When someone says gardening, many people think of growing vegetables, but flowers are some of the most important plants we can grow. We’ve discussed the benefits of some popular yellow flowers, the rarity of blue flowers, and the attractiveness of red flowers. Today, we look at another color in the rainbow of flowers, purple.
Many purple flowers are favorites of bees and hummingbirds because they are nectar-rich providing a valuable food source. Some purple flowers are valued for their medicinal qualities and others make valuable companion plants. Let us discuss some purple flowers you may want to consider growing.
Royal Carpet Alyssum
Royal Carpet Alyssum lives up to its name. This tender perennial produces a lovely carpet of royal purple flowers. If you are looking for an alternative to a grass lawn that requires regular mowing, you might want to consider this plant. It also looks beautiful cascading from containers or flowing over rock walls.
Royal Carpet Alyssum is low maintenance and grows quickly. It re-seeds easily, so even if you live in a cooler climate you may not have to replant after winter. This plant has a long blooming season and produces fragrant flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Botanical Name: Lobularia maritima, Royal Carpet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Size: 3-8 inches tall, 12-inch spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 40-60 days
- Growing Instructions: Start Royal Carpet Alyssum seeds indoors if possible; can be sown directly outdoors after the danger of frost. Light is required for germination; scatter seeds onto the soil and press in firmly. Keep seeds evenly moist through germination and thin once seedlings reach 2".
Tussock Bellflower
Another alternative ground cover, Tussock Bellflower is a low-growing perennial that produces delicate bell-shaped violet flowers that bees and hummingbirds love. This plant is also ideal for rock gardens, borders, or containers.
Tussock Bellflower blooms from late spring into early summer. The flowers make a lovely addition to cut flower arrangements. Like many perennial flowers, the Tussock Bellflower may need cold stratification to germinate. Otherwise, it is a low-maintenance plant that can handle a variety of growing conditions.
- Botanical Name: Campanul carpatica
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Size: 18-24 inches tall, up to 3-foot spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-70 days
- Growing Instructions: Cold stratify seeds for 2-4 weeks before sowing for improved germination. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Barely cover seeds with soil; light aids germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost in well-drained soil, spaced 9-12" apart.
Bergamot
Bergamot (Monarda) has the common name Bee Balm for a good reason. This fragrant perennial plant is a favorite of bees. Bergamot is a native wildflower that has a light citrus scent and both the leaves and flowers of this plant can be used to make a medicinal tea. Native Americans used Monarda to relieve congestion, headaches, and digestive issues.
Bergamot typically blooms from mid-summer through early fall depending on the cultivar, climate, and your growing conditions. It is easy to grow, making it a good option for novice gardeners. This plant is also deer-resistant.
- Botanical Name: Monarda fistulosa
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 24-36 inches tall, 2-3 foot spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 120-150 days
- Growing Instructions: Direct sow before the first frost in autumn or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring. Press seeds into the soil and keep them warm for optimal germination. Space seedlings 12 inches apart in well-drained soil. Pinch off growing tips to encourage bushy growth habits.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea is a perennial wildflower commonly known as Purple Coneflower. Native to North America it is an important source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Echinacea is a valued medicinal plant known for its immune-supporting properties. It is most often brewed as a tea. The entire plant is edible and all parts of the plant from petals to roots have been used for medicinal purposes. We currently offer 2 varieties of Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida. Both produce pink-purple blooms and have similar medicinal properties.
Purple Coneflower may need cold stratification to germinate. Sow the seeds in the late fall so they go through winter and germinate in the spring. Otherwise, you can cold-stratify in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. While very easy to grow, you may not see blooms in the first year of planting. Make sure the plants get plenty of sunlight or they may not produce as many flowers.
- Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 24-48 inches tall, 12-24 inch spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-90 days
- Growing Instructions: Sow anytime from late fall to early spring. If seeds do not overwinter, 2-4 weeks of cold stratification improves germination. Start indoors and transplant out after the last frost. Space plants 18-24 inches apart, taking care not to disturb taproots. It can thrive in variable soil conditions, but rich soil with plenty of organic matter results in larger blooms.
Lavender
We cannot talk about purple flowers without mentioning Lavender. This aromatic purple flower is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean, but it now grows all over the world. The name comes from the Latin “lavare” meaning “to wash”. The ancient Romans used Lavender to scent their baths. Egyptians used it in the mummification process. Today we use lavender in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and cooking. Lavender is also an effective natural mosquito repellent.
There are many varieties of Lavender and while most of us think of its purple blooms, the plant can also produce white, pink, and yellow flowers depending on the variety. Lavender may need cold stratification to germinate. It prefers dry, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. It will not do well in wet conditions.
- Botanical Name: Lavandula augustifolia
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12-18 inch spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 200
- Growing Instructions: To improve germination, cold stratify the seed by sprinkling seed onto a wet paper towel, folding it, and placing in a plastic bag. Keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Sow the seed by barely covering it with soil and keeping it moist. Lavender needs light and warmth to sprout. Transplant outdoors 4-6 weeks after plants emerge. Space plants 18 inches apart.
Grandpa Ott Morning Glory
Grandpa Ott Morning Glory plants produce gorgeous purple trumpet-shaped blooms that are adored by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This is a vining plant that is ideal for fences, trellises, and arbors. Morning Glory grows quickly even in poor soil and can spread rapidly. It will also re-seed easily, so if you are concerned about this plant invading your garden, make sure to remove blooms before they go to seed.
Morning Glory has a tough outer seed coat that may require scarification to achieve germination. You can do this by rubbing the seeds on some sandpaper to scar the seed coat before planting. It does not like its roots to be disturbed, so it is best to directly sow the seeds rather than starting them inside.
- Botanical Name: Ipomoea purpurea / Ipomoea nil 'Grandpa Ott'
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 10-15 spread (vine)
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 6-8 weeks
- Growing Instructions: File or nick seed coating and soak overnight in water for faster germination. Start indoors 4-6 weeks early, or sow directly outside 2 weeks after the last frost. Take care not to disturb roots if transplanting. Space plants 6 inches apart and provide a trellis or other support for the climbing vines.
Petunia
Petunias come in an array of colors including red, blue, white, and purple. This is an annual plant that grows quickly and produces blooms from spring to fall. We sell a Dwarf Petunia Mixed variety that reaches about 12 inches tall and has a natural cascading habit making it ideal for hanging planters. In addition to the lovely color they bring, Petunias are attractive to pollinators and are useful companion plants. Petunias are known to repel some common garden pests like tomato hornworms, aphids, leafhoppers, asparagus beetles, and squash bugs.
Petunias are generally easy to grow and can thrive in various environments making them useful in landscaping. They will be happy in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets. To keep the blooms coming, be sure to deadhead spent flowers often.
- Botanical Name: Petunia nana compacta
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 12-18 inches tall, 12-18 inch spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 45-80 days
- Growing Instructions: Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date. Gently press seeds into the planting medium without covering. Keep evenly moist until germinated. Harden seedlings off and transplant them outdoors once the soil warms to 60 degrees F. Pinch back to encourage branching.
Hoary Stock
If you want to add a lovely fragrance to your flower garden, Hoary Stock, also known as Gillyflower or Wallflower, is a great choice. This flower is a biennial favorite for cottage gardens and was extremely popular during the Victorian era in England. It has been cultivated since ancient Greek times. Hoary Stock produces clusters of blooms that have a sweet, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves. This plant is attractive to pollinators and the blooms are edible and useful as a garnish. Its rich fragrance makes it a valued addition to cut flower arrangements.
Hoary Stock is generally easy to grow and it can be used in borders, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, and containers. Stock flowers bloom in the cooler weather of spring and may stop blooming in the heat of summer.
- Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
- Light: Full sun
- Plant Size: 12-36 inches tall, 12-18 inch spread
- Days From Seed to Bloom: 60-75 days
- Growing Instructions: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in spring. Lightly cover seeds and keep them evenly moist until germination. Space plants 12-15" apart in a sunny spot in well-drained soil.
Purple flowers are more than just pretty to look at. They are nectar-rich and will attract all types of pollinators. Some have medicinal properties and others are valuable companion plants that will attract the good and repel the bad pests. Whether you are looking to create a paradise for pollinators, a perfume-rich environment, or have practical natural remedies, purchase purple flowers to enrich your garden.
