7 Beautiful Types of Purple Flowers To Delight Any Bloom Lover

Receiving a bouquet of flowers is one of life's greatest joys. A floral gift has an immediate effect on a person's happiness and also leads to a closer connection with the sender. Choosing an arrangement in the person's favorite color also demonstrates how special they are to you. Here is the information you need about seven popular types of purple flowers.

The Symbolism of Purple Flowers

Traditionally, the color purple has represented wealth and royalty for reasons dating back to the Roman Empire. The timely and costly method of obtaining purple dye was only affordable to royalty and wealthy individuals until the invention of synthetic dye methods in the 1850s. This royal reputation makes a bouquet of purple flowers an appropriate gift to congratulate someone on a recent success or as a housewarming gift for a new home. They are also the perfect colored arrangement to decorate an elegant hotel or restaurant.

However, there is a more delicate side to these vibrant bouquets as well. This color can show the recipient your enduring affection or thank them for their thoughtfulness or generosity. At a funeral or gravesite, purple blooms can speak of the devoted love that continues through the grief of the loss of a loved one.

The Top 7 Types of Purple Flowers in Bouquets

There are several flowers to choose from when selecting the suitable blooms for an arrangement to gift a lover of purple. Here are the top seven favorites and the associated symbolism with each flower.

1. Lavender Rose 

Roses are among the most popular choices when selecting flowers for any gift. The timeless scent and beautifully shaped blooms are often associated with romance, weddings and anniversaries. However, they are just as cherished when given for a birthday, Mother's Day, or as a thank you.

A lavender rose is rare, which makes it especially meaningful to the receiver. Their feminine beauty expresses feelings of love just as well as their red counterparts. They are often sent to express love at first sight, adoration and a desire to get to know the recipient better. 

2. Purple Tulip

The symmetrical petals, long stems and fleshy leaves of a tulip are a springtime favorite. They look stunning when placed together in a single vase or combined with other flowers in a vibrant arrangement.

The regal color and velvety sheen of the purple tulip are sure to make an elegant impression on the receiver. An arrangement of tulips makes an excellent gift for graduations, new jobs and other celebrations.

3. Purple Moon Orchid

The purple moon orchid is one of the most cherished types of purple flowers. The unique features of this delicate flower are highlighted in a single bloom or a cluster of flowers. Orchids are generally known as a symbol of beauty, love and luxury. However, a purple version can also represent respect and admiration.

An arrangement of purple moon orchids makes an excellent housewarming or hostess gift. It is also popular to give in celebration of Mother's Day or birthdays.

4. Purple Vanda 

Vandas are part of the orchid family but look different than traditional orchids. These flowers are more prominent and often feature a combination of purple and white in a symmetrical pattern. The blossoms have an alluring fragrance to match their beautiful appearance.

Purple vandas are stunning when arranged together in a vase. Another popular option is to combine them with roses, pink peonies and hydrangeas for a feminine bouquet that's great for a centerpiece or to gift your best gal pal for any occasion.

5. Purple Hydrangea 

Hydrangeas are a favorite flower for their large, showy cluster of blooms. They add volume and texture as well as color to floral bouquets. They are an excellent choice for decorative flower arrangements in hotels and restaurants. They make a welcome addition to a brilliant display of blooms at an event. However, be careful when sending them to a person's home as they are toxic to cats and dogs when ingested.

A gift of purple hydrangeas symbolizes gratefulness and a deep understanding of a relationship. In a business setting, they stand for leadership and pride in accomplishments.

6. Purple Lilac

Lilacs are a celebration of the arrival of springtime and youth's joy. The large blooms can grow up to 8 inches in length. Lilacs are one of the most popular fragrant flowers due to their sweet, pleasant scent. 

There are two shades of purple lilacs, and each has its own symbolism. The delicate, lavender-colored lilac speaks of romance and first love. Blooms are often combined with other romantic flowers for wedding centerpieces and bouquets and also make excellent anniversary gifts.

The deeper purple lilac has a more spiritual symbolism. It is a meditative bloom that reflects a connection to the spiritual side of life. Therefore, it is appropriate to send lilacs to someone in mourning or include it in a funeral bouquet.

7. Purple Hyacinth

Hyacinths are eye-catching bold flowers with vivid colors, making them popular in floral arrangements. Their spikes of flowers stand above green foliage shaped like small blades. These beautiful blooms have a classic sweet floral scent similar to a gardenia.

Purple hyacinths represent devoted love, making them a fantastic anniversary gift. In addition, they are often placed on the grave of a loved one or used in funeral arrangements to express a devotion that continues even after death. Finally, the purple blooms symbolize elegance and wealth when displayed in a restaurant or hotel.

A floral arrangement created with one or more of these seven types of purple flowers will surely please the purple fan in your life. Now that you know the symbolism associated with each flower, you can choose an arrangement that delivers just the right message to your recipient.

The Florist Featuring All Types of Purple Flowers

Shop Beverly Hills Florist's purple collection to find the perfect arrangement for any occasion. We deliver many types of purple flowers daily to the general Los Angeles area. Contact us today to create the ideal bouquet for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Purple Flower for Your Garden?

Purple flowers bring elegance, mystery, and a royal touch to any garden. But with so many shades—from lavender and lilac to deep plum and violet—choosing the right purple flower can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!



1. Understand Your Garden Conditions

The right flower needs the right environment. Start with:


A. Sunlight Availability

  • Full Sun: Plants like lavender and salvia thrive.

  • Partial Shade: Try hydrangeas or columbine.

  • Full Shade: Opt for violets or ajuga.

B. Soil Type & Drainage

  • Well-drained, sandy soils suit lavender.

  • Moist, rich soil is ideal for hydrangeas or irises.

  • Clay-heavy soils may need amending before planting.

2. Match Flower Height to Your Design

A. Tall Purple Flowers

Perfect for back borders or fences:

  • Delphinium

  • Foxglove

  • Liatris (Blazing Star)

B. Medium-Height Blooms

Best for middle rows:

  • Alliums

  • Salvia

  • Coneflowers

C. Ground Covers & Low-Growers

Great for edging or filling space:

  • Creeping Thyme

  • Ajuga

  • Pansies

3. Consider Bloom Time for Year-Round Beauty

Stagger blooming periods to keep purple color throughout the seasons:

Season

Purple Flowers to Try

Spring

Crocus, Hyacinth, Iris

Summer

Lavender, Verbena, Larkspur

Fall

Asters, Russian Sage, Anemones


4. Choose Between Perennials and Annuals

A. Perennials

Come back year after year. Examples:

  • Lavender

  • Salvia

  • Allium

  • Coneflower

B. Annuals

Bloom brightly for one season. Examples:

  • Petunias

  • Pansies

  • Ageratum

Tip: Combine both for layered beauty!

5. Decide the Purpose of Your Purple Flower

A. For Pollinators

Go with nectar-rich blooms:

  • Bee Balm

  • Lavender

  • Catmint

B. For Fragrance

Pick:

  • Lilac

  • Lavender

  • Sweet Peas

C. For a Pop of Color

Use annuals like:

  • Petunias

  • Verbena

  • Morning Glory

6. Know Your Zone (Hardiness Matters!)

Check your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone or regional climate. Not all purple flowers survive harsh winters or intense heat.

  • Cold hardy: Lupines, Salvia, Columbine

  • Heat-tolerant: Verbena, Mexican Petunia

7. Maintenance Level: High or Low?

If you're a low-maintenance gardener, choose hardy, drought-tolerant options like:

  • Russian Sage

  • Catmint

  • Coneflower

If you love pampering your plants, you’ll enjoy:

  • Hydrangeas

  • Orchids

  • Foxgloves

8. Play With Color Combinations

Purple pairs beautifully with:

  • White: Clean and elegant

  • Yellow: Bold contrast

  • Pink: Romantic tones

  • Silver foliage: For a dreamy, muted backdrop

9. Container vs. Ground Planting

A. Container Gardening

Good for small spaces or patios.
Try:

  • Petunias

  • Pansies

  • Campanula


B. In-Ground Gardening

Ideal for large beds and borders.
Use:

  • Salvia

  • Lavender

  • Allium

10. Popular Purple Flower Favorites to Try

Here’s a quick list to inspire you:

Flower

Ideal Conditions

Type

Lavender

Full sun, dry soil

Perennial

Salvia

Sun/part shade

Perennial

Petunia

Containers, full sun

Annual

Aster

Fall blooming, hardy

Perennial

Verbena

Spreading ground cover

Annual

Iris

Moist soil, spring bloom

Perennial

 

Care Tips for Growing Purple Flowers

Purple flowers are the showstoppers of any garden. From delicate lilacs to bold coneflowers, their rich color brings depth, beauty, and a sense of calm to your outdoor space. But to keep your purple flowers thriving, proper care is key.


Whether you're growing lavender in pots, pansies in beds, or salvia along your borders, here are essential care tips to ensure your purple blooms stay vibrant, healthy, and long-lasting.

1. Know Your Flower’s Needs

Not all purple flowers are the same! Start by learning about the specific type of flower you're growing—whether it’s an annual or perennial, sun-loving or shade-tolerant.


Common Purple Flowers & Their Basic Needs

Flower

Light

Water Needs

Type

Lavender

Full Sun

Low

Perennial

Pansy

Partial Sun

Moderate

Annual

Salvia

Full Sun

Moderate

Perennial

Petunia

Full Sun

Regular

Annual

Hydrangea

Partial Shade

Moist

Perennial


2. Choose the Right Location


Full Sun Lovers


Most purple flowers like lavender, verbena, and salvia need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.


Shade-Tolerant Beauties

If you have limited sunlight, go for columbine, violets, or ajuga, which do well in partial to full shade.


Tip: Observe your garden throughout the day to find the best sunny or shady spots before planting.

3. Use Well-Draining Soil

Purple flowers dislike soggy roots. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.


Improve Your Soil by:

  • Adding compost or peat moss

  • Mixing in sand for heavy clay soils

  • Raising garden beds if drainage is poor

4. Water Wisely

General Rule:

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.


Watering Tips:

  • Early morning watering is best to prevent mildew.

  • Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to keep leaves dry.

  • For container plants, check daily in summer heat.

Important: Avoid overwatering, especially for drought-tolerant flowers like lavender or Russian sage.

5. Fertilize — But Don’t Overdo It!

Fertilizer gives your flowers the nutrients they need—but too much can lead to leggy growth or fewer blooms.


Best Practices:

  • Use a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once a month.

  • For heavy bloomers (like petunias), try a bloom booster every 2–3 weeks.

  • Compost works great as an organic option.

6. Deadhead Spent Blooms Regularly

Removing faded or dead flowers encourages more blooms and cleaner growth.


How to Deadhead:

  • Use clean garden shears.

  • Cut just above a set of healthy leaves or buds.

  • Do this weekly for annuals like pansies and petunias.

7. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Common Issues:

  • Aphids on new shoots

  • Powdery mildew in damp conditions

  • Snails and slugs in shady areas


Solutions:

  • Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests.

  • Space plants to allow air circulation.

  • Remove affected leaves quickly to stop the spread.

8. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Prevent Weeds

Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (like bark or straw) around your flowers.


Benefits:

  • Locks in soil moisture

  • Regulates temperature

  • Blocks weed growth

  • Adds nutrients as it breaks down

9. Prune and Divide When Necessary

Pruning Tips:

  • Cut back woody stems (like lavender) in early spring to promote fresh growth.

  • Trim leggy growth mid-season to shape your plant.


Dividing Perennials:

  • Every 2–3 years, divide large clumps like irises or asters to keep them healthy and blooming strong.

10. Protect During Extreme Weather

Cold Weather:

  • Add mulch or frost cloth to protect roots from freezing.

  • Bring containers indoors if frost-sensitive.

Hot Weather:

  • Water more often in dry heat.

  • Add shade cloth if blooms start to wilt.

 

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