Purple Reigns: Top 10 Plants with Eye-Catching Purple Foliage
Purple foliage is a gardener's secret weapon, adding depth, drama, and a regal touch to any garden. Whether you’re looking for striking contrast or a monochromatic palette, plants with purple leaves bring a sense of sophistication that’s hard to match. Let’s explore ten exceptional plants that will keep your garden glowing in shades of purple all season long.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood')
The Japanese maple is a classic choice for purple foliage. The ‘Bloodgood’ variety features deeply lobed, burgundy-purple leaves that hold their color from spring through fall.
Best Use: Use it as a specimen tree or plant it near pathways to show off its intricate leaf structure.
Care Tip: Japanese maples thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Protect them from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)
Commonly known as coral bells, heucheras come in an array of colors, with purple varieties like ‘Plum Pudding’ and ‘Black Beauty’ stealing the show. Their scalloped leaves and dainty flowers make them ideal for borders or containers.
Versatility: Heucheras thrive in sun or shade, making them perfect for filling gaps in mixed beds.
Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
The purple smoke bush offers bold, velvety purple leaves that shift to a reddish hue in fall. In summer, the plant earns its name with airy, smoke-like flower clusters that add ethereal beauty.
Pro Tip: Prune it back annually to maintain a bushy, compact shape and intensify its foliage color.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
This low-growing plant is a standout in gardens and containers, thanks to its vibrant, purple lance-shaped leaves. It also produces small, delicate pink flowers that contrast beautifully with its foliage.
Ground Cover Magic: Purple heart spreads quickly and works well as a colorful ground cover in sunny or partly shaded areas.
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
The Persian shield is a tropical showstopper with iridescent purple leaves streaked with silver and green. It thrives as a houseplant or annual in colder climates but can be a perennial in warmer zones.
Light Requirement: Give it bright, indirect light to enhance its metallic sheen.
Redbor Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Ornamental kale isn’t just for vegetable gardens. The ‘Redbor’ variety showcases deep purple, ruffled leaves that can double as both an edible and decorative plant.
Seasonal Bonus: Redbor kale holds its color well into fall, making it a great addition to autumn displays.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop')
This fast-growing ground cover features glossy, dark purple leaves that form a dense mat. In spring, it produces spikes of blue flowers, adding a seasonal pop of color.
Low Maintenance: Ajuga is drought-tolerant and thrives in shaded or sunny spots, making it an easy-care choice for filling bare areas.
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')
Purple fountain grass is a striking ornamental grass with arching burgundy-purple blades and feathery plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze.
Container Star: Plant it in large pots for a bold statement on patios or use it as a focal point in mixed borders.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Blackie')
This vigorous trailing plant is known for its deeply lobed, dark purple leaves. It’s perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and as ground cover in sunny areas.
Design Idea: Pair it with contrasting foliage, like golden creeping Jenny, for a stunning color combination.
Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense ‘Purple Pixie’)
Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, offers compact, evergreen shrubs with rich purple foliage and bright pink, fringe-like flowers in spring.
Landscape Use: Use it as a hedge, foundation planting, or accent shrub to add year-round interest.
Tips for Incorporating Purple Foliage
- Create Contrast: Pair purple foliage with green, silver, or gold leaves for eye-catching contrast. For example, pair a purple smoke bush with golden spirea or lime-green hostas.
- Layer Heights: Use taller plants like purple fountain grass or Japanese maple as focal points and fill in with low-growing plants like ajuga or sweet potato vine.
- Seasonal Interest: Combine perennial purple plants with annuals like Persian shield or ornamental kale to ensure year-round color.
- Mind the Light: Some purple-leaved plants need full sun to maintain their color, while others thrive in shade. Always check the plant’s specific needs for the best results.
Purple foliage adds a touch of mystery, drama, and sophistication to gardens of all styles. With these ten stunning plants, your garden will reign supreme in vibrant, regal hues.