Purple flowers bring a sense of elegance, mystery, and charm to any garden, but there’s something especially captivating about small purple flowers. These tiny blooms add a delicate touch of color to flower beds, containers, and wild landscapes. Whether they grow as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or as part of a vibrant floral display, these miniature purple blossoms create a striking visual impact despite their size.
From creeping varieties to upright perennials, small purple flowers come in many shapes and shades, ranging from soft lavender to deep violet. Some thrive in full sun, while others prefer shady woodland settings. Many of these flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to eco-friendly gardens.
In this guide, we’ll explore 35 stunning small purple flowers, complete with names, pictures, and essential growing tips. Whether you’re looking for low-maintenance ground cover, seasonal annuals, or hardy perennials, this list will help you find the perfect purple bloom to enhance your outdoor space.
Common Small Purple Flowers
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Creeping thyme is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb that produces tiny, fragrant purple flowers in summer. This hardy ground cover spreads quickly and forms a dense carpet of foliage, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, pathways, and borders. The small flowers attract bees and other pollinators, adding ecological value to any garden.
Creeping thyme thrives in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with full sun exposure. It requires minimal maintenance and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Occasional trimming helps maintain its shape and encourages fresh growth. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot, so proper soil conditions are essential.
This tough and adaptable plant is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, allowing it to grow in a wide range of climates. It can withstand light foot traffic, making it an excellent lawn alternative in warmer regions. Its resilience and low water needs make it perfect for xeriscaping or water-efficient gardens.
Verbena (Verbena spp.)
Verbena is a fast-growing flowering plant known for its clusters of small, vibrant purple flowers. It blooms from spring to fall, providing continuous color throughout the season. The plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a favorite for pollinator-friendly gardens. Verbena varieties include both trailing and upright forms, suitable for ground covers, containers, and hanging baskets.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading of spent flowers encourages prolonged blooming. Verbena is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. In colder climates, it is often grown as an annual, while in warmer regions, it can be a perennial.
Verbena thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11, depending on the species. In frost-prone areas, it may not survive winter but can reseed itself. Some hardy varieties, like Verbena bonariensis, can tolerate lower temperatures and return in spring.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia is a delicate, trailing plant that produces an abundance of small, deep purple to blue flowers. It is commonly used in hanging baskets, window boxes, and as an edging plant in flower beds. Its compact growth habit and vibrant color make it an excellent choice for adding a soft, cascading effect to garden spaces.
Lobelia thrives in cool temperatures and prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full sun. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. In hot climates, providing afternoon shade can help prolong its blooming period. Deadheading is not necessary, as Lobelia self-cleans by dropping spent flowers.
This tender perennial is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11, where it can grow year-round. In cooler climates, it is often grown as an annual. For extended flowering, regular fertilization with a balanced liquid fertilizer can enhance its bloom production.
Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea)
Purple toadflax is an upright perennial with slender spikes of tiny, purple, snapdragon-like flowers. It blooms from late spring to early autumn and has a wildflower-like appearance, making it a great addition to cottage gardens and meadow plantings. The plant’s delicate flowers sway gracefully in the wind, adding a soft texture to landscapes.
It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Purple toadflax is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, dry, or sandy soils. It is an easy-care plant that self-seeds freely, often naturalizing in gardens. Occasional deadheading can help control its spread if needed.
Purple toadflax is well adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making it suitable for a variety of climates. It can tolerate light frosts and reseeds easily, ensuring new plants emerge each year. Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal soil conditions makes it a reliable choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)
Dwarf iris is a small but striking early spring bloomer with deep purple flowers and intricate yellow markings. These low-growing irises produce fragrant flowers on short stems, making them ideal for rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. Their delicate blooms provide one of the first signs of spring, often appearing before other flowers emerge.
Dwarf irises prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They require minimal maintenance and are drought-tolerant once established. After blooming, the foliage should be left to die back naturally, allowing the plant to store energy for the next season. Planting the bulbs in the fall ensures a beautiful spring display.
These resilient flowers thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making them suitable for a range of climates. They can endure cold winters and will reliably return each year. For best results, plant them in clusters to create a vibrant floral display in early spring.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet Alyssum is a low-growing, spreading plant that produces clusters of tiny, fragrant purple flowers. It is widely loved for its honey-like scent and long-lasting blooms, which appear from spring through fall. The delicate flowers form a dense carpet of color, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and container plantings.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Sweet Alyssum is highly adaptable and can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it performs best with moderate watering. Deadheading spent flowers helps extend its blooming season, while occasional trimming encourages new growth. It is also resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance garden addition.
Sweet Alyssum grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, where it can be treated as a tender perennial in warmer climates. In colder regions, it is often grown as an annual, reseeding itself readily for continuous growth. It is also an excellent choice for attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Small purple wildflowers
Wild Violet (Viola sororia)
Wild violet is a charming perennial known for its small, purple, heart-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring. These flowers often form dense ground covers in woodlands, lawns, and garden beds. The plant’s leaves are rounded with a slightly scalloped edge, adding a lush green contrast to its vibrant blossoms.
Wild violets thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and can spread rapidly through self-seeding and underground rhizomes. While some gardeners see them as a weed, they are highly valued for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
This hardy plant is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, allowing it to withstand cold winters and return each spring. It grows well in naturalized settings and can be used as a ground cover in shaded areas where other plants may struggle.
Dame’s Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)
Dame’s Rocket is a tall, biennial or short-lived perennial that produces clusters of fragrant, four-petaled purple flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it creates a striking display in meadows, woodland edges, and cottage gardens. The flowers emit a sweet scent, especially in the evening, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Dame’s Rocket is adaptable and tolerates various soil conditions, making it an easy-care choice for wildflower gardens. It self-seeds readily, so occasional thinning may be needed to prevent it from spreading too aggressively.
Dame’s Rocket thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, making it suitable for cooler and temperate climates. While it is beautiful, it is considered invasive in some areas, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
Self-heal is a low-growing perennial herb that produces small, tubular purple flowers arranged in dense, spike-like clusters. This plant has a long history of medicinal use and is commonly found in meadows, lawns, and forest edges. Its creeping growth habit makes it an effective ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion.
It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Self-heal is extremely hardy and can tolerate poor soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. It spreads easily through creeping stems, making it a great choice for naturalized plantings and pollinator gardens.
This resilient plant is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9 and can withstand cold temperatures. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in various environments, making it a valuable addition to both ornamental and medicinal gardens.
Purple Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum)
Purple Dead Nettle is an annual or short-lived perennial that features fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves with a purplish tint and delicate pinkish-purple flowers. Despite its name, it is not a true nettle and does not sting. It often appears in early spring, covering fields, roadsides, and gardens with a soft purple hue.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow in almost any soil type, including poor, dry, or compacted soils. It is highly adaptable and spreads rapidly through self-seeding, making it useful for ground cover but sometimes invasive. It also provides an early nectar source for bees.
Purple Dead Nettle is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9 and can survive cold winters. It is commonly found in disturbed areas and is often one of the first wildflowers to bloom in spring.
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
Henbit is a fast-growing, low-spreading annual that produces small, tubular purple flowers with a fuzzy texture. Its rounded, scalloped leaves grow in a circular pattern around the stem, giving it a unique appearance. It often carpets fields and lawns in early spring, adding a splash of color before many other flowers emerge.
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and grows in a variety of soil types, including disturbed and compacted areas. Henbit is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it a common wildflower in meadows, pastures, and gardens. It attracts bees and other pollinators, helping support early spring ecosystems.
Henbit thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8 and is considered a cool-season annual. While it dies back in summer, it reseeds easily and returns each year, making it a valuable resource for early-season pollinators.
Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)
Blue-Eyed Grass is a delicate, grass-like perennial that produces star-shaped, violet-purple flowers with bright yellow centers. Despite its name, it is not a true grass but belongs to the iris family. Its slender, blade-like leaves add a fine texture to garden beds, rock gardens, and meadows.
This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Blue-Eyed Grass is relatively low-maintenance and benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. It spreads slowly through rhizomes, forming small clumps that can be divided to propagate new plants.
Well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, Blue-Eyed Grass can tolerate cold winters and will return each spring. It thrives in wildflower meadows and naturalized landscapes, providing nectar for butterflies and native bees.
Small purple perennial flowers
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint is a hardy perennial known for its fragrant, lavender-purple flowers and gray-green foliage. It blooms from late spring to early fall, forming soft, billowing mounds that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant’s aromatic leaves are also beloved by cats, similar to catnip (Nepeta cataria).
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It requires minimal maintenance, with occasional trimming encouraging reblooming. Catmint is deer-resistant and makes an excellent border or ground cover plant.
Suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, catmint is highly adaptable to different climates. It is particularly well-suited for xeriscaping, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Salvia is a tough, drought-resistant perennial that produces spikes of rich purple flowers. Blooming from late spring through summer, it is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its upright growth habit and long-lasting blooms make it a popular choice for perennial borders and pollinator gardens.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires little water and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Deadheading spent flowers can prolong its blooming season, while cutting back in late summer encourages a second flush of flowers.
Salvia is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making it an excellent choice for temperate climates. It performs well in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, adding a burst of color to low-maintenance landscapes.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is a well-known aromatic herb with slender spikes of purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It is prized for its soothing fragrance, medicinal properties, and ability to repel pests like mosquitoes and deer. Blooming from late spring through summer, lavender is a favorite for herb gardens, borders, and dried flower arrangements.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil. Overwatering should be avoided, as lavender is highly drought-tolerant once established. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth.
Lavender grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, with some varieties, like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), being more cold-hardy. It is an ideal choice for Mediterranean-style gardens and dry, sunny landscapes.
Rock Cress (Aubrieta deltoidea)
Rock Cress is a low-growing perennial that produces cascades of small, vibrant purple flowers in early spring. It is often used in rock gardens, along walls, and as a ground cover, creating a beautiful carpet of color. The plant’s trailing habit makes it perfect for softening hard edges in landscapes.
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance beyond occasional trimming to keep it tidy. Rock Cress is also deer-resistant and can withstand poor soil conditions.
Suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8, Rock Cress is a great choice for colder climates. It performs well in rocky or gravelly areas, making it ideal for alpine gardens and slopes.
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
Pasque Flower is an early-blooming perennial with soft, fuzzy stems and delicate purple, bell-shaped flowers. It is one of the first flowers to appear in spring, often emerging through the last patches of snow. The plant’s feathery seed heads remain attractive even after the flowers fade.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. It is highly drought-resistant and requires little maintenance once established. Pasque Flower does not tolerate excessive moisture, so good drainage is essential for healthy growth.
Ideal for USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8, Pasque Flower is well-suited for alpine gardens, wildflower meadows, and dry, rocky landscapes. Its early blooms provide an essential nectar source for pollinators just emerging from winter.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple Coneflower is a tough, drought-resistant perennial known for its daisy-like purple flowers with raised, spiky centers. Blooming from summer to fall, it is a favorite among bees, butterflies, and songbirds. Its long stems and striking appearance make it a standout in perennial borders and native gardens.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some drought and poor soil conditions. Once established, it requires minimal care and is resistant to pests and diseases. Deadheading can prolong flowering, though leaving some seed heads in fall provides food for birds.
Purple Coneflower grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. It is commonly used in wildflower meadows, prairie plantings, and medicinal gardens due to its immune-boosting herbal properties.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a fast-spreading ground cover with deep purple, blue, or violet flower spikes that appear in spring. Its glossy, dark green or bronze foliage adds year-round interest, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas.
This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It spreads through creeping runners, making it effective for erosion control. Ajuga is low-maintenance and deer-resistant but should be monitored to prevent excessive spreading in garden beds.
Ajuga is well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, where it thrives in woodland gardens, borders, and under trees. It is an excellent choice for filling gaps between stepping stones or softening hardscapes.
Small purple annual flowers
Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Petunia is a popular flowering annual that produces trumpet-shaped blooms in a wide range of colors, including rich shades of purple. Its vibrant flowers bloom from spring until frost, creating a lush, cascading effect in hanging baskets, window boxes, and garden beds. Some varieties even have a delightful fragrance.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering and occasional fertilizing help maintain continuous blooms. Deadheading spent flowers encourages further flowering, while pruning leggy stems keeps the plant compact and bushy.
Petunias are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 as perennials, but they are commonly grown as annuals in cooler climates. Their long-lasting blooms and easy maintenance make them a garden favorite for brightening up outdoor spaces.
Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Pansies are cheerful, cool-season flowers with delicate, velvety petals often marked with dark, eye-like centers. Their shades of purple range from soft lavender to deep violet, adding charm to garden borders, containers, and window boxes. They bloom best in the cooler months of spring and fall.
Pansies thrive in full sun to partial shade and require rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming, while mulching helps retain soil moisture.
Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10, pansies are commonly grown as annuals or short-lived perennials in mild climates. They are perfect for early-season color and can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for extending garden interest.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons are striking flowering plants known for their tall spikes of tubular blossoms that resemble a dragon’s mouth. Available in various colors, including shades of purple, they add vertical interest to garden beds and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They bloom from spring through fall, especially in cooler temperatures.
These plants prefer full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Regular watering and deadheading encourage more blooms, while staking may be necessary for taller varieties. They are moderately drought-tolerant once established and are deer-resistant.
Snapdragons grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11 as perennials but are often treated as annuals in cooler climates. Their long-lasting flowers make them excellent choices for cutting gardens and floral arrangements.
Annual Aster (Callistephus chinensis)
Annual Asters, also known as China Asters, are late-season bloomers that produce daisy-like or pom-pom-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Their showy, long-lasting blooms make them a favorite for cut flower gardens and late-summer landscapes.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer rich, well-drained soil. Regular watering and fertilization promote healthy growth, while deadheading spent blooms extends their flowering period. They are relatively low-maintenance but should be rotated yearly to prevent disease buildup.
Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, Annual Asters are grown as seasonal plants. They add bursts of color to flower beds when most summer flowers begin to fade, making them valuable for late-season interest.
Bachelor’s Button (Centaurea cyanus)
Bachelor’s Button, also known as Cornflower, is an easy-to-grow annual with delicate, fringed purple-blue flowers. Blooming from late spring through summer, it is a beloved wildflower that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its blossoms are also edible and commonly used for garnishing salads and teas.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. It is drought-resistant and requires minimal care, making it ideal for naturalized gardens and meadows. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continued blooming.
Bachelor’s Button is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 2-11, where it readily reseeds and returns year after year. It is commonly found in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Small purple climbing flowers
Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning Glory is a fast-growing, vining plant known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of deep purple, blue, and violet. These flowers open in the morning and close by the afternoon, creating a stunning daily display. Morning Glory is often grown on trellises, fences, and arbors, adding a charming, cottage-garden feel to landscapes.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, but is relatively low-maintenance. Since it is a vigorous grower, it may need occasional pruning to prevent excessive spreading. It readily self-seeds, allowing it to return year after year in warmer climates.
Morning Glory grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10 as an annual in cooler regions and a perennial in frost-free areas. Its rapid growth and stunning blooms make it a great choice for vertical gardening and natural privacy screens.
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Purple Passionflower is a stunning vining plant with intricate, exotic-looking flowers featuring a layered fringe of purple and white filaments. This striking bloom is not only visually captivating but also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It also produces edible fruits known as maypops, which have a tropical, tangy flavor.
This vine prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained, moist soil. It benefits from a sturdy trellis or fence for support. Though drought-tolerant once established, regular watering encourages healthier growth and better flowering. Pruning in late winter helps maintain shape and vigor.
Purple Passionflower is suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10, where it can grow as a perennial. In colder regions, it may die back in winter but often regrows from the roots in spring. It is ideal for covering fences, arbors, and walls with its lush greenery and stunning blooms.
Clematis (Clematis viticella)
Clematis viticella, or Italian Clematis, is a vigorous climbing vine that produces an abundance of bell-shaped or open star-like purple flowers throughout the summer and early fall. Its delicate, nodding blooms create a whimsical, romantic effect in gardens, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers its roots to be kept cool with mulch or companion plants. Clematis needs well-drained, fertile soil and benefits from regular watering. Pruning depends on the variety, but Clematis viticella generally flowers on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage strong blooming.
Clematis viticella grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, making it a hardy choice for many climates. It is perfect for covering trellises, fences, pergolas, and walls, bringing vertical interest and long-lasting color to gardens.
