is ideal for borders and rock gardens and thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

Zones: 5-9
Colors: Purple, lavender, violet
Height: 12-36 inches tall
Blooms: From late spring to summer
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Water: Water regularly but avoid wetting the foliage, ensuring soil dries out between waterings
Best in: Full sun, thrives in hot, dry conditions

Iris (Iris germanica)

Iris is a classic garden favorite with elegant, upright purple flowers that bloom in early to mid-spring. The tall, regal blooms make an impressive statement in any garden. Iris comes in a variety of shades of purple, from deep violet to soft lavender, offering a sophisticated look alongside other perennials.

Zones: 3-9
Colors: Purple, blue, lavender, yellow, white, and bi-color varieties
Height: 24-36 inches tall
Blooms: Spring (late April to early June)
Attracts: Bees and butterflies
Prefers: Well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral
Water: Water regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings
Best in: Full sun to partial shade, prefers cooler climates

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

With tall, airy stems and lavender-blue flowers, Russian sage is a striking tall purple flowers perennial perfect for adding height and texture. It’s drought-tolerant and blooms from mid-summer into fall.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, lavender
Height: 36-60 inches tall
Blooms: From midsummer to fall
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained, dry soil
Water: Water moderately; once established, it is drought-tolerant
Best in: Full sun, prefers hot, dry conditions

Salvia

Known for its upright spikes of deep violet or blue-purple flowers, salvia is another favorite among pollinators. It's also one of the easiest plants when it comes to purple perennial flower identification thanks to its distinct square stems and fragrant foliage.

Zones: 4-9 (depending on variety)
Colors: Purple, blue, pink, red, and white
Height: 12-36 inches tall
Blooms: Late spring to fall (depending on variety)
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil conditions
Water: Water regularly but avoid overwatering; allow soil to dry between waterings
Best in: Full sun, can tolerate some partial shade

Agastache (Hyssop)

This tall perennial is beloved for its minty scent and upright clusters of tubular purple flowers. Agastache is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sun—making it a versatile garden favorite.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, lavender, pink, orange, and blue
Height: 24-48 inches tall
Blooms: From late spring to fall
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained, moderately dry soil
Water: Water regularly during the growing season but reduce once established; avoid excessive moisture
Best in: Full sun to partial shade, thrives in hot, dry conditions

Verbena

A low-maintenance groundcover option, verbena spreads nicely and produces clusters of small purple flowers all summer long. Though it's lower to the ground, it pairs beautifully with tall purple perennial flowers to create layered color and depth.

Zones: 7-10
Colors: Purple, pink, red, white, and violet
Height: 6-12 inches tall
Blooms: From spring to fall, with peak blooming in summer
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained soil, drought-tolerant once established
Water: Water regularly at the base; allow the soil to dry out between waterings

Shade-Loving Purple Perennials for Tricky Garden Spots

Not every garden space gets full sun—but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on vibrant blooms. These purple flowering plants for shade thrive in partial to full shade and bring color, texture, and charm to those often-overlooked garden corners. If you're seeking low light perennial flowers, the selections below will thrive and impress.

Hosta (with Purple Flowers)

While most gardeners grow Hostas for their lush, sculptural foliage, many varieties produce elegant light purple flowers in midsummer. These tall, tubular blooms rise above the foliage on graceful stalks, offering both structure and softness to shady spots.

Zones: 3-9
Colors: Purple (flowers), green, blue, and variegated foliage
Height: 12-36 inches tall (depending on variety)
Blooms: Summer to early fall, with purple tubular flowers rising above the foliage
Attracts: Hummingbirds and pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Water: Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy
Best in: Partial to full shade, ideal for woodland or shaded areas

Allium (Ornamental Onion)

Known for its large, globe-like clusters of vibrant purple flowers, Allium makes a bold statement in the garden. These tall purple perennial flowers are perfect for adding structure and drama, and they bloom in late spring to early summer, complementing other purple perennials.

Zones: 4-8
Colors: Purple, blue, and violet
Height: 18-36 inches tall
Blooms: Late spring to early summer
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Water: Water regularly, but ensure soil drains well to avoid root rot
Best in: Full sun, thrives in well-drained soils

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

An early bloomer with speckled leaves, Lungwort is one of the few plants that provides vibrant color in late winter or early spring. Its clusters of blue to purple flowers brighten any dim corner, making it a staple among purple flowering plants for shade.

Zones: 3-8
Colors: Purple, blue, pink, red, and white
Height: 12-18 inches tall
Blooms: Early spring, with blue or purple blooms before foliage fully emerges
Attracts: Bees and early-season pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
Water: Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soggy
Best in: Partial to full shade, perfect for woodland or shaded gardens

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)

With blooms that resemble miniature orchids, Toad Lily is a true hidden gem. These low light perennial flowers bloom in late summer to fall, adding intricate, speckled purple blossoms when most other shade plants are done for the season.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, blue, white, and violet (with speckles)
Height: 12-36 inches tall
Blooms: Late summer to fall
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, rich, moist soil
Water: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged
Best in: Partial to full shade, ideal for shady garden spots

Campanula (Bellflower)

Delicate and charming, Campanula offers bell-shaped purple blooms that sway gently in the breeze. Ideal for part-shade locations, this perennial brings an airy, whimsical feel to woodland gardens or shaded borders.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, blue, white, pink, and lavender
Height: 12-36 inches tall (depending on variety)
Blooms: Late spring to summer
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Prefers: Well-drained soil, moist but not soggy
Water: Water regularly at the base, allowing soil to dry out between waterings
Best in: Full sun to partial shade, works well in cottage gardens or woodland edges

Tip: For gardeners who want quick reference, consider printing out or bookmarking a chart of purple flowers names and pictures to make plant ID easier in the shade garden!

Purple Perennials That Bloom All Summer

Looking for color that won’t quit? These perennials that bloom all summer are perfect for gardeners who crave long-lasting visual appeal. Not only do these plants offer season-spanning color, but they also serve as powerful magnets for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Each one is a plant with purple flowers and green leaves that adds beauty and purpose to your garden.

Catmint (Nepeta)

This soft, mounding perennial produces waves of lavender-purple flowers from late spring through summer. Known for its calming scent and extended bloom period, Catmint is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect along borders or walkways. It's one of the most reliable perennials that bloom all summer without fuss.

Zones: 3-8
Colors: Purple, lavender, blue
Height: 12-24 inches tall
Blooms: Late spring to early summer, with occasional reblooming
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, dry or slightly sandy soil
Water: Water moderately, avoid wetting the foliage
Best in: Full sun, tolerates poor soil conditions

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

A must-have in any pollinator-friendly garden, Coneflower features bold, daisy-like blooms in shades of purple and pink. This tall purple perennial is heat-tolerant, deer-resistant, and a favorite among bees and butterflies—making it an ideal purple perennial for pollinators.

Zones: 3-9
Colors: Purple, pink, white, orange, and yellow
Height: 24-36 inches tall
Blooms: Summer to fall
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and birds
Prefers: Well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil
Water: Water regularly, but allow soil to dry between waterings once established
Best in: Full sun, tolerates drought conditions

Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bursting with color and fragrance, Bee Balm is a standout in the summer garden. Its vibrant purple blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies while filling the air with a spicy, herbal scent. These large, showy flowers rise above green foliage and pair well with ornamental grasses or other natives.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, pink, red, and white
Height: 24-48 inches tall
Blooms: Summer to fall
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil
Water: Water regularly at the base, keeping the soil moist
Best in: Full sun to partial shade, thrives in moist, rich soils

Coreopsis (Purple Variety)

While often known for yellow hues, some Coreopsis cultivars offer stunning purple flowers with green leaves, creating vibrant contrast and constant color. It thrives in hot, sunny locations and blooms consistently from early summer into fall with minimal care.

Zones: 4-9
Colors: Purple, yellow, and red (depending on variety)
Height: 18-24 inches tall
Blooms: Late spring through summer
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and pollinators
Prefers: Well-drained, dry to moderately moist soil
Water: Water moderately, allow soil to dry between waterings
Best in: Full sun, thrives in hot and dry conditions

These long-blooming perennials not only enhance curb appeal but also support healthy ecosystems—making them a win for your garden and the planet.

How to Design a Garden with Purple Perennial Flowers

Designing a visually striking garden goes beyond simply choosing plants you like—it's about combining structure, color, and timing for maximum impact. With the right garden design tips, purple perennial flowers can be used to create layered, long-lasting displays that thrive in your unique environment.

Mix Heights and Bloom Times for Continuous Interest

When planning your layout, include a mix of low, mid, and tall purple perennials to add visual depth and prevent flat-looking beds. Choose varieties with staggered bloom times—like early-spring Pulmonaria, midsummer Coneflowers, and late-season Toad Lilies—to keep your garden vibrant from spring through fall. This layered approach ensures there's always something catching the eye.

Pair Purple with Complementary Colors

Purple is incredibly versatile and looks stunning when paired with warm-toned companions. Try planting orange daylilies or yellow Coreopsis nearby to make those purple blooms pop. White and silvery foliage plants like lamb’s ear or artemisia also provide elegant contrast and help tone down bolder combinations.

Know Your USDA Hardiness Zone Before Planting

Before selecting plants, check your USDA hardiness zone to ensure they’ll thrive in your region. Some purple perennials are more cold-hardy (like Lavender or Russian Sage), while others prefer milder climates. Also, pay attention to soil type, drainage, and moisture levels to set your plants up for long-term success. Smart planting tips like grouping plants with similar needs will save you time and effort down the road.

With thoughtful design and the right mix of textures, colors, and bloom schedules, your purple perennial garden can be both a visual masterpiece and a low-maintenance retreat.

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