Purple flowers are some of the most striking and beautiful blooms in the plant kingdom. Their rich, saturated color stands out in any garden or floral arrangement. Many famous purple flowers are beloved for their regal color, unique shapes, and delightful fragrances. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and recognizable purple blooms.
Lavender
One of the most iconic purple flowers is lavender. Lavender plants produce abundant blooms on long stalks above aromatic foliage. The small purple flowers have a light, fresh scent that is prized in soaps, sachets, and aromatherapy. Lavender is also used for cooking and baking. There are over 40 species of lavender, with some blooming in spring and others in summer. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is probably the most widely grown for its pretty purple flowers and useful essential oil. Lavender grows well in hot, sunny climates and thrives in well-drained soil. Its shrubby form and silver-gray leaves make it a beautiful landscape plant. Lavender’s signature color and scent make it one of the world’s most famous purple flowers.
Purple Iris
Irises are a popular garden perennial grown for their ornate, colorful blooms. Many irises produce purple flowers in deep shades of royal purple, violet, lilac, and amethyst. The flowers have three upright petals (called standards) and three drooping petals (called falls). Their sword-like green leaves add drama. One of the most popular purple irises is the tall bearded iris (Iris germanica). Its large ruffled blooms come in many shades of purple and bloom in late spring. Another stunning purple iris is the Siberian iris (Iris sibirica). This hardy iris has smaller blooms in blue-violet shades and does well near water. Irises prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they form attractive clumps that rebloom each year. Their diversity and elegance make purple irises floral superstars.
Purple Lilac
Few flowers represent spring as well as lilacs. These popular landscape shrubs produce an abundance of richly scented purple blooms in late spring. Lilac shrubs have dark green leaves and branches filled with plumes of tiny purple flowers. Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa meyeri) are two favorites. Double blooms like those of Miss Kim lilac (Syringa patula) have the look of purple roses. The flowers emerge in shades of violet, lilac, and deep purple. Lilac’s heady perfume is unmistakable. Although individual blooms are fleeting, lilac’s spectacular floral display makes it an iconic harbinger of spring. Plant lilacs in full sun and provide good airflow to prevent disease. Prune promptly after flowering.
Purple Coneflower
Purple coneflowers are popular perennial wildflowers known for their medicinal and ornamental uses. Their blooms consist of colorful raised centers surrounded by drooping ray flowers. The petals come in shades of pink, purple, and white – the purple varieties being the most famous. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) has flowers up to 5 inches across with prickly dark purple centers and lavender petals. They bloom profusely from midsummer into fall with daisy-like blooms on strong stems. The leaves are broad and rough-textured. Coneflowers grow well in sun or part shade and are drought-resistant once established. These hardy American natives add vibrant color to gardens and cut flower arrangements. Their colorful blooms and herbal qualities make purple coneflowers botanical celebrities.
Purple Hyacinth
Purple hyacinths produce bushy clusters of fragrant purple blossoms in early spring. Each bulb sends up multiple flower stalks covered in bell-shaped blooms. Popular varieties like ‘Blue Jacket’ and ‘Woodstock’ have deep violet flowers with contrasting chartreuse throats. The grassy leaves emerge after the flowers fade. Hyacinths’ sweet, powerful scent perfumes any garden or bouquet. They require well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant the bulbs in autumn for a welcome early spring display. Forced hyacinths are commonly grown indoors for winter color. Though delicate in appearance, hyacinths are hardy and easy to grow. Their regal purple blooms herald the end of winter.
Purple Passionflower
Purple passionflowers produce some of the most ornate purple blooms in nature. These exotic tropical vines have intricate flowers with pointed petals and a central corona of purple filaments. The distinctive flowers led Spanish missionaries to see symbols of Christ’s crucifixion, giving rise to the name “passionflower.” They bloom in summer with flowers up to 6 inches across. Passionflowers thrive in warm climates and need vertical support to climb. Two popular purple species are Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) and blue passionflower (Passiflora caerulea). Passionflowers also yield a tangy edible fruit. With their elaborate structure and rich color, passionflowers are some of the most striking purple blooms.
Purple Orchids
Orchids are prized for their incredible diversity and exotic blooms. Many species of orchids produce flowers in shades of purple, from pale lavender to deep violet. The flowers have three sepals and three petals with a central column containing the reproductive organs. Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium are two genera that include purple orchids. Phalaenopsis orchids, also called moth orchids, are popular houseplants with arching sprays of lavender flowers. Meanwhile, Dendrobium orchids are diverse epiphytes native to Asia and Australia. Their purple flowers vary widely in size and shape. With over 25,000 wild species, orchids show astonishing variation. Their unusual forms and saturated purple hues make them highly valued flowers.
Purple Violet
No article on purple flowers would be complete without mentioning the purple violet. These dainty wildflowers have heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled blooms in purple, blue, and white. Thriving in shady areas, violets carpet woodland floors in spring with cheery color. African violets (Saintpaulia) are popular indoor plants with fuzzy leaves and purple flowers. And violet’s association with modesty inspired Victorians to use the flowers to communicate secret admirers’ affection. Sweet violet (Viola odorata) has an appealing scent and edible flowers. With many hybrids and cultivars, these charming plants bring magic to any purple garden. The violet’s message of love and humility secure its place among legendary purple flowers.
Growing Purple Flowers
Purple flowers offer unique beauty you can add to your own garden. Here are some tips for growing purple blooms:
- Select plants suited to your climate and growing conditions.
- Group purple flowers together for maximum impact.
- Provide proper care and maintenance for healthy plants.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
- Use purple in combinations like white and silver for contrast.
- Try different shades and hues for depth and interest.
- Use purple flowers as accents or focal points in beds, borders, and containers.
With some planning and care, you can enjoy stunning purple flowers in your own outdoor space.
Significance of the Color Purple
What makes purple stand out so much among flower colors? Here are some symbolic associations of the color purple:
- Royalty – Purple has historically been associated with kings, queens, and emperors.
- Luxury – Purple dyed fabric was once very expensive, worn only by the wealthy.
- Ambition – Purple calls to mind drive, determination, and vision.
- Magic and Mystery – Purple evokes the fanciful, spiritual, and supernatural.
- Creativity – Purple represents imagination, artistry, and originality.
- Independence – Purple’s uniqueness expresses bold individualism.
- Wisdom – Purple is linked with knowledge, experience, and good judgment.
Purple’s rich blend of cool blue and fiery red imbues it with many layers of symbolism. So purple flowers possess a special magnetism – attracting admiration with their uncommon beauty.
Conclusion
| Flower | Description |
|---|---|
| Lavender | Fragrant purple blooms on silver-gray foliage |
| Purple Iris | Ornate blooms in shades of violet, lilac, and amethyst |
| Purple Lilac | Beautiful spring blooms with heady fragrance |
| Purple Coneflower | Daisy-like perennials with purple and pink flowers |
| Purple Hyacinth | Fragrant flowers on stalks blooming in early spring |
| Purple Passionflower | Exotic tropical vines with intricate purple blooms |
| Purple Orchids | Diverse exotic flowers in lavender, violet, and purple |
| Purple Violet | Charming wildflowers symbolizing modesty and affection |
Purple flowers hold a special fascination. Their rich hues and evocative associations give them an air of luxury, creativity, and magic. Some of the most regal purple blooms include lavender, orchids, irises, and lilacs. With proper care, you can incorporate purple flowers into your own garden. They make stunning additions to flower arrangements and bring stately beauty wherever they bloom. If you adore the color purple, look for ways to showcase glorious purple flowers in your indoor and outdoor spaces.
