Grayson West
A well-planned perennial garden brings consistency and character to any outdoor space, and purple-flowering varieties add an undeniable sense of richness. Some introduce dramatic height, others create dense ground cover, and a few carry fragrance that lingers in the air. Here are 10 perennials that will bring lasting color and life to your garden.
Allium
Few plants make a statement like alliums. Their globe-shaped flowers stand on tall, sturdy stems, resembling fireworks frozen mid-burst. While they’re visually striking, they also serve a purpose—pollinators love them, and deer tend to ignore them. Plant them in clusters for a bold effect, and let their sculptural quality add structure to borders.
Lavender
A garden with lavender isn’t just about looks—it’s about scent, movement, and pollinator activity. Its silvery foliage contrasts beautifully against the purple flower spikes, which sway in the breeze while attracting bees and butterflies. Known for its resilience, lavender thrives in poor, dry soil, making it a solid choice for areas where fussier plants struggle.
Salvia ‘May Night’
If you want deep color and long-lasting blooms, ‘May Night’ salvia is a reliable choice. Its rich indigo flowers rise above fragrant, dark green foliage, bringing texture to flower beds. The real magic happens when bees and hummingbirds start showing up—it’s practically a magnet for them. This salvia is low-maintenance and bounces back quickly from heat and drought.
Clematis
A well-placed clematis can transform a garden, turning an ordinary trellis or fence into a vertical display of vibrant blooms. The ‘Jackmanii’ variety produces a cascade of deep purple flowers that return year after year. Once established, clematis needs little attention beyond occasional pruning, rewarding gardeners with dramatic color and an elegant climbing habit.
Baptisia ‘Violet Dusk’
Unlike many perennials that peak in late summer, Baptisia gets going in spring. ‘Violet Dusk’ stands out with spires of soft lavender flowers that contrast against blue-green foliage. Over time, it develops into a sizeable shrub-like plant, making it a great choice for filling gaps in large beds. Once planted, it’s virtually indestructible, thriving in poor soil and requiring little maintenance.
Delphinium
Delphiniums bring a regal presence to any garden, their tall spikes packed with rich purple blooms. They prefer cooler climates and need staking to prevent flopping, but their striking vertical impact makes the extra effort worthwhile. Varieties like ‘Dark Black Knight’ deliver deep, moody purples, while ‘Purple Passion’ offers a softer take on the shade.
Heuchera ‘Wildberry’
Not all purple perennials make their impact through flowers—some, like Heuchera ‘Wildberry,’ steal the show with bold foliage. Its scalloped, glossy leaves shift between deep plum and bright amethyst, making it a striking contrast plant. Whether planted in containers or along pathways, its color remains vibrant year-round, even in colder months.
Catmint
Catmint may not have the drama of towering perennials, but it earns its place with reliability and a non-stop bloom cycle. Spikes of lavender-blue flowers appear in early summer and continue through fall, drawing in pollinators. Once established, catmint is nearly drought-proof, making it ideal for borders and edging where consistency is key.
Geranium ‘Boom Chocolatta’
Hardy geraniums are garden workhorses, and ‘Boom Chocolatta’ is no exception. Deep chocolate-colored leaves provide a dramatic contrast to its periwinkle-purple flowers, creating a layered effect. This variety forms a dense, rounded mound that suppresses weeds and keeps beds looking tidy, even when not in bloom.
Phlox ‘Ultraviolet’
When late summer rolls around and other flowers begin to fade, Phlox ‘Ultraviolet’ keeps the show going. Large clusters of magenta-violet flowers stand tall on sturdy stems, resisting mildew that often plagues other varieties. The result is a lush, full look that brightens up garden beds just as other perennials start to wind down.