Florida’s climate supports a vibrant array of purple plants, from heat-loving salvias to tropical tradescantia. If you’re looking for purple plants Florida gardens can showcase, you have a spectacular selection. The warm temperatures and ample humidity create the perfect environment for foliage and flowers in every shade of violet, lavender, and plum.
This guide will help you choose the right plants for your space. We’ll cover sun lovers, shade dwellers, and everything in between.
Purple Plants Florida
Adding purple to your Florida landscape is a smart choice. Purple plants often bring extra benefits, like attracting pollinators and being drought-tolerant. They can serve as stunning focal points or beautiful background fillers.
Understanding your garden’s conditions is the first step. Check your soil type and note how many hours of sun each area gets. This will ensure your new plants thrive.
Benefits Of Purple Foliage And Flowers
Purple isn’t just pretty; it’s practical. In garden design, purple acts as a neutral color that ties other bright colors together. It can create depth and make green foliage appear more vibrant.
From an ecological standpoint, many purple flowering plants are pollinator magnets. Bees and butterflies are particularly drawn to blooms in the purple-blue spectrum. This helps support your local ecosystem.
Design Tips For Using Purple
- Use deep purple plants as anchor points in a garden bed.
- Pair silver-green foliage with light purple flowers for a cooling effect.
- Combine purple with orange or yellow blooms for a bold, complementary contrast.
- Plant purple foliage plants, like coleus, to add color even when nothing is in bloom.
Understanding Your Florida Growing Zone
Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. This range means some plants that are annuals up north can be perennials here. However, it also means you need to select plants that can handle our intense summer heat and humidity.
Microclimates in your yard also matter. A spot near a white wall may get more reflected heat. An area under a large oak tree will be cooler. Always consider these factors.
Purple Flowering Plants For Full Sun
Many purple plants thrive under the Florida sun. These varieties are typically drought-resistant once established. They are perfect for adding long-lasting color to sunny borders, butterfly gardens, and containers.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea Hyssopifolia)
This reliable shrubby plant offers tiny purple flowers nearly year-round. It forms a dense, low mound perfect for edging. Mexican heather is low-maintenance and attracts bees.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Moderate; somewhat drought tolerant.
- Height: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Note: It’s not a true heather but is equally charming.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii)
True to its name, this shrub is a butterfly favorite. Its long, fragrant flower spikes come in deep purple varieties like ‘Black Knight’. It blooms from spring to fall with regular deadheading.
- Light: Requires full sun.
- Water: Water regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Height: Can reach 6 to 8 feet; prune in late winter.
- Note: Choose sterile cultivars to prevent self-seeding.
Salvia (Salvia Spp.)
Salvia is a top performer in Florida gardens. Varieties like ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ (which is more purple) and ‘Black and Blue’ offer intense color and are incredibly heat-tolerant. They bloom in repeated flushes.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Water deeply until established.
- Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms.
- Cut back in late winter to promote fresh growth.
Pentas (Pentas Lanceolata)
Pentas are star-shaped flowers that form colorful clusters. They are a nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds. Purple varieties provide constant color during the warm months.
They are often treated as annuals in North Florida but can be long-lived perennials in Central and South Florida. They do require consistent moisture during dry spells.
Purple Plants For Shade And Part Shade
Shady areas in your Florida garden don’t have to be just green. Many purple plants excel in lower light conditions. They bring a welcome splash of color to patios, under trees, and on north-facing sides of homes.
Brazilian Red Cloak (Megaskepasma Erythrochlamys)
While the name says “red,” the showy bracts are often a vibrant magenta-purple. This large, tropical shrub makes a dramatic statement in partial shade. It can grow quite large if not pruned.
- Light: Partial to full shade.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist.
- Height: 6 to 10 feet tall; can be kept smaller.
- Note: It’s a fast grower and may need regular trimming.
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina)
This fast-growing groundcover has striking purple and silver striped leaves with a metallic sheen. It’s excellent in hanging baskets or as a spreading plant in shaded beds. It roots easily from cuttings.
Be aware it can be invasive in some areas, so it’s best contained in pots or bounded beds. It prefers consistant moisture but can handle some dryness.
Purple Passion Vine (Gynura Aurantiaca)
Also known as Purple Velvet Plant, this is grown primarily for its fuzzy, deep purple foliage. It thrives in bright, indirect light. The leaves have a soft, plush texture that is unique in the plant world.
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Protect from direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
African Iris (Dietes Iridioides)
This tough, clumping plant is adaptable to both sun and part shade. Its elegant, iris-like flowers are white with purple and yellow markings. It blooms intermittently throughout the year and is very drought-tolerant once established.
Purple Foliage Plants For Year-Round Color
For constant purple appeal, choose plants with colorful leaves. These provide structure and hue even when flowers are not present. They are the backbone of a colorful garden design.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia Pallida)
This is one of the most popular purple plants in Florida. Its long, trailing stems are covered in deep purple, lance-shaped leaves. It produces small pink flowers, but the foliage is the main attraction.
- Light: Full sun for best color; tolerates part shade.
- Water: Drought tolerant; water when soil is dry.
- Uses: Groundcover, container spiller, or border edging.
- Note: Stems are fragile but root easily if broken.
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
This ornamental grass adds movement and texture. It features burgundy-purple foliage and soft, feathery plumes. It makes a excellent focal point in garden beds or large containers.
Important: The species form is invasive in Florida. Always choose the sterile cultivar ‘Rubrum’. Cut it back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins.
Coleus (Plectranthus Scutellarioides)
Coleus offers an almost endless variety of leaf patterns, with many featuring rich purple tones. They are grown as annuals or tender perennials. They thrive in shade to part sun, depending on the variety.
- Pinch off flower spikes to direct energy to the leaves.
- Propagate easily from stem cuttings in water.
- Protect from strong afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season for best color.
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes Dyerianus)
This plant has iridescent purple leaves with a silvery metallic sheen. The color is truly stunning. It prefers partial shade and consistent moisture. It is often used as an annual or brought indoors in cooler parts of the state.
Native Purple Plants For Florida
Choosing native plants supports local wildlife and often means less maintenance. Native plants are adapted to Florida’s soils, rainfall patterns, and pests. Here are some excellent native purple options.
Blazing Star (Liatris Spp.)
Also called Gayfeather, this native perennial sends up tall spikes of fluffy purple flowers. It’s a major nectar source for butterflies and bees. The flowers bloom from the top down, which is unique.
- Light: Full sun.
- Water: Very drought tolerant once established.
- Height: 2 to 4 feet tall.
- Note: Excellent for cut flower arrangements.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
While more common in North Florida, this classic prairie plant can do well with good drainage. Its large, daisy-like flowers with raised centers attract butterflies and birds. It may act as a short-lived perennial here.
Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea Imperati)
This native groundcover is perfect for coastal gardens. It has white flowers with purple centers and helps stabilize dunes. It tolerates salt spray, sandy soil, and full sun beautifully.
Planting And Care Guide
Success with your purple plants depends on proper planting and ongoing care. Florida’s sandy soil and rainy seasons present specific challenges. Follow these steps to give your plants a strong start.
Soil Preparation And Planting Steps
Most plants need well-draining soil. Florida’s native sand drains too quickly. Amending the planting hole with compost or topsoil helps retain moisture and nutrients.
- Choose the right plant for the sun exposure in your chosen spot.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
- Mix the excavated sand with an equal amount of compost or planting mix.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
- Backfill with your soil mixture and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant, keeping it away from the stem.
Watering And Fertilizing Schedule
New plants need regular watering for the first 4-8 weeks. After establishment, many purple plants are drought-tolerant. Always check soil moisture before watering.
A slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in spring and early fall is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers on flowering plants, as they can promote leaf growth over blooms. Over-fertilizing can harm plants and pollute waterways.
Pruning And Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps plants healthy and encourages more flowers. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, prompts many plants to produce more. For shrubs like butterfly bush, a hard prune in late winter is beneficial.
- Always use clean, sharp pruning tools.
- Prune after a flush of flowering for most plants.
- Remove dead or damaged branches as soon as you notice them.
- Cut back leggy growth on foliage plants like Purple Heart to maintain a compact shape.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even with the right plant in the right place, issues can arise. Florida’s humidity can encourage fungal diseases. Pests are also a common concern. Here’s how to manage them.
Fungal Diseases
Powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect plants in crowded, humid conditions. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water at the base of plants in the morning, not overhead in the evening.
Common Pests
- Aphids: Spray with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Yellow sticky traps and horticultural oils can help control them.
- Caterpillars: Handpick them if possible; remember some become butterflies.
- Scale: Scrape off or treat with horticultural oil.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Yellowing leaves can indicate a lack of nutrients. Florida’s sandy soil leaches minerals quickly. A soil test can pinpoint specific deficiencies. Using a controlled-release fertilizer formulated for Florida soils is often the best solution.
FAQ About Purple Plants In Florida
What Are The Best Purple Plants For Full Sun In Florida?
Excellent choices for full sun include Mexican Heather, Salvia, Butterfly Bush, Pentas, and Purple Heart. These plants thrive in heat and are generally drought-tolerant once they are established in the garden.
Can I Grow Lavender In Florida?
Growing traditional English lavender is very difficult due to our high humidity and summer rainfall. However, some gardeners have success with ‘Phenomenal’ lavender or Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) in very well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. It often performs best as a container plant.
Which Purple Plants Are Native To Florida?
Great native purple plants include Blazing Star (Liatris), Purple Coneflower (in North Florida), Beach Morning Glory, and Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis). These support local pollinators and are adapted to our climate.
How Do I Keep The Color Vibrant On Purple Foliage Plants?
For plants like Purple Heart and Persian Shield, ample sunlight is crucial for intense leaf color. Too much shade can cause leaves to turn greenish. Also, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can dilute the purple pigments.
What Is A Fast-growing Purple Plant For Coverage?
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is one of the fastest-growing groundcovers for sunny areas. For shade, Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) spreads quickly. Be mindful that both can be vigorous and may need occasional trimming to keep them in bounds.