Birthday
HydrangeasThis article was prepared with the support of UFL flower delivery. Purple is one of the most ambiguous yet appealing colours. It's a mix of red and blue, and depending on the balance it ranges from warm plum to cool lavender. In colour psychology purple is associated with creativity, calm and mystery. Few people paint their walls purple, but purple plants are the easiest way to bring the shade in without redecorating.
Three ways to add purple
Houseplants with purple flowers
- African violet (Saintpaulia). Compact and flowers almost all year in bright, indirect light. There are dozens of purple shades, from lilac to inky violet. Read more in our article on types of African violets.
- Phalaenopsis orchid. Lilac and purple varieties bloom for 2–3 months. Give it light without direct sun and water by soaking once the roots are dry. Flowering orchids make a lovely gift.
- Streptocarpus. A relative of the African violet with large trumpet flowers, often veined. It blooms from spring to autumn.
- Cyclamen. Flowers in winter and likes it cool, 12–16 °C, in a bright spot out of direct sun.
- Gloxinia. Velvety bells in rich purple tones; the tuber rests in winter.
- Hyacinth. A strongly scented spring bulb. Potted hyacinths are forced for New Year or International Women's Day; keep them cool for longer flowering.
- Primrose. Blooms in early spring; the cooler the room, the longer the flowers last.
- Anthurium. Varieties with purple or lilac spathes are rare but striking; they need warmth and high humidity.
Plants with purple foliage
These plants look good all year round, flowers or not.
| Plant | Notes and care |
|---|---|
| Purple shamrock (Oxalis triangularis) | Purple butterfly-like leaves fold up at night. Bright light, moderate watering. |
| Tradescantia zebrina and pallida | Silvery-purple striped or solid purple leaves; grows very fast and suits hanging baskets. |
| Purple passion (Gynura) | Leaves covered in purple hairs that shimmer in the light. Needs bright light. |
| Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) | Metallic purple leaves with a silver sheen. Likes humid air. |
| Calathea | Many varieties have purple leaf undersides. Part shade, soft water, high humidity. |
| Coleus | Velvety leaves from burgundy to almost black. Pinch out the tips for a bushy plant. |
| Rex begonia | Patterned leaves in silver, purple and green. Indirect light; don't mist the leaves. |
How to keep the colour vivid
- Light. Purple pigments (anthocyanins) are stronger in good light. In shade leaves turn greener and flowers paler.
- Don't overwater. Most of these plants hate standing water in the saucer.
- Feeding. Use a potassium- and phosphorus-rich fertiliser for flowering plants and a balanced one for foliage plants, every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer.
- Pots. White, grey, concrete or brass planters bring out purple; brightly coloured ones compete with it.
Purple flowers in a vase
If you'd rather not look after potted plants, place a bouquet on the windowsill, table or bedside and the room changes instantly. In spring choose purple tulips, hyacinths, irises and lilac; in summer lisianthus, lavender and hydrangea; in autumn chrysanthemums and asters. Delicate periwinkle with glossy evergreen leaves is charming in small spring posies.
FAQ
Which purple plant is the easiest?
Tradescantia and oxalis: they grow fast and forgive care mistakes.
Why are my purple leaves turning green?
Usually the plant isn't getting enough light. Move it closer to the window or add a grow light.
Which purple plants are safe for cats?
African violets, phalaenopsis, calathea and Persian shield are considered safe. Oxalis, cyclamen, hyacinth and tradescantia can cause irritation or poisoning.
Choose a plant or bouquet in purple tones in UFL's houseplants section, with delivery.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
