Purple perennial flowers: Top 19 choices for gardens

Around here, we love purple perennial flowers. And I’m the first to recommend them to anyone stopping by for help with their own gardens. They’re the perfect addition to any border or flower bed — despite the size of your space.

Not only do they offer a striking color contrast against all of the green, but they also offer a range of advantages that make them a great choice for any budding garden enthusiast.

One of the main advantages of purple perennials is their ability to attract oh-so-necessary pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The color is particularly attractive to these beneficial insects, making purple a great choice for those looking to create a pollinator-friendly garden. (As we all should!)

In addition to pollinator appeal, purple-colored perennial flowering plants have a long lifespan, returning year after year to provide consistent color and beauty. Plus, as you’ll see below, they come in a variety of shapes, heights and blooming times. That means that you can have something violet growing in your garden all spring, summer and even autumn.

The deep, rich hues of purple also add a sense of depth and drama to your garden, making it a great choice for those looking to create a bold and striking visual impact. And who doesn’t want a little drama in their life?

Here are my top picks for the best purple perennials to plant this year in your garden or containers.

Iris Germanica

A popular species of iris that produces large, showy flowers in shades of purple, blue, and white.

Iris Germanica

Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Lilacs (Syringa spp.)

These shrubs produce clusters of fragrant, purple flowers in the spring.

Lilacs (Syringa spp.)

Height: 1-5 m (3-16 ft)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

These climbing plants produce large, showy flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

Clematis (Clematis spp.)

Height: Varies

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Salvia nemorosa

This perennial salvia produces spikes of purple flowers in the summer and fall.

Salvia nemorosa

Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

These aromatic plants produce spikes of purple flowers in the summer are absolute reminders that summer is here!

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Height: 30-60 cm (12-24 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun.

Campanula lactiflora

This perennial bellflower produces spikes of large, bell-shaped, blue-purple flowers in the summer.

Campanula lactiflora

Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Verbena bonariensis

This perennial verbena produces tall spikes of small, purple flowers in the summer and fall.

Verbena bonariensis

Height: 150-180 cm (60-72 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Phlox paniculata

This phlox produces tall spikes of small, purple flowers in the summer.

Phlox paniculata

Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Echinacea (Coneflower)

These plants produce large, daisy-like flowers in shades of purple and pink.

Echinacea (Coneflower)

Height: 60-90 cm (24-36 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Delphinium elatum

This delphinium produces tall spikes of large, blue-purple flowers in the summer.

Delphinium elatum

Height: 1-3 m (3-10 ft)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Lupinus (Lupine)

One of my favorite purple perennial plants, known for its tall spikes of showy, pea-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white.

Lupinus (Lupinus spp.)

Height: 20-90 cm (8-36 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun

Aquilegia (Columbine or Granny's Bonnet)

This one is quite the showstopper in my little garden. It’s a perennial plant, known for its showy, spurred flowers in various colors.

Aquilegia (Aquilegia spp.)

Height: 30-90 cm (12-36 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Crocus

This is how we know that winter is officially ending here in Denmark! A small perennial plant, known for its brightly colored, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring.

Crocus (Crocus spp.)

Height: 5-20 cm (2-8 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Viola (Violet)

One of the most popular purple perennial plants out there. Violas are known for small, colorful flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white.

Viola (Viola spp.)

Height: 5-20 cm (2-8 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Tulipa (Tulip)

Spring is here when you see these perennial plants. Known for large, showy, cup-shaped flowers that come in a wide variety of colors.

Tulipa (Tulipa spp.)

Height: 20-60 cm (8-24 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun

Hyacinthus (Hyacinth)

Hyacinths are known for large, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white.

Hyacinthus (Hyacinthus spp.)

Height: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Allium

Allium is another one of my favorite perennials. Known for its large, round flower heads made up of many small, star-shaped flowers, in shades of pink, purple, blue and white.

Allium (Allium spp.)

Height: 20-120 cm (8-48 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Echinops (Globe thistle)

This classic perennial plant is known for its globe-shaped flower heads that are usually blue or white in color.

Echinops (Echinops spp.)

Height: 90-120 cm (36-48 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)

Meadow rue is famous for its delicate, airy flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, and white.

Thalictrum (Thalictrum spp.)

Height: 60-180 cm (24-72 inches)

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Remember that choosing the best purple perennial flowers for your specific location depends on the climate and soil conditions in your area. It’s best to check with a local nursery or your favorite local gardening expert for recommendations on what will grow and thrive best in your garden.

If purple isn’t your favorite color, don’t worry.

Check out the best yellow perennials, pink flowers, perennial blue flowers and white perennial flowering plants — all the colors you need to personalize your garden and flower bed.