Whatever your garden mood, reach for
these vivacious violet hues.
Let’s making
garden, no matter what mood I’m trying
to create, I always include some plants with purple blooms. Purple seems to
symbolize so many things that I find it the most versatile color of all. Let’s
say I’m shooting for sophistication: Rich, dark plum and mulberry shades give
me that feeling of refinement and luxury. Maybe I’m in the mood to plant a
romantic garden: Light lavenders and mauves lend a flirty air. And when it
comes to pure fun, any jaunty mix in the lilac-violet-amethyst family adds
instant whimsy. Are you starting to feel inspired? Let’s get some beautiful purple
on with this month’s Top 10.
 |
| Verbena - Beautiful Purple Plant |
1. Verbena
You can expect summer long color from these beautiful blooms.
These full-sun plants sport attractive clusters of flowers and grow to about 18
inches high. Keep the soil moist but well drained; dry conditions can hinder
flowering.
Top picks: Both V. bonariensis and the Imagination cultivar blossom in joyous
shades that run between magenta and violet.
 |
| Lavender - Beautiful Purple Plant |
2. Lavender
Lavender’s not just beautiful; its powerful scent does wonders
to alleviate stress. The silvery-gray plant grows from 1 to 4 feet tall in full
sun and boasts graceful spires of tiny flowers.
Top picks: For particularly
showy purple blooms, choose Hidcote Superior, Sarah or Munstead.
 |
| Clemantis - Beautiful Purple Plant |
3. Clematis
You say “CLEM-uh-tiss,” I say “cluh-MAT-iss”: However you
pronounce it, this is one dazzling plant. Some grow up to 30 feet tall, it
provides more flowers in less space than almost anything you’ll find. Plant in
a sunny, sheltered spot and watch it thrive.
Top picks: The classic Jackmanii springs to mind instantly, but Arabella is all
that plus multitones of blue and mauve.
 |
| Bellflower - Beautiful Purple Plant |
4. Bellflower
In addition to perennials, the bellflower family includes
annuals and biennials, all with graceful blossoms lasting from late spring into
summer. Although it also enjoys full sun, planting in partial shade preserves
its delicate colors. Keep bellflowers happy by watering regularly.
Top picks: Try Birch Hybrid or Bavarian Blue for charming storybook shades.
 |
| Dwarf Iris - Beautiful Purple Plant |
5. Dwarf Iris
This fragrant, petite early bloomer grows from just 2 to 12
inches high. The vibrant flowers, which do best in full sun, emerge in late
winter to early spring.
Top picks: The dark, rich petals of J.S. Dijit unfurl to offer spring a royal
welcome.
 |
| Ballon Flower - Beautiful Purple Plant |
6. Balloon flower
Before opening into five-pointed blooms, the hollow buds look
like tiny balloons. Balloon flower does best in full sun or partial shade and
thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
Top picks: Astra blue and Fuji blue varieties display charming pale blue-violet
blooms.
 |
| Catmint - Beautiful Purple Plant |
7. Catmint
Easy to grow, catmint provides silvery-green or gray foliage
and a long season of blooms. The flower spikes reach about 2 feet tall and
enjoy full sun. Many hybrid catmints are sterile, so they don’t seed. Divide
plants in spring or take cuttings in summer.
Top picks: For fun, the classic cultivar Nepeta x faassenii can’t be beat.
For an alpine ambience, give N. sibirica a shot.
 |
| Salvia - Beautiful Purple Plant |
8. Salvia
Count on this attention getter for color all season in any
landscape. Its 8- to 30-inch-tall plumes teem with tubular flowers. Though it’s
generally partial to full sun, this resilient plant will thrive in partial
shade during hot summers.
Top picks: The Evolution and May Night cultivars offer intense, dramatic purple
hues.
 |
| Allium - Beautiful Purple Plant |
9.
Allium
If you want to add brightness and bounce, there’s no better
bloomer than allium. This pretty perennial is a winning selection for most
backyards. Not only can you find an allium to suit almost any spot, it’s easy to
grow, and you can find different types that will bloom from late spring to
fall.
Top picks: Try A. aflatunense for a sassy taste of purplish
pink or Globe master if you prefer a saucy hint of bluish purple.
 |
| Pasque Flower - Beautiful Purple Plant |
10.
Pasque Flower
An early-spring bloomer, pasque flower adds texture to any
garden. While it’s not a go-to perennial for most gardeners, this sun-loving,
drought-tolerant, fuss-free flower certainly deserves top honors on our list.
Top picks: P. vulgaris offers an enchanting mauve, while the silvery
overtones of P. halleri add an icy, textured charm.
No comments :
Post a Comment