
Purple Flowers: Flowers come in a wide variety of colors. For instance, many of these colors bear huge symbolism and meanings. In particular red flowers symbolize love, yellow ones symbolize joy, white blossoms mean purity, and purple ones indicate nobility and elegance.
Believe it or not, purple is one of the most common flower colors. About this, it is important to note that the purple color of flowers and other purple plant organs (like purple leaves and stems) is due to the pigment called anthocyanin.
Aside from purple, anthocyanin also produces red, magenta, and blue colors, depending on its intensity.
On this page, we have compiled 50+ of the most beautiful purple flowers on the planet. So let’s not make the introduction any longer. Welcome to the wonderful world of purple flowers!
Table of Contents
- Purple Flowers
- 1. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
- 2. Delphinium (Delphinium sp.)
- 3. Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
- 4. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
- 5. Clematis (Clematis sp.)
- 6. Salvia (Salvia sp.)
- 7. Purple Freesia (Freesia sp.)
- 8. Catmint (Nepeta sp.)
- 9. Dwarf Iris (Iris sibica)
- 10. Lavender (Lavandula spica)
- 11. Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
- 12. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)
- 13. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)
- 14. Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
- 15. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
- 16. Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)
- 17. Monkshood (Aconitum variegatum)
- 18. China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
- 19. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- 20. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
- 21. Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya labiata)
- 22. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
- 23. Fuchsia (Fuchsia sp.)
- 24. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- 25. Liatris (Liatris spicata)
- More Purple/Indigo Flowers
Purple Flowers
There are the best types of purple flowers in the plant world:
1. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Verbenaceae | Verbena | Verbena bonariensis |
Also known as the Purpletop Vervain, the Verbena (Verbena bonariensis) is characterized by having small purple five-petaled flowering plant.
- Aside from its aesthetic value, Verbena has long been used in folk plant medicine, usually served as an herbal tea. Basically, the Verbena has a galatagogue effect (can trigger and promote lactation in women) and can even act as a sex steroid.
- New hybrid species of Verbena can already thrive even in the hottest of summer season. However, Verbena is very sensitive to cold weather and can be easily damaged by winter frosts.
- These small purple flowers are native to South America.
Suggested Reading:
Lantana
Perennials2. Delphinium (Delphinium sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Ranunculales | Ranunculaceae | Delphinium | Delphinium sp. |
This purple floweer is found in thriving in relatively cold to moist environments, Delphiniums are perennial plants with spike flowers that can vary from purple, blue, white, and yellow flowers. This type of purple flowers, also called as the “larkspur” is characterized by having dark green but glossy leaves.
- The size of a Delphinium plant can range from 2 feet up to 6 feet.
- The name “Delphinium” comes from the Latin word meaning “dolphin“, which refers to the shape of the nectar secreting part of its flower.
- Despite being attractive to look at, all parts of the Delphinium (all species) are highly toxic to humans and other animals.
Suggested Reading:
Delphinium
Perennials3. Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Ranunculales | Ranunculaceae | Pulsatilla | Pulsatilla vulgaris |
Found in the regions with tundra biomes, the Pasque flowergrows low in the ground and has fine silky hairs in order to insulate itself and keep out of the cold environment.
- Characterized by having dark purple to almost white petals, yellow stamens at the center of the flower, and the rest of the plant being covered in silky hairs, this plant only grows on a southward direction where it faces the slopes.
- This flower is a member of the plant family Ranunculaceae (from Ranunculus meaning “little frog“) and it is assumed that members of this family thrive in places where frogs can be found.
- These dark purple flowers are endemic and is seen almost anywhere in the northwest United States and Northern Alaska. In fact, it is the state flower of South Dakota.
Suggested Reading:
Pasque flower
Perennials4. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Oleaceae | Syringa | Syringa vulgaris |
The next purple flower in this list is the Lilac Syringa vulgaris which is often considered as the harbinger of spring, as the time of its blossoming can signal whether spring will be early or late.
- Basically, the Lilac is large-sized shrub that can grow up to 6 to 7 meters high. It has light green oval leaves that are arranged oppositely to the sides of the plant. It also has lilac to mauve colored (sometimes white) flowers arranged in panicles.
- Aside from its very attractive flowers, the Lilac is very popular because of the sweet scent produced by its flowers. And because of its “hardy” character, it was chosen to be the state flower of New Hampshire.
- These large purple flowers are widely distributed in some parts of northern and western Europe and North America.
Suggested Reading:
Lilac
5. Clematis (Clematis sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Ranunculales | Ranunculaceae | Clematis | Clematis sp. |
Mainly found in the cold regions of the Northern hemisphere, the Clematis is a versatile plant that can grow almost anywhere: from walls, containers, or even when left through the trees and other plants.
- The members of the genus Clematis are composed of climbing vines that have beautiful purple blossoms and have bright evergreen foliage.
- The Clematis is very known for its various names like Old man’s beard (because of its very prominent seedhead), Traveller’s joy (a name invented by herbalist J. Gerard), and Leather flower (because of the appearance of its petals).
- The leaves of Clematis serve as food for some caterpillar species.
Suggested Reading:
6. Salvia (Salvia sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Lamiaceae | Salvia | Salvia sp. |
The next purple flowers in this list is the Salvia, the largest genus in the Family Lamiaceae (Mint/Deadnettle family). Usually, Salvias grow from 30 centimeters up to 3 meters high.
- Salvias, which are native to North America, are very easy to cultivate as they are very drought-tolerant and bloom all summer long.
- Purple Salvias are very appealing for hummingbirds, hence, these purple flowers are often referred to as the “Hummingbird Magnet“.
7. Purple Freesia (Freesia sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asparagales | Iridaceae | Freesia | Freesia sp. |
Freesias are herbaceous flowering plants that are members of the plant family Iridaceae. Freesia flowers are funnel shaped and come in a variety of colors (white, yellow, pink, purple), however, the most popular are the purple ones.
- The name “freesia” was derived from its discoverer, German botanist Friedrich Freese.
- Purple Freesias are endemic to Kenya and some regions of South Africa.
- Because of their sweet scent, Freesias are usually cultivated in order to be used as perfumes, shampoos, creams, and others.
8. Catmint (Nepeta sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Lamiaceae | Nepeta | Nepeta sp. |
The Nepeta or Catmint is a type of perennial flowering plant that is somehow related to catnips (which are favored by cats). The most common type are those with bluish-purple flowers that grow during early summer.
- Catmints usually grow from one foot up to 3-4 feet high, hence are useful in making garden borders and edges.
- This plant, having silver foliage, are drought-resistant and grow well during the hot weather.
Suggested Reading:
Catmint
Annuals/Perennials9. Dwarf Iris (Iris sibica)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asparagales | Iridaceae | Iris | Iris sibica |
As its name suggests, the Dwarf Iris is smaller as compared to the typical irises we know. Basically, the Dwarf Iris is distinguishable by the presence of crests in its sepals (leaf-like structure below the petals).
- Relative to common irises which grow from 15 to 38 inches high, Dwarf Irises are just 6 inches in height.
- These small purple spring flowers of this plant are very fragrant and thus appeal to insects and animals. They usually bloom in dry pine forests during the early spring.
- The name of the Dwarf Iris and other native irises come from the Greek goddess Iris, the goddess of the rainbow.
Suggested Reading:
Miniature Gladiolus
Perennials10. Lavender (Lavandula spica)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Lamiaceae | Lavandula | Lavandula spica |
The next flowering plant to make it to this list is the Lavender Lavandula spica which is endemic to many continents of the world like Europe, Africa (northern and eastern), and Asia (southwest).
- This plant has purple to light violet flowers that are held in spike inflorescence.
- These lavender colored flowers are very popular in herbal medicine as it is commercially packaged as herbal tea and essential oil that are used to induce sleep and relaxation.
- The name of this plant is derived from the Latin word, “lavare” which means “to wash“, probably referring to the use of the extracts of the plant.
Suggested Reading:
Lavandula
Perennials11. Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asterales | Campanulaceae | Platycodon | Platycodon grandiflorus |
The common name of the next flowering plant in this list truly makes a perfect sense. The Balloon flower Platycodon grandifloras have flower buds that are inflated and can be popped open.
- These flowers with purple petals, which usually appear in bluish-purple colors (sometimes white and pink), are best suited to dry climate and can tolerate light shades.
- Interestingly, this plant have foliage that turn to clear gold during the winter.
Suggested Reading:
Balloon Flower
Perennials12. Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Gentianales | Gentianaceae | Eustoma | Eustoma grandiflorum |
Endemic to the regions of Carribean, Mexico, and South America, the Lisianthus Eustoma grandiflorum (long stem purple flowers) is a popular ornamental plant that grows 15 to 60 centimeters tall.
- The Lisianthus is very much known for its bluish green succulent leaves and light purple bell-shaped flowers that arise from its long stems.
- These purple tall flowers grow well on grasslands.
Suggested Reading:
Eustoma grandiflorum
Biennials13. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus africanus)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asparagales | Amaryllidaceae | Agapanthus | Agapanthus africanus |
As its name suggests, Lily of the Nile is endemic to South Africa. As a matter of fact, it is also called as the Agpanthus or the African Blue Lily.
- The name of this plant is derived from the two Greek words “agape” and “aanthus” which mean “love” and “flower” respectively.
- Agapanthus plants have flowers that have purple, blue, and sometimes white petals that look like lilies.
Suggested Reading:
Agapanthus
Perennials14. Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Solanales | Convolvulaceae | Ipomoea | Ipomoea purpurea |
As its name suggests, Morning Glory flowers Ipomea purpurea blossom in the early morning and start to wrinkle a few hours after.
- This plant is a climber characterized by having thin stems, and cordate leaves. Its flowers are bell-shaped and come in colors like purple, pink, magenta, and white.
- Because of its flowers, insects as well as hummingbirds are easily attracted.
- In medicine, the Morning Glory is very much popular because of its seeds that have laxative properties.
Suggested Reading:
15. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Solanales | Solanaceae | Solanum | Solanum dulcamara |
Coming from the Nightshade family or Solanaceae, the Bittersweet nightshade is a perennial plant distinguished by its herbaceous branches that die every year.
- Its flowers are star-shaped and have purple petals and yellow heads.
- Like any other members of the family Solanaceae, this plant contains the toxin, solanine. Its leaves, when crushed, produced a very unpleasant smell and is in fact poisonous to animals.
- This plant was originally native to Europe but is now widely grown in the North America.
Suggested Reading:
Bittersweet
Shrubs16. Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Fabales | Fabaceae | Baptisia | Baptisia australis |
Wild indigo comes from the Family Fabaceae, the same plant family where clovers and pea belong. Wild indigos are typically seen along the Pacific coasts of USA.
- These types of purple wildflowers, which can reach 1 to 2 meters high, is characterized by its bright purple flowers positioned in spike inflorescence.
- The plant is used as a dye, resulting to an indigo color, hence the name of the plant.
- Despite being included in the list of toxic plants, the roots of Wild Indigos are used to produce medicine.
Suggested Reading:
False Indigo
Perennials17. Monkshood (Aconitum variegatum)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Ranunculales | Ranunculaceae | Aconitum | Aconitum variegatum |
The next plant in this list is the Monkshood plant that grows in the mountainous areas in the north hemisphere. This plant, which has distinct purple flowers, derived its name from the appearance of its sepals which somehow look like the cowls of monks.
- Its genus name Aconitum comes from the Greek word “akonitos” which means “pointed cone“.
- Despite being attractive, this plant is extremely poisonous (due to the compound aconite) and ingestion even in small quantities may cause gastrointestinal problems.
Suggested Reading:
18. China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asterales | Asteraceae | Callistephus | Callistephus chinensis |
As its name suggests, the China Aster is native to China. This plant, which stands 12 inches to 36 inches tall, is very easy to distinguish because of its daisy-like flowers that appear like pompoms.
- The China Aster come in various colors like purple, blue, white, yellow, red, and pink.
19. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Cornales | Hydrangeaceae | Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla |
Native to southern and eastern Asia, and some parts of America, the Hydrangea is type of evergreen plant that grow during the early spring to late autumn.
- Interestingly, the color of the Hydrangea flower can give an indication about the pH of the soil it is planted in. Purple to blue flowers indicate the soil is acidic whereas pink ones show it is acidic.
Suggested Reading:
Hortensia
20. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asterales | Asteraceae | Cosmos | Cosmos bipinnatus |
At present, there are only 3 known species of Cosmos: Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos atrosanguineus. Among the three, the first one is the most common.
- Cosmos bipinnatus is a species of Cosmos characterized by having yellow eyed head, and purple to burgundy red outer petals.
- These purple flowers with yellow centers can grow from 48 centimeters up to 1.2 meters tall.
- During the 1800s, Cosmos plants were first introduced to Mexico.
21. Cattleya Orchid (Cattleya labiata)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asparagales | Orchidaceae | Cattleya | Cattleya labiata |
Cattleya orchids come in a wide variety of colors like light purple, pink, and white. These purple and white flowers colored flowers are native to Central and South America and thrive in warm temperatures and slightly bright areas.
- This plant was named after horticulturist William Cattley, who accidentally discovered the plant during his en route from Brazil to England.
- The Cattleya orchid is also called as the Corsage orchid because in the old times, it is used by women as corsage during special occasions.
Suggested Reading:
Cattleya
22. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Brassicales | Brassicaceae | Iberis | Iberis sempervirens |
The next flower in this list is the Candytuft, a plant endemic to Europe but has already adapted to some regions in the United States.
- This evergreen plant stands 12 to 18 inches tall and has very delicate lilac, pink, and white flowers that blossom during early spring or summer. After that, it may or may not reblossom during the fall.
Suggested Reading:
Persian Candytuft
Perennials23. Fuchsia (Fuchsia sp.)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Myrtales | Onagraceae | Fuchsia | Fuchsia sp. |
The Fuchsia flower is very distinguishable due to its two-toned teardrop-shaped flowers. Its sepals (leaves actually) are bright red whereas its petals are purple. Because of such colorful appearance, insects and hummingbirds are easily attracted to it.
- Fuchsia plants are highly sensitive to hot temperature so care is very much advised especially during the summer.
- The fruits of all species of Fuchsia are edible.
Suggested Reading:
Lady’s-eardrop
24. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Lamiales | Plantaginaceae | Digitalis | Digitalis purpurea |
Standing 2 to 5 feet tall, the Foxglove plant Digitalis purpurea is easily distinguishable because of its tall purple (sometimes pink, red, yellow, and white) flowers that bear speckled throats.
- The leaves of this plant contain a compound called as the digitalis which is considered to be poisonous but is viewed as a potential cure for heart ailments.
- This plant is endemic to the western and southwestern parts of Europe.
Suggested Reading:
Foxglove
Biennials25. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus | Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
Plantae | Asterales | Asteraceae | Liatris | Liatris spicata |
Last but not the least purple flower is the Liatris or the Blazing Star. Known to be an insect magnet, the Liatris can attract Monarch and Swallowtail butterflies.
- Like any other members of the Family Asteraceae, the Liatris grow from bulbs or corms that start to arise during spring and blossom during late summer.
- While this plant can relatively survive dry climate, it can also somehow tolerate moderate cold temperature. Interestingly, its foliage can turn into light gold during winter.
Suggested Reading:
Gayfeather
PerennialsMore Purple/Indigo Flowers
Browallia
Annuals/PerennialsBugleweed
PerennialsBugloss
Caspia
Annuals/PerennialsColumbine
PerennialsGlobe Thistle
PerennialsGlory-of-the-Snow
Hardy Geranium
PerennialsHollowroot
PerennialsIris
Lobelia
Annuals/PerennialsMilkwort
PerennialsMisty Blue Limonium
Monte Cassino
Annuals/PerennialsPolemonium
PerennialsWhat’s your favorite purple flower from the above list?
thank you for sharing!