It’s no secret that the most popular color chosen for weddings is white. Based on widely held belief, having a white wedding theme is natural and soothing, and brings out the purity of the union between two loving souls.
But what if white isn’t your favorite color? What if you choose to opt for purple as the color theme for your wedding? Is it much harder to mix and match or find other wedding items such as flowers that can fit with this color?
Truthfully, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s your wedding and you can choose whichever color you like. In fact, you can choose to have a purple wedding theme and still get to pick some of the most beautiful purple flowers for the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, and other decorations.
Like most flowers, there are numerous purple flowers recommended for weddings and bridal purposes. Here are some of them:
Table of Contents
1. Italian Aster (Aster amellus)
Italian asters are native to Europe. They are also known as the Italian Starwort or European Michaelmas Daisy. These herbaceous perennials can be recognized by their slender, erect stems and lilac or violet-blue star-shaped flowers that bloom from July until October.
Other cultivars can also produce different flowers that come in purplish pink or pale pink. The flowers measure 2 inches wide and could produce nectars that attract pollinators such as butterflies and birds. On average, these plants can grow 16 to 30 inches with the same spread.
Italian asters thrive in hardiness zones 5 to 8. They grow best in moist, well-drained soils and under full sun. Occasional deadheading is always beneficial to promote better growth of their flowers.
2. Cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens)
Also known as the purple or European cyclamen, these evergreen perennials are indigenous to central Europe, specifically in Slovenia and northern Italy. They are low-growing plants that measure 2 to 3 inches tall.
Cyclamens can be distinguished by their heart-shaped, variegated green leaves that are marked with silvery patterns, and scented purplish flowers with five petals. Other cultivars may produce diverse types of flowers that come in pink or white colors.
These plants thrive in hardiness zones 5 to 9. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial or full sun. These are also available during summer all through fall.
3. Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)
Dwarf irises are native to central Europe and Turkey. They are also known as the species iris or netted iris. These herbaceous perennials can be characterized by their long and slender grass-like grayish-green leaves, and scented flowers that come in assorted colors ranging from violet blue to purple and even white.
You can also find white or gold markings on the flower petals, especially in the fall. Dwarf irises typically grow 4 to 6 inches tall and spread 2 to 3 inches wide. They thrive in hardiness zones 5 to 8 and are extremely tolerant of hot and arid environments.
These plants grow well in moist, well-drained soils and under partial or full sun. They typically bloom in late winter until early spring. Due to their toxic nature, you should always keep your pets away from Dwarf irises to prevent them from chewing or eating these plants.
4. Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
Verbenas are commonly found in their native places such as the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are also known as Vervain or Verviene.
These hardy perennials can be recognized by their dark green hairy leaves, long, slender stalks, and five-petaled flowers that come in assorted colors ranging from purplish white to lavender to pink and red.
These plants typically measure 9 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Verbenas bloom prolifically in the summer until fall. They are easy to care for and require common maintenance like any other plants such as deadheading and frequent watering.
They thrive in hardiness zones 8 to 10. To keep these plants healthy, they should be planted in moist, well-drained soils and put under full sun. On average, healthy Verbenas live for 2 or 3 years.
5. Anemone (Anemone nemorosa)
Anemones are indigenous to the temperate regions in North America and other places all around the world. However, they don’t grow in New Zealand, Australia, and Antarctica.
These bulbous perennials possess green basal leaves, slender and long stalks, and five-petaled flowers that come in colors such as purple, orange, blue, red, pink, white, and bi-colored. They also produce a toxin called protoanemonin which can be toxic to humans and animals when ingested.
Anemones typically grow from 6 inches up to 4 feet tall with a spread 2 to 3 feet wide. Their flowers can also grow up to 5 inches wide. These plants thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 10 and can tolerate partial or full sun.
They also grow best in slightly acidic or neutral, moist, and well-drained soils. You can expect anemones to bloom prolifically in the spring right until fall.
6. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are native to the United States, particularly in the South, Midwest, Eastern, and Central regions. They are easily recognized by their distinctive flowers with raised cone-like centers. Different varieties may produce different colors of flowers such as purple, red, orange, yellow, pink, and white.
These hardy perennials are tolerant to heat and arid climates. They generally grow 2 to 5 feet tall and spread 1 to 2 feet wide. Coneflowers thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 9.
They usually bloom in the summer or early spring. During these seasons, you can see pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flocking around these plants.
Coneflowers grow best in moist, well-drained soils and under full sun. Regular maintenance is encouraged to keep them healthy. These include frequent watering, adding compost to increase the nutrients in the soils, and pruning or deadheading to promote better growth of the flowers.
7. Bellflower (Campanula sp.)
Like their name, bellflowers can be distinguished by their five-petaled, bell-shaped flowers. Depending on the variety, the flowers may come in colors such as purple, blue, white, and pink. These perennials are abundantly found in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa.
Bellflowers usually grows in hardiness zones 3 to 9. Low-growing varieties only measure as low as 2 inches tall, while taller ones could grow up to 6 feet high. These plants bloom late spring into summer and are highly resistant to heat and drought.
They can tolerate partial or full sun and grow best in moist, well-drained soils. Bellflowers are easy to maintain and usually propagate by seeds or rhizomes. Due to being a low-maintenance, quick-growing species, they can be invasive.
8. Zinnia (Zinnia sp.)
Zinnias are indigenous to North and South America. Unlike some annual plants that can be perennials in certain regions, these plants are considered true annuals. They typically grow 1 to 4 feet tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide.
One of the most interesting things about Zinnias is that their flowers are found in different shapes and forms, resembling dahlias, daisies, buttons, stars, and many more.
The flowers are also available in diverse colors such as purple, red, white, yellow, pink, bi-color, and even tricolor. These plants also bloom in the summer, spring, and fall.
Zinnias thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 10. They prefer neutral, moist, and well-drained soils and enough exposure to full sun. Like most flowering plants, regular pruning is encouraged to promote continued flower production.
9. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning glories are native to Mexico and Central America. They are closely related to sweet potato plants and grow by crawling or clinging onto high structures using their tendrils. On average, these crawling plants can grow and climb up to 10 feet tall and spread 3 to 6 feet wide.
These tender annuals can be recognized by their delicate and soft vines, heart-shaped green leaves, and trumpet-shaped flowers that come in distinct colors such as purple, blue, pink, and white. The flowers also produce a scent that attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Morning glories bloom plentifully in the summer and fall. They are commonly found in hardiness zones 2 to 11. These plants are best grown in moist, well-drained soils, and under full sun. Most varieties of this species are toxic to humans and animals. So, keep your bare hands and pets away from them.
10. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
Hollyhocks are native to Asia and Europe. They possess green, palmate leaves, sturdy stems, and cup-shaped flowers that come in assorted colors such as purple, red, pink, white, yellow, black, and blue. Each stalk can also produce single or double flowers.
These herbaceous perennials typically grow 6 to 8 feet tall and spread 1 to 2 feet wide. Like most flowering plants, they are pollinators—magnets that attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Hollyhocks bloom in the summer, particularly from June until August. They also grow best in hardiness zones 3 to 9.
These plants prefer moist, well-drained soils, and can tolerate partial or full sun. They also can adapt to distinct levels of soil acidity.
Hollyhocks are generally easy to maintain and aren’t susceptible to common plant diseases. However, they are still prone to suffer from infestations of slugs, beetles, spider mites, and fungal disease rust.
11. Lisianthus (Eustoma russelianum)
These herbaceous perennials are indigenous to North America, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and the southern United States. They are also known as Eustoma or prairie gentian.
Lisianthus typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads 6 to 12 inches wide. They also bloom in summer and fall.
One of the most interesting characteristics of Lisianthus is their bi-colored, bell-shaped flowers that come in a combination of purple and white or pink and white. These flowers grow on erect and long stems, surrounded by lance-shaped green leaves. Lisianthus thrives in hardiness zones 8 to 10.
Like most perennials, they prefer moist, well-drained soils that are nutrient-rich. It is also advisable to give Lisianthus enough exposure to full sun, at least around 6 to 8 hours per day. Aside from regular pruning, be sure to water these plants frequently to promote optimal flower growth.
12. Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)
Bell heathers can be found in many parts of Europe including southwestern Norway, northwestern Italy, southern Portugal, northern Spain, and western Europe. They are also called Twisted Heath.
These small, evergreen shrubs can be recognized by their delicate needle-like leaves and bell-shaped purple flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
Being low-growing plants, they typically measure 6 to 24 inches tall with the same width. Bell heathers can produce honey, which attracts pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. They perform best in slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. These plants are also tolerant to heat and dry climates.
Bell heathers can be grown in containers, garden patios, or even as ground covers. Aside from regular pruning, they are easy to maintain and resistant to many plant diseases and pests.
13. Columbine (Aquilegia sp.)
Columbines are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are also known as granny’s bonnet. These herbaceous perennials can be distinguished by their clover-shaped green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors such as purple, red, pink, white, yellow, blue, orange, and violet.
Columbines typically grow 1 to 3 feet tall and spread 1 to 2 feet wide. They are considered toxic and should be handled with care. They bloom bountifully in the summer through spring. They also attract several types of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths.
These plants thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 9. They perform well in moist, well-drained soils, and under partial or full sun. Aside from being drought-tolerant, they are also hardy plants that won’t be eaten or destroyed by deer.
14. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Cosmos can be commonly found in their native place in Mexico. However, they also exist in central and south America, Paraguay, and the United States. In some places, they are known by their other names such as cut-leaf cosmos and Mexican aster.
These herbaceous annuals grow 1 to 6 feet tall and spread 1 to 3 feet wide. They can be distinguished by their pinnate or bipinnate green leaves, slender stems, and daisy-like flowers that are available in an assortment of colors which include purple, pink, white, orange, red, yellow, brown, and golden.
Cosmos thrives in hardiness zones 2 to 11. They prefer slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. These plants also grow well under full sun and bloom in the summer through fall. Aside from regular pruning to remove dead flowers and leaves, the cosmos floral plant is easy to maintain.
15. Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata)
These woody perennials are commonly found in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are also known as the star cluster or the Egyptian star cluster.
These plants can be characterized by their five-petaled, star-shaped flowers that come in various colors like purple, pink, red, lavender, and white.
The flowers also contain nectars that attract different pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Egyptian star flowers typically grow 24 to 36 inches tall with the same size in spread. They thrive in hardiness zones 6 to 11 and bloom in the summer.
These plants perform well in slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. They also can tolerate partial or full sun. Frequent watering and occasional deadheading are highly beneficial to ensure optimal growth of their flowers.
Since they come from a place with hot and arid climates, Egyptian star flowers can adapt well to the sudden increase in heat and humidity.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the species, some of them might be available or bloom abundantly in different seasons. Always refer to your wedding date before making decisions with your florists.
For instance, if you’re planning to get married during the summer, Morning Glory, Lisianthus, and Hollyhock would be your best option.
But if you’re looking to hold a ceremony in fall or winter, then you may consider choosing Italian Aster and Cyclamen.
Resources
- https://www.ftd.com/blog/design/purple-flowers
- https://worldoffloweringplants.com/aster-amellus-italian-aster/
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/aster-amellus-italian-asters
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclamen_purpurascens
- https://www.edelweissperennials.com/cyclamen-purpurascens
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/iris-pixie-dwarf-iris
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-reticulata/
- https://www.thespruce.com/verbena-care-1315718
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verbena
- https://www.thespruce.com/growing-anemone-flowers-1316064
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemone
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/coneflowers
- https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/coneflower.html
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/perennial/bellflower/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campanula
- https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/zinnia.html
- https://www.thespruce.com/zinnias-a-burst-of-hot-flower-colors-from-zinnias-1402919
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-morning-glories-4125567
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/morning-glories
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/pentas-lanceolata
- https://www.thespruce.com/pentas-flowers-1315713
- https://www.thespruce.com/hollyhock-alcea-growing-guide-5200999
- https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/hollyhocks.html
- https://www.thespruce.com/lisianthus-flowers-1315711
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustoma
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/erica-cinerea-cd-eason-bell-heather
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erica_cinerea
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/columbine
- https://www.thespruce.com/botany-of-columbine-flowers-2132551
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_(plant)
- https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-cosmos-4125538