18 Purple Perennials That Bring Color and Pollinators to Your Garden

Purple flowers bring something special to a garden.

They’re calm, bold, and go well with just about anything. And when you plant perennials, you don’t have to start over every year – they come back, fill in nicely, and keep things looking good with less effort.

In this list, we’ve rounded up 18 purple perennials that not only look great, but also pull in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Whether you’ve got full sun, a slope to fill, or a small space to tuck something in, there’s something here that’ll work for you.

1. ‘Serendipity' Allium (Ornamental Onion)

This variety gives you globe-shaped, rosy-purple flowers that show up strong from mid to late summer. The blooms rise above neat clumps of blue foliage, adding structure and color when other plants might be fading out.

The leaves have a soft onion scent when crushed, which can help keep deer and rabbits away. It’s a solid choice for sunny borders, rock gardens, or anywhere you want a little pop of purple without much fuss.

It doesn’t spread aggressively and holds its shape well, which makes it easy to tuck into tighter garden spots. Pollinators, especially bees, will flock to it while it’s in bloom.

2. ‘Lavender Bubbles' Allium

‘Lavender Bubbles’ blooms a bit later than ‘Serendipity’, which is great if you’re trying to stagger your flower display. The flower heads are darker, with a deep dusty purple color that stands out against its blue-green leaves.

The foliage is more than just a background – it has twisting and curling blades that make the plant look interesting even before it blooms. This extra texture is great for adding variety to a border or mixed bed.

Like other alliums, it’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. It also does a good job pulling in pollinators while holding up well to heat and sun.

3. ‘Violet Dust' Baptisia (False Indigo)

This one has soft lavender-violet flowers with cream-colored centers, and it blooms in early summer. The blooms sit on tall, upright stems and the whole plant forms a nice vase-like shape.

It doesn’t take up much room at the base, so you can plant smaller things underneath it without them getting crowded out. That’s a nice bonus if you’re working with limited space but still want layers in your garden.

It’s a tough perennial that doesn’t need much attention once it’s established. Plus, it’s a native plant, so it plays well with local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

4. ‘Violet Stardust' Bush Clematis

Unlike the climbing clematis types, this one grows like a small bush. The plant gets covered in tiny, star-shaped flowers in a violet-blue shade, usually with four to five petals each.

It’s not a vine, but it still does better with a bit of support—something like a small cage or short trellis will keep it looking tidy. The foliage is broad and full, so it gives your garden some structure too.

The flowers bring in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and they show up pretty generously when the plant is happy. It’s a good fit for a pollinator-friendly bed or anywhere you want something a little different than the usual clematis.

5. ‘Boom Chocolatta' Hardy Geranium (Geranium pratense)

This geranium has deep, rich bronze foliage that stands out even before the flowers show up. When it blooms, it covers the top with loads of blue-purple flowers that really pop against the darker leaves.

It grows upright and holds its shape well, so it doesn’t flop over or get messy like some older geranium varieties. It’s been bred to be more vigorous and refined, so you get a plant that’s both tough and nice to look at.

Hardy geraniums are known for being dependable—once you plant them, they settle in and do their thing year after year. It’s a great pick if you want a flower that looks good but doesn’t need babysitting.

6. ‘Storm Shelter' Daylily (Hemerocallis)

This daylily has big mauve-colored flowers with a dramatic eggplant purple eye in the center. The pie crust edges—wavy and darker—give the blooms a fancy look without being over-the-top.

It’s a tetraploid variety, which just means it has extra-strong stems and fuller flowers than regular daylilies. It holds up well through heat, humidity, and dry spells, making it a reliable bloomer in summer.

Even when it’s not in bloom, the strappy green foliage adds texture to the garden. If you want a perennial that really puts on a show during its bloom period, this one’s a strong choice.

7. ‘Wildberry' Heuchera (Coral Bells)

This variety is mostly grown for its bold foliage, not its flowers. The leaves are large, scalloped, and a deep purple that holds its color through most of the growing season.

They’re glossy too, which gives the plant a nice sheen in the sunlight. Compared to older types like ‘Blackberry Ice’, the color on ‘Wildberry’ is richer and the leaves are noticeably bigger.

It works well at the front of a border or in a container where you want steady color all season. You can also mix it with green or silver-leaved plants to get a strong contrast.

8. ‘Leading Lady Plum' Monarda (Bee Balm)

This Bee Balm starts flowering earlier than most other types, which is handy if you want to kick off summer color a little sooner. The flowers are a soft plum-purple and sit on top of tidy, dense clumps of dark green foliage.

It’s more compact than common Monarda varieties, and it holds up better to mildew, which can be a problem with older kinds. That means you won’t have to deal with sad-looking leaves partway through the season.

Pollinators love it—especially hummingbirds and butterflies. If you’re looking to attract more life to your yard without planting something huge, this one fits the bill.

9. ‘Ultraviolet' Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

This variety has very dark, magenta-violet flower clusters that bloom above full, bushy green foliage. It’s a stronger, more vibrant version of older types like ‘Nicky’.

The stems are dark, the buds are bold, and the plant puts out more flowers overall. It’s also bred to resist powdery mildew, which makes a big difference in keeping it looking good through the heat of summer.

It fills out nicely and holds its shape, making it a good choice for the middle or back of a border. The blooms bring in butterflies and bees and make great cut flowers too.

10. ‘Purple Sprite' Hybrid Spring Phlox

This phlox has a low, mounding habit that stays neat and compact. The flowers are star-shaped and cover the plant in soft purple tones in early to mid-spring.

It doesn’t spread like creeping phlox (P. subulata), which is a plus if you want to keep things tidy. It also blooms a bit later, helping to stretch out the color in your spring garden.

Because of its size and shape, it works great at the front of beds or along walkways. It’s easy to care for and won’t take over, which makes it good for small-space gardens.

11. ‘Violet Riot' Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

This salvia puts on a strong display of violet-blue flowers that rise above dense, well-branched plants. The flower spikes are upright and full, giving you a big splash of color in late spring to early summer.

The foliage has a light, pleasant scent when brushed, and the whole plant stays neat without much shaping. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and keeps going with minimal care once it’s settled in.

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are all drawn to it, especially when it’s in full bloom. It also handles heat and sun well, making it a great choice for natural-style gardens or hot spots in the yard.

12. ‘Purple Illusion' Veronica (Spike Speedwell)

This one’s known for its rosy-purple flower spikes that bloom on top of tidy, upright plants. It has dark green leaves that form a thick base, so the plant still looks good even when it’s not flowering.

The habit is similar to ‘Wizard of Ahhs’, but this one has a deeper, richer flower color. It’s sturdy, doesn’t flop over, and fills out well as it matures.

Veronica is a dependable bloomer and fits in well with low-maintenance garden plans. It’s also a solid pick for mixing in with other midsize perennials in sunny beds.

13. Sweet Romance® Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a compact lavender variety that fits nicely into smaller gardens or even containers. The purple flowers are fragrant, and the silver-green foliage holds its shape well.

It does best in well-drained soil and full sun, and once it’s established, it doesn’t need much water. That makes it a great option for low-water or drought-tolerant landscapes.

Lavender is always a favorite with bees, and this one blooms reliably without getting too large or woody. You can trim it lightly after blooming to keep it tidy and encourage a second flush of flowers.

14. ‘Birch Hybrid' Bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana)

This bellflower spreads gently with trailing stems that spill over edges or down slopes. The lavender-blue blooms show up in late spring, covering the plant in soft color.

It’s a good pick for rock gardens, retaining walls, or the front of borders where you want something that stays low and spreads just enough. The flowers are small but showy, especially when the plant is in full bloom.

It’s easy to grow and doesn’t ask for much other than well-drained soil and a little sunlight. Once it’s in place, it comes back reliably each year without taking over.

15. ‘Caesar’s Brother' Iris (Iris sibirica)

This iris is known for its deep purple flowers that look elegant and a bit wild at the same time. The blooms sit above narrow, sword-shaped leaves that add vertical interest even when the plant isn’t flowering.

It blooms in late spring to early summer and does well in both mixed borders and mass plantings. The upright foliage also works nicely to contrast with softer, rounded plants nearby.

It prefers moist but well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. Once it’s settled in, it’s long-lived and keeps coming back stronger each year.

16. ‘Cat’s Meow' Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

This is a dependable, low-growing plant with soft, gray-green foliage and spikes of purple-blue flowers that keep coming all summer. It has a neat, mounding shape that doesn’t flop over like some older types.

It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Once it gets going, it’s one of the easiest perennials you can grow.

You can shear it back after the first round of blooms to encourage a second flush. It’s a great filler for sunny borders, especially if you want something that looks good without much effort.

17. ‘Purple Emperor' Coneflower (Echinacea hybrid)

This coneflower has bold purple petals that surround a dark, raised center, giving it that classic wildflower look. It’s a North American native, which makes it a good fit for naturalized plantings or meadows.

It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and handles poor soil without any trouble. Bees, butterflies, and even birds come around for the nectar and seeds.

You can plant it in groups for a strong visual impact, or mix it in with other perennials for a more relaxed, mixed border. Either way, it keeps coming back and gets better with age.

18. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

This late bloomer puts out large purple flowers with bright yellow centers from August through October. It’s one of the best options for adding color when most summer flowers are starting to fade.

The plant gets fairly tall and bushy, making it great for the back of a border or naturalized area. It’s another native plant that does a lot for pollinators, especially in the fall when food is harder to find.

It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and it responds well to a midsummer trim if you want to keep it shorter. It’s reliable, hardy, and brings in bees and butterflies right up until frost.

How to Use These Purple Perennials to Build a Strong, Low-Maintenance Garden

Whether you’re filling in borders, looking for something to spill over a wall, or just want a plant that comes back year after year, there’s something on this list that’ll fit the job.

You can mix early bloomers like phlox and iris with late ones like aster and coneflower to keep color going from spring through fall.

Pair foliage-focused varieties like Heuchera or Catmint with bold bloomers like Alliums or Daylilies to get a mix of texture and steady interest.

Start by picking the ones that match your sun and soil conditions, then build out from there. You don’t need to overhaul your whole yard – just a few solid choices can make a big difference over time.

FAQs

1. Which purple perennial blooms the longest?

Catmint (‘Cat’s Meow’) and Salvia (‘Violet Riot’) are two of the longest bloomers. They keep going for weeks, and with a quick trim after the first round, you can often get a second flush.

2. Are these purple perennials deer-resistant?

Many of them are, especially Alliums, Lavender, Catmint, and Coneflowers. While nothing is completely deer-proof, these plants are less likely to be eaten.

3. What are the best purple perennials for full sun?

Most on this list love full sun, but top performers include Daylilies, Phlox, Coneflower, Lavender, and Alliums. They thrive in sunny spots and handle heat well.

4. Can I grow any of these purple perennials in containers?

Yes, especially the more compact ones like ‘Wildberry’ Heuchera, Sweet Romance® Lavender, and ‘Purple Sprite’ Phlox. Just make sure the containers have good drainage.

5. Which ones are best for attracting pollinators?

Monarda, Coneflower, Salvia, and Veronica are all big draws for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Mixing a few of these in will bring your garden to life.