Today's Gardener (todaysgardener.com) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
Purple flowers are one of the most interesting flowering plants. The reason is quite simple- this color is rarely found in nature. Every time you pass by a garden full of purple flowers with a beautiful scent, it makes you stop and take in all the beauty, doesn’t it?
There are many types of purple flowers, different in sizes and shapes. In this article, we will focus on small purple flowers. Once you learn about these intriguing and versatile species, the first thing to do will be heading to get at least one of them.
Sounds interesting? Keep reading and find your favorite flower out of 30+ varieties of small purple flowers!
Aconitum Napellus
Blue sage is a perennial herbaceous plant. Dark purple flowers grow in clusters on 39 inches tall stalks. The leaves are dark green on the surface and light to white on the back. They grow alternately, and decrease in size towards the top of the stem.
Bonus Tip: Monkshood aconitum napellus grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. This plant prefers lower temperatures and partial sun. Keep the soil moist as these small purple flowers are not drought tolerant.
Bittersweet Nightshade
Bittersweet Nightshade is a member of the family Solanaceae. Star-shaped flowers usually have five purple-blue petals twisted on the outside. Bittersweet Nightshade can spread very quickly and it is sometimes difficult to remove them because the rhizomes create new plants when they fall to the ground.
Bonus Tip: Bittersweet Nightshade grows best in full sun or partial shade. It easily adapts to dry conditions and different substrates. Best suited to gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 4- 8. If you prune Bittersweet Nightshade, be sure to use gloves as the leaves are poisonous.
Bell Heather
Bell-shaped flowers are formed in clusters surrounded by dark green prickly leaves like a coniferous tree. Bell Heather has gorgeous purple petals. This plant thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 6 but can be grown in zones 3 and 10.
Bonus Tip: Bell Heather prefers full sun, at least 6 hours of daily exposure. They could grow in partial shade but they would never reach such vibrant color of the leaves and abundant bell-shaped blooms. These small purple flowers need acidic, well-drained soil, preferably sand or gravel.
Bee Orchid
Bee Orchid is an extraordinary purple flower. It is called the bee orchid because the center anther of the plant looks like a bee to attract them to pollinate the flower. Besides this unusual characteristic, they have usually two or three purple petals which resemble the wings. Purple blooms appear in late spring and attract bees and butterflies.
Bonus Tip: Unfortunately, this species cannot be grown indoors as a houseplant. If you have the conditions to grow it in the garden, look for a place with full sun or partial shade. Bee orchid is a low-maintenance plant that does not have a great need for water. Water occasionally if there is no precipitation so that the soil does not dry out.
Blue Eyed Grass
Although it is very similar to grass due to the narrow green leaves, Blue-Eyed Grass is a flowering plant. Tiny star-shaped blooms of these small purple flowers grow on top of stalks, from May until July. Petals are mostly purple-blue, going darker towards the yellow center.
Bonus Tip: Blue-Eyed Grass grows in a variety of climates from USDA zones 4 to 9. These purple flowers prefer moist soil and full sun, but they can grow in partial shade.
Butterfly Bush
Summer Lilac or Butterfly Bush is a member of the family Scrophulariaceae. The flowering period lasts all summer, and the fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, which is why it got the nickname Butterfly Bush. It is an ornamental shrub with lush small purple flowers.
Bonus Tip: Small purple flowers bloom in full sun, even at high temperatures. Roots are highly prone to rot, so at all costs avoid excessive watering. Plant them in well-drained soil. Butterfly Bush is hardy throughout USDA plant hardiness zones 5 and above.
China Aster
Callistephus chinensis is native to China and Japan. China Aster is an annual herbaceous, branched shrub plant. Small purple flowers are usually in the shape of a star with compacted vivid purple petals. They emit a very pleasant smell. China Aster blooms in late summer and autumn, but some varieties bloom in May.
Bonus Tip: These types of purple flowers tolerate partial shade, but thrive in full sun. It is best suited to fertile, well-drained sandy soil.
Bellflower Campanula
Campanula violet is a perennial that blooms from April to June. Large star-shaped small purple flowers are covering this low-growing herbaceous plant. They are usually between 6 and 12 feet tall. This specie fills the garden nicely, but it can also be grown in containers as a houseplant.
Bonus Tip: These bell-shaped flowers grow best in USDA zones 4 or above, but they might succeed in zones 3 with additional care. Once established, this plant is drought resistant. They need slightly moist well-drained soil and full sun.
Calla lily
Calla Lily belongs to the genus Zantedeschia of the family Araceae. It is sometimes mistakenly placed in the Liliaceae family, although they are not related. This beauty can be found in various colors, but purple flowering might is the most attractive. Purple funnel-shaped flowers grow on 4 feet tall stalks.
Bonus Tip: Calla Lily can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 6, with additional protection or as a houseplant. These flowers don’t require full sun, on the contrary, find them a spot with indirect sunlight. During the flowering season, fertilize with liquid fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer.
Cattleya Orchid
Out of all types of small purple flowers, the Cattleya orchid might be the most unique species. Vibrant rose-purple petals have wavy edges and contrasting colors. These epiphytes are native to the tropical rainforests of the Amazon and bloom from spring to autumn. They can be grown in a greenhouse, but also look amazing in hanging baskets. Cattleya orchid has a wonderful smell!
Bonus Tip: This plant needs plenty of sunlight, but it prefers partial sun. The leaves will show you whether they received an adequate amount of light. If the leaves are too dark then there is not enough sunlight. If they start to turn yellow protect them from direct sunlight as soon as possible.
Canterbury Bells
Canterbury Bells is a popular perennial plant. Deep purple bell-shaped blooms grow on 3 feet tall stems. Beautiful single or double flowers are usually pink or bluish-purple colors. These types of purple flowers blossom all summer long.
Bonus Tip: Canterbury Bells thrive in USDA zones 4 to 10. These small purple flowers bloom best in filtered sunlight or partial shade. If you keep them as houseplants, choose locations where there is a lot of afternoon shade during the summer, and in the winter move to a slightly sunnier location. They like moist but well-drained substrates.
Lilac Syringa Vulgaris
Common Lilac is a purple flowering plant that originates from the Balkan Peninsula. It is a member of the Oleaceae olive family. Lilac syringa Vulgaris is a low tree with rounded canopies up to15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is a highly valued tree because of its decorative flower clusters and a very pleasant smell.
Bonus Tip: Grow hardy Common Lilac in zones 3 to 7. The plant is easily grown in moderately moist, organically rich, and well-drained soil. Plant them in locations with full sun or partial shade, but avoid complete shade as it will slow prevent growth.
Dense blazing star
Liatris spicata is native to North America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It has an upright 2 feet tall tree, with dense fibrous leaves. Due to their vertical appearance, they take up minimal space in the garden. Tiny vivid purple feathery flowers appear in May and throughout summer.
Recommended growing areas for Dense blazing star are USDA zones 3 to 9.
Bonus Tip: As for the soil, you don’t have to worry too much because this species survives in almost any soil condition. Only make sure that the soil is well-drained, to prevent root rot. These plants naturally retain the water and they are drought tolerant. They prefer full sun rather than partial shade.
Dendrobium Orchid
Dendrobium orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, and it is popularly called Dendrobium mobile. Its name literally translates as “noble orchid”. These small purple flowers actually produce pseudobulbs which, when they bloom, lose their leaves and are replaced by flower stalks covered with purple flowers.
The flowers are composed of calyx and petals with wavy rims. The color is mostly dark purple or lavender and has a recognizable dark spot towards the middle.
Bonus Tip: These types of small purple flowers are very easy to grow. They require plenty of sunlight to bloom properly, but the full sun can sometimes cause burns on the leaves. Place them on a spot with partial shade or indirect sunlight. They need well-drained soil, it is convenient to use a substrate mixture for orchids.
Dianthus Caryophyllus
Dianthus Caryophyllus is often called carnation or clove pink. It starts to bloom in late spring and throughout summer. It is grown primarily for the production of fragrant cut flowers. Carnation usually grows as a perennial semi-shrub. It is characterized by an articulated, smooth 2 feet tall green tree.
Purple flowers grow at the top of a tree or branch, single or in clusters. The leaves are oppositely arranged and often covered with a waxy coating.
Bonus Tip: These flowers are suited for USDA zones 3 through 9. Dianthus Caryophyllus enjoys full sun but grows in partial shade as well. Plant them in fertile, well-drained soil. They are drought-resistant plants, so they don’t require regular watering.
Indigo Baptisia Australis
Wild Indigo Baptisia Australis is a member of the Fabaceae family. Clusters of tiny purple flowers grow in upright racemes on 4 feet tall stems. Purple blooms appear in late spring and early summer.
Blue False Indigo is used as a substitute for indigo color. If the stems are damaged, the natural juice starts to turn blue when it comes in contact with the air.
Bonus Tip: Wild Indigo flowering plants need full sun exposure to prevent fungus diseases and floppiness. Plant them in slightly acidic, dry, and well-drained soil. After they have been established, they become drought tolerant. Wild Indigo plants grow in zones 4 to 8.
Platycodon Balloon Flower
Platycodon Grandiflorus is a unique balloon flower. It is a perennial plant that blooms from June to September. The flowers bloom singly at the top of stems and branches. They are usually blue-purple, odorless with pronounced veins.
Purple balloon flower platycodon has a habit of staying closed and looks like a small umbrella from above. They puff like balloons before blooming into bell-like flowers turned upwards with five-pointed petals.
Bonus Tip: This balloon flower is winter-hardy to USDA zones 5 through 9. Plant them in moist, fertile, and well-drained soil. Balloon flower platycodon does not tolerate full sun. This flower grows best in partial shade or complete shade under the trees.
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial plant that grows in the shape of a small shrub with a life span of 30 years. Flower stalks are branched and leaves are narrow, gray-green, and hairy on the surface. Lilac flowers grow on long flowering spikes and are characterized by a strong, recognizable scent.
The essential oil is obtained by distilling lavender flowers. Purple lavender usually blooms during the summer months, but some varieties might even appear in early spring.
Bonus Tip: Most Lavender varieties are hardy to USDA zones 5-9. To produce the essential oils, lavender needs full sun. It is not too picky when it comes to the soil. Lavender thrives even on the shallow and poor soil. They don’t tolerate impermeable or sandy soils.
Lily of the Nile
Agapanthus africanus is commonly called Lily of the Nile, African Lily, or Blue African Lily. Lily of the Nile is native to South Africa and grows in the shade of other trees. Gorgeous deep-purple blooms are located on 40 inches tall flower stalks. One inflorescence can produce up to 100 individual bellflowers. It blooms abundantly in May and June.
Bonus Tip: Lily of the Nile is a low-maintenance plant. Plant them in full sun or partial shade, permeable and well-drained soil. Water African Lily regularly during hot summer months, and let the soil dry between watering.
Mystic Merlin Flower
Malva Sylvestris originated from Europe, Asia, and some parts of Africa. It is commonly known as Tree Mallow or Common Mallow. The flowers are pink-purple, waved with darker stripes on the petals. They grow singly and usually, only one flower is open while the others are in the bud stage.
Leaves of these small purple flowers are roughly serrated and covered in finer hairs on the underside. Common Merlin blooms from May to September.
Bonus Tip: Purple flowers achieve highly vibrant colors when they are grown in full sun or partial shade. Mystic Merlin is frost hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8. Plant them in well-drained soil, preferably potting soil mixture.
Ipomoea Purpurea
Morning Glory ipomoea purpurea is an annual fast-growing creeper that reaches up to 16 feet in height. This plant is native to Central America and Mexico and is often called the Common Morning Glory, Purple Morning Glory, or the High Morning Glory.
Blooms have the most gorgeous shades of purple from soft purple, pink, blue, and dark purple. Cup-shaped flowers open up in the morning and close up at noon. Morning glory starts flowering in early summer until late autumn.
Bonus Tip: Morning Glory performs best in USDA zones 3 through 10. These plants require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Provide them with a grid or a fence along which they can climb.
China Aster Ostrich Feather
The name Aster comes from the Latin word Aster – star, which refers to the star-like appearance of the flower. Ostrich Feather tree is a herbaceous, branched shrub 19 inches tall.
Large gorgeous flowers are used as cut flowers. They can be found in different shades of purple, from rose-purple, pink, and pale purple.
Bonus Tip: This plant grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. China Aster grows best at lower temperatures in rich, well-drained soil.
Wild Pansy
Viola tricolor subspecies Vulgaris has vivid purple flowers and it is often called purple pansy. They can be annual, biennial, or short-term perennials, depending on the season of planting.
Purple Pansy is a small 11 inches tall plant, with branched stems. Their stem is hollow, and the leaves are oval and cut at the edges. Flowers appear on long stalks from the axils of the leaves. These small purple flowers bloom from May to September.
Bonus Tip: Viola Tricolor is a low-maintenance plant. Since they are very resistant to low temperatures, their flowers appear in early spring. It grows well in partial shade, loose, and well-drained soil. Grow purple Pansy as biennials in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-8.
Sea Holly
The genus Eryngium, better known by the names Sea Holly, or Sea Thistle is always an interesting garden decoration. Eryngium is a herbaceous plant with an upright branched stem. Gray-green unique leaves are prickly with serrated edges.
Eryngium blooms from June to October. The flowers, which resemble burdock, are metallic purple or silver, surrounded by broad bracts.
Bonus Tip: Sea thistle is winter hardy in growing USDA zones 5-8. Some varieties are grown as garden plants and houseplants, while other varieties are grown as the ground cover. Sea Holly is also used as cut flowers and dried flowers look beautiful in flower arrangements.
Sweet Pea
Sweet pea is a member of the family Fabaceae, commonly named everlasting pea or perennial pea. Lathyrus odoratus is a climbing plant that can stretch to an incredible height of 8 feet. These flowering plants bloom in early summer. The main attribute that distinguishes them is the strong sweet floral scent.
Bonus Tip: Sweet Pea is a cold-hardy to USDA zones 3 through 7. They should be planted in early spring or late winter when the soil is dry and well-drained. Choose a location with full sun or afternoon partial shade.
Creeping Thyme
Thyme is a flowering plant used to produce essential oils and as an ornament in rock gardens. This semi-shrub is grown as a ground cover that blooms from early spring to late summer. The unusual leaves of these small purple flowers are covered on the back with gray hairs that contain clumps with essential oils. Tiny rose-purple flowers grow in clusters on top of the stems and emit a very pleasant scent.
Bonus Tip: Most varieties are suited for rock gardens in USDA zones 5 to 9. These plants are happiest with their flowers in the full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. They require neutral well-drained soil.
Texas Bluebell
Eustoma russellianum was previously named Lisianthus Eustoma grandiflorum. You will more often find them by the names Texas Bluebell, Prairie Gentian, Bluebell, or Lisianthus. Bell-shaped purple flowers show in late spring. Petals are multicolored in the sense that they have lavender edges that turn white and then dark purple at the center.
Bonus Tip: Lisianthus Eustoma grandiflorum performs best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It needs at least 10 hours of daily sunlight and regular watering to keep the soil moist but never flooded.
Verbena bonariensis
Verbena bonariensis is an ornamental flowering plant. Six feet tall purple perennials are used to produce essential oils due to their exceptional fragrance and healing properties. They bloom from late spring to early winter. These small purple flowers grow in tight clusters on top of the stems.
Bonus Tip: This plant can grow abundantly in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in organic well-drained soil and needs regular fertilization to reach its full potential. Once this plant is established it becomes drought tolerant, so there is no need to water it.
Wild Hyacinth
Camassia Scilloides was once a member of the Liliaceae family, but it now belongs to the Agavaceae family. The flowers have various shades of purple, from lavender to pale purple-blue. Tepals are oblong and widely spread from the center of the flower. Tender purple blooms appear in early spring.
Bonus Tip: The flowers will bloom in partial shade, but it is best to place them in full sun. The soil should be moist but never soaked. Choose well-drained soil like gravel or sand to prevent root rot. Wild Hyacinth is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Clematis
Clematis belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. Clematis is a deciduous creeping plant that can grow to a height of 2-4 m. Naturally, they grow in the forests, climbing on other trees and growing around the bushes.
Flowers are usually deep purple, lavender, or pink with pointy star-like petals. They bloom in summer through autumn. You can grow clematis in pots on the balcony and terrace with the appropriate support and enough space for their development.
Bonus Tip: To maintain this purple flower, you must provide it with support on which it will grow. Clematis is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It needs full sun, at least six hours per day, and dry, well-drained soil.
Veronica Spicata
Veronica is a Herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. People often call it the Spike Speedwell, because of the tall flowering spikes. Spikes can reach 3 feet in height. Dense small purple flowers appear during summer, from June to August. Tiny flowers come in shades of pink, blue-purple, and even white.
Bonus Tip: Veronica grows best in zones 3-8. It is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant. Spike Speedwell thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, like many other flowering species.
Purple Sensation
Other common names for Allium hollandicum are Dutch garlic “Purple Sensation” and Allium “Purple Sensation”. The bulbs and leaves of this ornamental onion have a characteristic strong odor.
Ornamental onions bloom from spring to late summer. Tiny rose-purple flowers grow in ball-shaped clusters. Before the bloom opens, the inflorescence is covered with a thin membrane.
Bonus Tip: Purple Sensation is cold hardy in zones 3-8. They need partial shade and organic well-drained soil to produce their gorgeous blooms abundantly.
Woodland Sage
Salvia nemerosa is a perennial aromatic plant from the family Lamiaceae. This semi-shrub blooms during the summer months and attracts butterflies and bees to the garden.
Lavander-purple flowers grow in tight clusters from the middle of the upright stem to the top. Elongated green leaves are the largest at the bottom.
Bonus Tip: Woodland Sage is grown in USDA zones 3-8. It prefers full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil.
Catmint
All cat owners have surely heard of this aromatic species! Catmint is also called Catnip, Nepeta, or Cataria. This plant is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Aromatic silver mint-like leaves grow on upright stems along with tiny lavender cup-shaped blooms.
They are known for their aromatic scent, which has a soothing effect on cats and encourages them to play.
Bonus Tip: Catmint is hardy to USDA zones 3-8. They are drought-resistant and need dry, well-drained soil to thrive. This perennial grows best in full sun or partial shade.
Iris Reticulata
Iris reticulata is an astonishing dwarf iris, from the Family Iridaceae. This dwarf iris originates from Turkey and some parts of Iraq and Iran. Upright blue-purple flowers have interesting yellow-white patterns on the petals. They grow on naked 4 inches tall stems and bloom from March to early April.
Flowers are toxic and if ingested they can cause severe health issues. It is highly recommended to wear gloves when handling dwarf iris species.
Bonus Tip: Dwarf Iris is a perennial hardy to zones 5-9. It requires moderately fertile, well-drained soil and full sun exposure to achieve vivid bulb colors. They can tolerate partial shade.
Conclusion
As we have already mentioned, small purple flowers are truly unique and bring a celestial vibe to any space. Whether you grow them in the garden, hanging baskets, or as houseplants, vibrant purple flower is always a good sight.
There are many varieties of small purple flowers, we believe that more than one species from our list stole your heart. All you have to do is make sure you live in a suitable climate and start growing your favorite small purple flower!
