Ever wonder how some people have gorgeous gardens without spending hours working in them?
I’ll let you in on my little secret – purple plants! They’re easy to grow and look fantastic all year round.
Today I’m sharing the 15 purple plants that turned my boring backyard into the neighborhood showstopper.
1. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Let me tell you about my absolute favorite groundcover! The Black Scallop variety has become my go-to solution for those tricky shaded spots under trees.
These deep purple, chocolate-colored leaves create the most stunning carpet, reaching about 6 inches tall and spreading up to a foot wide.
The violet flowers that pop up in spring are just the icing on the cake. Trust me, if you’re in zones 4-9, you’ll love how this low-maintenance beauty thrives in both sun and shade.
2. Alternanthera ‘Purple Prince’
I first discovered this gem at my local nursery last spring, and I’ve been obsessed ever since. The rich purple foliage forms these perfect little mounds that reach about 2 feet in height and width.
The white blooms create such a lovely contrast against those purple leaves. For those in zones 9 and up, this adaptable plant is a dream come true for both landscapes and containers.
3. Begonias (Rex Begonias)
My shaded front porch has never looked better since I added Shadow King begonias. These showstoppers feature the most incredible blend of deep reds, purples, silvers, and greens.
At about 10 inches tall, they’re perfect for containers and shaded garden spots. While they’re perennial in zones 10+, I grow them as annuals here in my cooler climate, and they’re worth every penny.
4. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
My garden’s shady border totally transformed once I added Amethyst Mist coral bells. The rich purple leaves with their silvery veining catch the morning dew so beautifully.
Growing 12-18 inches tall and wide, these hardy perennials are perfect for zones 4-9. The delicate bell-shaped flowers dancing on tall stems add such wonderful vertical interest to my woodland garden.
5. Coleus
I’ll never forget the day my neighbor gave me my first coleus cutting – now they’re everywhere in my garden! These colorful beauties grow 1-3 feet tall and wide, offering endless patterns and variegations.
Though they’re only perennial in zones 10+, I happily grow them as annuals. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: pinch them back regularly to keep them bushy and full.
6. Elephant’s Ear (Colocasia)
The Black Magic variety stopped me in my tracks at a garden show, and I just had to have it. These dramatic plants bring instant tropical vibes to any space.
While they’re only hardy in zones 8-10, I’ve had great success growing them in containers and storing the tubers over winter. Their massive leaves create the most incredible focal point in my partially shaded garden bed.
7. Fringe Flower
Plum Delight has become my go-to choice for low-maintenance beauty. Growing up to 5 feet tall and wide, it’s perfect for those spots where you want year-round color without the fuss.
The purple evergreen leaves and abundant blooms keep my garden looking fresh through every season. As a bonus, the pollinators absolutely adore it!
8. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
The Velvet Viking variety holds pride of place in my front yard. Its purple-red foliage stops passersby in their tracks every single time.
Perfect for zones 5-9, these stunning trees can grow anywhere from 3 to 25 feet tall depending on the variety. I’ve found they perform best with a bit of afternoon shade in our hot climate.
9. Ninebark
My Diabolo ninebark has grown into the most spectacular specimen, reaching nearly 10 feet tall with an 8-foot spread. The plum-colored leaves provide the perfect backdrop for my perennial border.
This tough plant handles our harsh winters like a champ in zones 2-8. I’ve noticed the purple color intensifies when it gets plenty of sunlight.
10. Purple Basil
Talk about a double-duty plant! Not only does purple basil add gorgeous color to my herb garden, but it also makes the most beautiful garnish for summer meals.
Growing up to 2 feet tall, it’s perfect for containers near the kitchen door. While it’s technically perennial in zones 9-11, I grow it as an annual and save the seeds each year.
11. Purple Fountain Grass
This has become my favorite container plant for the patio. The dark purple, strap-like leaves create such elegant movement in the breeze.
Growing 4-5 feet tall, it makes an incredible focal point. Though it’s only hardy in zones 9-11, I treat it as an annual and enjoy its fluffy flower spikes all season long.
12. Purple Heart
This charming plant has completely transformed my hanging baskets. Growing about 8 inches tall, its vibrant purple stems and leaves create the most beautiful cascading effect.
Hardy in zones 9-11, I’ve found it also makes an excellent houseplant during winter months. Pro tip: it’s incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings!
13. Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
The deep purple leaves of this delightful plant fold up at night like tiny umbrellas – my kids are fascinated by it! Perfect for zones 6-10, it forms these gorgeous purple mounds dotted with delicate flowers.
I grow mine in containers so I can easily bring them inside during harsh winters. They’ve become quite the conversation starter on my shaded porch.
14. Smoke Tree
My smoke tree is the showstopper of my garden, reaching a majestic 15 feet tall and wide. The purple foliage provides amazing color all season, but the fall display is absolutely spectacular.
Once established in zones 5-8, it’s incredibly drought tolerant. Those smoky plumes in summer make it look like the whole tree is enveloped in a purple haze.
15. Sweet Potato Vine
Last but definitely not least, these fast-growing vines have revolutionized my container gardens. The burgundy to almost-black foliage creates the most stunning spillers in my arrangements.
Though only perennial in zones 9-11, I wouldn’t dream of going through a summer without them. They’re particularly gorgeous tumbling over the edges of raised beds and hanging baskets.