Purple is the historic color of royalty. The bold hue is rare in nature which has made it highly coveted in royal gardens. If you want to add a splash of unusual color to your landscape, then you’ll want to take the time to consider these purple perennial beauties. Each one is hardy and a real show-stopper.
Top Purple Perennials for the Garden
With the arrival of spring, most gardeners are chomping at the bit in anticipation of planting new and interesting perennials in the garden. The following five purple flowers are an ideal addition to any garden. They are easy to care for and exceptionally hardy in a wide range of USDA plant hardiness zones.
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Alliums
A member of the onion family the allium might not smell great, but it makes up for the odor problem by producing outstanding purple globe-shaped flowers. They grow well in USDA zones 3 to 4 and require minimal care once established. A bed of alliums can last for years before they need dividing.
Plant alliums in full sun for best flower results. They are highly deer and rabbit resistant so favored in woodland gardens.
There are many cultivates but the Purple Sensation and the Globemaster stand out for their deep purple hue.
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Catmint (Nepeta)
If you are seeking a tough little beauty, then look no further than catmint. It flourishes in hot and dry locations where other plants would shrivel and die. The silvery blue foliage forms and mound and out of the middle the flower spikes arrive. The dainty blooms draw a wide assortment of butterflies and bees to the garden. Even hummingbirds love the flowers. This plant grows best in USDA Zones 3 to 7. Plant in full sun for best flowering results.
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Lavender
Is any list of purple perennials complete without listing lavender? Gardeners have for centuries favored the classic cottage flower. The aromatic flowers make ideal soaps, potpourri, bath bombs, and cut dried bouquets.
A low maintenance plant, lavender prefers a sunny planting location. Place it along a walkway or by a deck where the aroma can truly be enjoyed during outdoor activities.
New cultivars are constantly being developed. Nowadays, many can stand up to humidity and extreme cold.
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Verbena
Verbena might not be a towering showstopper, but its dainty size is appealing. It stands from six to 18 inches tall and produces ample flowers throughout the summer months. If the blooms start to lab, simply cut the plant back by a quarter and it will rejuvenate to again produce flowers. It grows best in zone 5 and up. Choose a planting location in full sun to partial shade.
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Iris
The iris is a must-have in any garden. It grows well in USDA zones 3 to 9. After a few years, you can divide it and transplant a portion to other areas of the garden or give it away as a gift. Choose a planting site with at least six hours of sun per day to meet its needs.
Once you plant your top purple perennials don’t forget to order Humboldts Secret Starter Kit to achieve an abundance of blooms this summer!
