Purple Flowers That Bloom in Spring

Last Updated on February 4, 2023 by Derek

There are so many purple flowers that bloom during the spring. Just after the winter or frost has passed, the buds of many of these flowering plants open up to yield beautiful purple flowers.

Here are some of the prettiest purple flowers that bloom in spring.

1. Lilac
2. Bellflower
3. Clematis (sweet summer love)
4. Ornamental onion
5. Salvia
6. Petunia
7. Iris
8. Verbena
9. Geranium
10. Aster (sapphire Mist)
11. Sweet alyssum
12. Sweet pea
13. Blazing star (Floristan Violet)
14. False indigo
15. Speedwell
16. Calibrachoa
17. Purple Coneflower
18. Texas bluebell
19. Morning Glories
20. Pulsatilla Vulgaris

Some of these flowers start blooming in the spring and extend into late summer. Others, like calibrachoa, can bloom throughout the seasons.

Video – Beautiful purple spring flowers

Purple Flowers Names And Pictures

There are more beautiful purple flowers besides those blooming in spring. You can enjoy their beauty in any season of the year. Here are some of the common ones:

• Iris dwarf
• Pasque flower
• Purple freesia
• Miniature Gladiolus
• Balloon flower
• Lisianthus
• Eustoma grandiflorum
• Lily of the Nile

5 More Plants with Purple Flowers

Purple flower plants are numerous. They vary in growing conditions, environmental requirements, blooming seasons. Some flowering plants remain active all year round (perennial plants). This table shows some flowering plants with their growing conditions.

Table – 5 first spring flowers purple

Common plant name	Scientific name	Growing conditions and blooming season
Wallflower	Erysimum	A wallflower requires total sun exposure for practical blossom They grow well in well-drained sandy, clay, loamy, or chalky soils They need a neutral soil Ph It takes one to five years for a wallflower to attain an ultimate mature height of 30 to 75cm The plant blooms in summer, autumn, and spring The foliage season is summer, spring, autumn, and winter
Hardy geraniums	Geranium bohemicum	Hardy geranium is a perennial plant, meaning it is active throughout the year It grows well in well-drained clay, loamy, sandy, or chalky soils It is perfect in acidic, alkaline, or neutral soil Ph Hardy geranium boasts long flowering seasons starting from late spring to late fall
Trailing Bellflower	Campanula poscharskyana	Trailing bellflower is a perennial plant It thrives best in full sun exposure or partial shade in hotter climatic conditions It prefers moist, medium, average, and well-drained soils It does best in acidic, alkaline, and neutral soil Ph The best soil types for trailing flowerbell are loamy, chalky, clay, or sandy soils Its blooming begins in late spring to early summer
Mountain cornflower/perennial cornflower/perennial bachelor’s button	Centaurea Montana	The plant type is Herbaceous perennial It requires full sun exposure for maximum growth and bloom It prefers dry to medium moisture and well-drained loamy and sandy soils The best soil Ph for this plant is alkaline, acidic, and neutral Mountain cornflower’s bloom season is late spring to early summer
German bearded iris	Iris germanica	The plant type is Herbaceous, perennial It grows well in average, well-draining soil It needs exposure to full sun for maximum blooming The blooming season is during spring

Some Purple Perennials That Bloom All Summer

There are also some of the perennials that bloom all summer and bearing purple flowers. These include but not limited to the following:

Lavender (Lavendula)

Lavender is an evergreen perennial with attractive and fragrant purple blossoms. It starts blooming in late spring and extends all the way to late summer. It grows well in well-draining soils with exposure to full sun.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Lavender	Lavandula spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, dry	Full sun	5-9

Bellflower 

A bellflower has purple flowers that bloom the best in cool summer conditions. Sometimes they can grow so tall that they need support to prevent wind damage.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Bellflower	Campanula spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

Millenium Flowering Onion

Millenium Flowering Onion flourishes in fertile, well-drained soils and requires exposure to full sun or partial shade. If your garden soil is clay, you can add grit to improve its draining capacity. It does well in alkaline, acidic, or neutral soil Ph. It boasts of beautiful purple flowers from mid to late summer. The good thing is that the plant is drought and deer resistant.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Millennium Flowering Onion	Allium ‘Millenium’	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun	4-8

Foxglove

Foxglove is a perennial plant with beautiful purple flowers of tube shape. The flowers start blossoming in early summer and extend to the late season. It grows well in full sun or half- sheltered areas though it may require full shade in hot afternoons. It can flourish in any soil type as long as it is well-drained.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Foxglove	Digitalis spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Partial shade to full shade	3-9

Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Vervain is a tall perennial plant with spiky purple flowers. It grows as tall as 1.2 to 1.5 meters and blooms from mid-summer to early fall. It requires full sun exposure for maximum blooming.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Vervain	Verbena spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	Annual

Infographic – small purple flowers early spring

Is There a Purple Flower Tree?

Yes, the jacaranda tree produces purple flowers. It starts to bloom in the early spring and continues to summer. It usually blooms in May, but sometimes flowers may come as early as April or as late as August. Originating in Central SouthAmerica (Bolivia) he tree can grow anywhere in tropical, mild, or sub-tropical climates that have no risk of frost.

Jacaranda thrives best in slightly acidic sandy soils that are well-drained. They can withstand loamy or sandy soils but are not waterlogged.

Low Maintenance Purple Perennials

Some perennials will grace your compound with purple flowers without much strain. If you want low-maintenance purple perennials, here are some options for you.

Butterfly Bush

Butterfly bushes are often purple or red. It has an attractive shape and evergreen foliage and blooms in spring and summer. It can thrive in any well-drained soil conditions and requires full sun exposure. It is generally a low-maintenance plant.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Butterfly Bush	Buddleja spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun	5-9

Other examples of low-maintenance purple perennials include;

• Bush Clematis
• Bear’s Breeches
• Hardy Geranium
• Monkshood
• Russell Blue Lupine
• Monarda ‘Leading Lady Plum’

More purple flowers names

What Are Small Purple Flowers That Bloom in Early Spring?

The small purple flowers bloom in early spring to bid goodbye to winter are crocuses. They thrive under full sun exposure and well-drained soils. Other than the attractive color, crocuses have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees.

What does Purple Flower look Like Lavender?

The purple flower that looks like Lavender is common sage (Salvia officinalis). It is an evergreen shrub with blue to purplish flowers.

What Is the Name of Tall Purple Flowers?

Verbena is the name of the tall purple flowers. The long flower stalks produce clusters of unique purple blossoms. Some people use verbena as an ornamental flower.

Purple spring flowers

What perennial plant has purple flowers?

Hydrangea is a very popular plant with vibrant deep purple flowers. For example, mophead hydrangeas grow big flowers: these huge flower heads look great on a medium sized shrub. the purple blooms of hydrangeas like some shade and these showy flowers like a fair amount of water. Hydrangea also makes white flowers and is a great addition to your flower beds.

If you prefer small flowers for rock gardens or ground cover, then clematis or lavender fits the bill. Sweet peas are also perennial flowers and are a firm favorite with cottage gardens. Sweet pea is the common name for the pink and purple flowering plant Lathyrus odoratus, a tall plant that likes moist soil.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Hydrangea	Hydrangea spp.	5.5 – 6.5	Moist, well-draining	Partial shade to full shade	4-9

What is the purple flower that smells good?

Lilac is one of the most fragrant flowers when in full bloom, particularly in warmer climates. These fragrant purple flowers do well in all climates and give best results with some shade in hot afternoons.

The Lilac bush can have pink flowers: colorful flowers with a strong scent are welcome in any garden as they attract insects for pollination. French hybrids produce some favorite purple flowers out of all the purple plants because they are so easy to grow and nurture.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Lilac	Syringa spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	3-7

Purple colored houseplants

1. Calatheas (Calathea)
2. Moses-in-the-Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
3. Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica)
4. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
5. Gloxinia
6. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
7. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
8. Pink Quill (Wallisia cyanea)
9. African Violet (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)
10. Purple Vanda Orchid (Vanda)
11. Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema)
12. Purple Succulents (Echeveria)
13. Purple Passion (Gynura aurantiaca)
14. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
15. Persian Shield Plant (Strobilanthes dyeriana)
16. Aechmea ‘Blue Rain’ Bromeliad (Aechmea)
17. Cyclamen
18. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
19. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
20. Bellflower (Campanula)

Common Purple Houseplants

If you’re looking for a house plant, consider purchasing one of the many varieties of Common Purple Houseplants. These gorgeous plants have been growing in popularity for decades, and are perfect for the home decorator who wants a unique look for their living space.

In this article, you’ll learn about several popular varieties, including Moses-in-the-Cradle, Prayer Plant, Pink Quill, and African Violet.

Moses-in-the-Cradle – Tradescantia spathacea

A native of southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, Moses-in-the-Cradle is now grown as an ornamental plant throughout the western world.

Though originally native to the southern hemisphere, it has spread across parts of Florida and Hawaii, as well as various oceanic islands. This plant is often cultivated as a container plant in both tropical and subtropical climates.

When watering your Moses-in-the-Cradle, remember that the plant needs a steady stream of moisture. When watering, be sure to keep the top two inches of soil moist, but not soggy that it causes the foliage to yellow. The plant will die quickly if water is not provided on a regular basis.

To water your plant properly, simply dip your finger in the soil to check if it needs extra moisture. If the soil is dry, simply add a little water each time you see it.

The beautiful foliage of Moses-in-the-Cradle makes it a desirable indoor or outdoor plant. Its sword-shaped leaves are richly-textured with a rich purple underside.

Other names for the plant include boat lily and oyster plant. Both varieties have small white flowers. Depending on the variety, Moses-in-the-Cradle can be anywhere from 12 to three inches high and three inches wide.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Moses-in-the-Cradle	Tradescantia spathacea	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Partial shade to full shade	Annual

Pink Quill – Wallisia cyanea

The Pink Quill – Wallisia Cynea, commonly known as the “fan flower,” is a lovely air plant that is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Its leaves are edible to kitties but they won’t poison your pet. Its flowers are inflorescence, meaning they open and close in succession. This plant will bloom only once, but a single flower is beautiful enough to make it worth the price of admission.

The Pink Quill plant produces offsets around its base. These can be divided or potted and will eventually reach a height of at least half of the mother plant. The pups are capable of reproduction, and the plants can be propagated by division or by seed.

They’re native to the tropical forests of Ecuador. In a well-lit room, the Pink Quill will sprawl out with long strappy leaves and form a rosette up to 12 inches in diameter. It needs bright indirect light to grow and bloom.

The Pink Quill is an epiphytic perennial plant of the bromeliad family. Its delicate violet flowers are borne on feather-like bracts. This plant grows easily indoors, and it can be grown under fluorescent lights or as a living decor accent. To care for your Pink Quill, it must be kept consistently moist, and should not sit in standing water.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Pink Quill	Tillandsia cyanea	5.5 – 6.5	Well-draining, moist	Bright, indirect light	Annual

African Violet – Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia

This species of African Violet grew wild in eastern Africa. Its common name is the African Violet, but it has been classified as a subspecies of Streptocarpus ionanthus.

Various species of this plant have been cultivated as houseplants for centuries. Some species have even become rare, and have been listed as endangered or threatened by the IUCN Red List.

The ideal temperature for growing African Violets is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most varieties grow best at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The highest rate of vegetative growth is achieved at daytime temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit, while nighttime temperatures of 65 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit stunt plant growth.

Using a humidifier or pebble trays in the soil can help to maintain the appropriate humidity levels, but be sure not to submerge the pot in the water. Fertilize the African Violets with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer. Many gardening stores also carry a specialized African violet fertilizer.

Some common problems with African violets include petiole rot and water spots. Petiole rot is caused by salt buildup on the rim of a plant’s pot. Flushing with water can help resolve this problem. Water spots, on the other hand, are caused by dry droplets of water on the leaf surface. Water spots are more common in winter months.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
African Violet	Saintpaulia spp.	6.0 – 6.5	Well-draining, moist	Bright, indirect light	Houseplant

Purple Vanda Orchid – Vanda

The common purple vanda orchid is an extremely popular flower. This tropical plant grows best in a window that faces the north or east. For winter, use grow lights to give the plant the proper light conditions. Turn the lights off after 12 hours. To help keep this orchid healthy, fertilize once a month. Also, keep its water level as low as possible. Otherwise, it is prone to root rot.

The Vanda orchid family contains many species. This group includes the common purple Vanda Orchid. Its native range is in the Southern Hemisphere. Some species are considered invasive in the wild. However, others are commonly grown in gardens.

Common Purple Vanda Orchid is an exception. Its blooms are larger than most other orchids. Usually, this orchid carries eight to ten blooms. The flower bud emerges from the base of the leaf. Its leaves are broad and flat.

Common Purple Vanda Orchid is also called the Vanda hookeriana. It is a hybrid tree and orchid that grows in zones 10 and 11. This plant can survive low temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It comes in many varieties. Blue Vanda, or vanda coerulea, has 20-30 flowers at a time. Vanda tessellata has multicolored flowers.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Purple Vanda Orchid	Vanda spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Bright, indirect light	Houseplant

Purple Succulents

Echeveria

The echeveria, or purple houseplant, is a lovely plant native to the semi-desert regions of Mexico. Its brightly colored foliage has waxy edges and a charming plan.

This plant is rarely grown as a houseplant, but it does look stunning in pots. Some varieties are more difficult to grow than others, and the best option for beginners is to buy the one that fits your space’s style and light conditions.

You can propagate Echeverias by either seed or leaf cuttings. The latter is a more difficult method, though you can expect a plant that has already sprouted aerial roots. Moreover, the process of propagation for this plant is quite slow, as it needs to be nurtured and tended to regularly.

However, you can collect seed from the plant to start another clump. Remember, however, to carefully select the leaf so that it will take root. Also, always remember to choose the largest leaves, as they tend to take root easier.

Another type of echeveria is called ‘Purple Pearl’. It has beautiful purple foliage that resembles fleshy paddles with tips. This variety is also called ‘Aphrodite’, and is a cross between Echeveria purpusorum and Graptopetalum paraguayense.

Its flowers are small and are orange or yellow. Debbie is another variety that looks very nice in a pot. It has large, triangular leaves and is suitable for the indoors.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Echeveria	Echeveria spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, sandy	Full sun to partial shade	Houseplant

Purple Passion – Gynura aurantiaca

The purple passion, also known as the velvet plant, is a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae. Originally from Southeast Asia, the plant has become popular around the world as a houseplant. Its purple flowers and velvet texture make it a beautiful plant to have in your home.

Here are some tips to care for your Purple Passion plant. It should be kept in a sunny spot in the home to keep its leaves fresh and healthy.

The most important aspect of Purple Passion plant care is its watering requirements. Despite the vibrant color of its flowers, Purple Passions can suffer from inconsistent moisture levels.

If the top third of the compost is wet for too long, it can rot. In order to prevent this, water your plant deeply from the base to avoid wetting the leaves. In winter, you should water less frequently than in summer, as it is susceptible to developing rot.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Purple Passion	Gynura aurantiaca	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Partial shade	Houseplant

Purple Shamrock – Oxalis triangularis

The purple shamrock – Oxalis triangulari is one of the most colorful plants on the planet. Its leaves are triangular in shape and fold back over themselves with turgor pressure at the base. The purple leaves contrast with the white to violet flowers that appear in spring and summer.

The plant is native to southern South America, and is also known as the false shamrock, love plant, or foxglove. Despite its native habitat, it has become an invasive species in Louisiana and Florida. It can reach up to 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide and is also deer resistant.

The purple shamrock, also known as the False Shamrock, has three petals instead of two. It belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. The plant’s leaves are triangular and are either green or purple. It can even be divided into smaller pieces and be grown as a small houseplant. Despite the name, the plant is quite similar to clover and has been marketed as both.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Purple Shamrock	Oxalis triangularis	5.5 – 6.5	Well-draining, moist	Bright, indirect light	Houseplant

Tall Purple Perennials

1. Vervain – Verbena stricta
2. Russell blue lupine – Lupinus ‘Russell Blue’
3. Bear’s breeches – Acanthus mollis
4. Phlox – Phlox paniculata
5. Monkshood – Aconitum napellus or A. carmichaelli
6. False indigo – Baptisia australis
7. Tatarian aster – Aster tataricus
8. German bearded iris – Iris germanica

If you are planning to plant tall purple perennials in your garden, there are a few choices you can make. These include Vervain – Verbena stricta, Bear’s breeches – Acanthus mollis, and Lupinus ‘Russell Blue’. Listed below are some of the best purple perennials to try. Read on to learn more! The following article provides information about these plants.

Vervain – Verbena stricta

Native blue verbena and ground skimming moss verbena are small, but all are quite vigorous. They grow from one to one and a half feet tall and are very attractive. Tall purple verbena, or ‘Homestead Purple’, can grow four to five feet tall and three feet wide.

‘Abbeville’ is a vigorous variety with light lavender flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. ‘Appleblossom’ has large, cotton candy pink flowers with a white eye.

Commonly known as Hoary Vervain, Verbena stricta grows naturally in glades and prairies in Wisconsin.

The plant forms a narrow, upright clump, and attracts local pollinators. It is a vigorous grower and can tolerate average moisture and dry soil. Unlike the tall, elegant Verbena stricta, it is suitable for rock gardens and other naturalized settings.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Vervain	Verbena spp.	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	Annual

Bear’s breeches – Acanthus mollis

Originally from Italy, these plants are native to the Mediterranean region. They prefer a moist soil and full or partial sun. Bear’s breeches require a potting mix that is rich in organic matter.

Plants are easily propagated from cuttings, or by dividing roots with a spade. Be sure to water plants well during the winter to prevent powdery mildew.

This handsome plant has spiny or jagged leaves and is known for its spiky flowers. The foliage is used extensively in Greek architecture. The flowers are borne on tall spikes and last for months. This plant is deer resistant and low maintenance. It is also a deer-resistant perennial. You can use it in mass plantings or as a specimen plant.

Bear’s breeches are often used to create vertical interest in flower arrangements. Cut them when the flowers are open, place them in warm water, plunge them in cold water, and arrange them at the back of the floral arrangement.

If you’re not sure how to use bear’s breeches, try dividing them in spring or fall and starting them from seed in late autumn. Make sure to place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, so they won’t be exposed to excessive heat.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Bear’s breeches	Acanthus mollis	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	4-9

Phlox – Phlox paniculata

Plant phlox early in spring and thin the plants to around 18 inches apart. Divide the plants when they are about six inches high, resulting in more than one plant. After they flower, deadhead the flowers to prevent viable seed from falling to the ground.

Phlox is a vigorous plant and will often flower more than once a year. It grows well in a wide range of soil conditions, including full sun or partial shade.

This beautiful plant features tall stems covered in pink-purple flowers. This perennial blooms in July to October with clumps of beautiful flowers.

It is hardy in zones 4-8 and is typically shipped in 3.5-inch containers. It is a beautiful addition to a garden or a patio. It is an old-fashioned favorite and is often found growing in old homesteads and other locations.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Phlox	Phlox paniculata	6.0 – 7.5	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	3-8

Monkshood – Aconitum napellus or A. carmichaelli

The foliage of Monkshood is characterized by numerous small leaves, which are leathery, toothed, and green. It also lacks stipules.

Petioles are long and straight, and the plant produces small white flowers, which are a little smaller than the foliage. These flowers grow in clusters of two to 10 and are accompanied by a whitish bloom.

Aconitum napellus is the most common plant in the genus, and it was once considered therapeutic and toxic. The roots are also sometimes mistaken for horseradish.

The plant has an underground stem and dark, tapering roots. The crown of the aconite root is toxic, and it produces a sensation of numbness and tingling when crushed. It has been used by some native tribes for food and as a poison arrow tip.

Aconitum napellus x cammarum is another hybrid variety, and it is a vigorous grower with profuse blooms. Bicolor is the best-known hybrid, with its royal blue flowers. Bicolor also received a RHS award of merit, so it may be a good choice for your garden.

If you prefer pink monkshood, Pink Sensation is a nice choice. Then, you can try Stainless Steel – a vigorous cultivar with blue-purple flowers.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Monkshood	Aconitum spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Partial shade to full shade	3-9

False indigo – Baptisia australis

Blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis) is a perennial herb in the family Fabaceae that is native to much of central and eastern North America. It has been introduced outside of its native range in order to create a decorative and useful herb. In the United States, it is found in the Midwest, where it is commonly known as false indigo.

The blue false indigo has long upright spikes covered in blue flowers, which develop mostly below ground. The flower spikes grow in clusters that get larger as they mature. The foliage is attractive, and it provides a beautiful backdrop for other flowering plants.

This plant is an excellent specimen plant in formal gardens and looks equally beautiful in naturalized settings. Its erect habit makes it easy to grow, but its invasive roots are a major problem.

The blue false indigo grows as a clump in a sunny to lightly shaded spot. It has beautiful foliage, and you can shear it once it has finished flowering. Unlike many other blue plants, it is pest-free, and it supports a variety of native wildlife. A sunny spot and dry soil are ideal growing conditions for this blue plant, and it’s a great plant for general use.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
False Indigo	Baptisia spp.	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	3-9

Tatarian aster – Aster tataricus

The Aster tataricus is a perennial that grows up to six feet high and doesn’t need staking. This aster is longer lived and blooms later than most asters. It begins flowering in late September and blooms well into November. It attracts butterflies such as the monarch and is hardy in many soil types. It is easily divided and forms large colonies in a few years.

Originally native to Asia, the tatarian aster is widely cultivated in gardens worldwide. It can be found growing wild in Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Northern China, and Siberia. It was introduced to the West in 1818, but it didn’t become widespread until the mid-19th century.

This perennial is known for its antibacterial properties and has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It grows best in full sun and prefers a well-drained soil. The plant has a rhizome and spreads quickly.

It is a late-blooming perennial with showy lavender-purple flowers. It can reach over 10 feet and can be used as a butterfly or bee attractant. Once happy, it will quickly colonize a garden and eat up any meek plants.

Its rhizomes allow it to grow and spread in a large area. However, be aware that this plant is invasive and can quickly take over an otherwise delicate companion.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
Tatarian Aster	Aster tataricus	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Full sun to partial shade	3-9

German bearded iris – Iris germanica

Iris germanica, or the German bearded irises, are a large flower with six petals that grow up and down, and are distinguished by their distinctive beard-like fur.

Their tufted hairs lure insects to the flowers, attracting both native and non-native pollinators. Unlike other irises, they also fix perfumes. Thousands of cultivars have been developed, with colors ranging from blue to copper.

The Bearded Iris is one of the showiest flowering irises, with its 6 petals and fuzzy line in the center that guides pollinating insects. They bloom from April through June and can re-bloom in the fall.

These blooms are fragrant and attractive, and require full sunlight to thrive. This flower is deer-resistant. It also tolerates light shade and requires good drainage to prevent rot.

If you have any concerns about the health of your irises, you should take a look at their life cycles. Insects such as the iris borer, a species of thrips, can attack your plants.

Fortunately, if caught in time, you can prevent damage and keep them healthy for the winter. However, if you have an infestation, it is best to remove the leaves and tuber before the spring frosts.

Common Name	Botanical Name	Soil pH Range	Soil Type	Sunshine	Growing Zones
German Bearded Iris	Iris germanica	6.0 – 7.0	Well-draining, moist	Full sun	3-9

Key Takeaways

Other purple plants to note – source Royal Horticulturql Society

• Ballon Flower (Fuji blue) – Platycodon Frandiflorus
• Prairie Gentian
• Purple_leaved spiderwort
• Sea thistle
• Fuschia Magellanica
• Bell Heather
• Wild Hyacinth
• Liatris Spicata
• Bell Heather
• Cosmos bipinnatus

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