Especially nice for color coordinating gardens and creating interesting effects with color and texture, purple flowers can range from the light lilac to the lavender to the deep dark, near black, effect. This stark contrast can work well when pairing pale purple flowers against the darkest wine colors. For interesting flowers in the purple color hue consider Rose Campion, Princess Flower, Purple Loosestrife, Butterfly Bush and Scrambling Skyflower.
Rose Campion
Also known as Lychnis coronaria from the pink family of plants (caryophyllaceae), this is a perennial. It can get 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide with 4 to 6 inch leaves. Blooms are on second growth year and are purple or rosepink, trumpet shaped, and 1 inch wide. It can grow in any soil, requires full sun or partial shade, and can be propagated via seed.
Princess Flower
This is also known as Tibouchina urvilleana from the meadow beauty family of plants (Melastomataceae). It is a fast growing evergreen that is good for gardeners just beginning. It gets to 15 feet tall with 2 to 4 inch leaves and 3 inch wide purple flowers. It requires rich soils, sun or partial shade, and can be propagated via clump division and softwood cuttings.
Purple Loosestrife
Another name of purple loosestrife is Lythrum salicaria, a member of the loosestrife, or Lythraceae, family. It is a perennial that attracts butterflies. It can get 4 to 10 feet tall with 4 inch leaves and an 18 inch spike of flowers in purple. It requires full sun or partial shade, moisture rich soils, and can be propagated via division of roots or seeds.
Butterfly Bush
This is also known as Buddleja davidii from the butterfly bush family of plants (Buddlejaceae). It is a fast grower and will attract butterflies. It can get 6 to 12 feet tall with a width of 4 to 15 feet. Leaves are 6 to 10 inches long and flowers are tiny and in cone like clusters. It is fragrant. It requires well drained soil, full or partial sun, and can be propagated via cuttings.
Scrambling Skyflower
Another name of scrambling skyflower is Thunbergia battiscombei, a member of the acanthus family (Acanthaceae). It is a perennial that is evergreen and a fast grower. It gets 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide on 5 to 7 inch leaves. Flowers are white or purple and airy. It requires sun or partial shade, and adapts to any soil. Propagate via seed in spring or summer cuttings.
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