The color purple has been shown to simultaneously stimulate our senses and calm us. For this reason alone, choosing plants with purple blossoms will bring a sense of peace and tranquility to your garden.
Unfortunately, gardeners in Florida often have a difficult time finding flowering plants that can withstand the area’s sweltering summers. However, because Florida has a hot and humid climate, it is a great location for many tropical flowers.
In this article, I will give you a list of some amazing purple flowering plants that are a great choice for Florida’s long, bright days and do well in USDA zones 8 to 10.
1. Hibiscus
Hibiscus bushes, with their huge, lovely blossoms that bloom all year, add to the tropical attractiveness of Florida. Dual, single, serrated, and plain versions are available, and you can choose from a range of colors and forms. While tropical hibiscus comes with flowers in a number of hues, including pink, white, and orange, there is also a purple variant.
The hibiscus is commonly planted as a shrub, although some types may grow to be 15 feet tall. It prefers full to partial sunshine and soil that is rich and well-drained. When completely matured, it is an attractive plant that can be used in hedges or to provide shade.
2. Queen’s Wreath
Queen’s wreath is a tropical vine with densely packed blossoms that resemble a cluster of grapes when viewed from a distance. The tiny blooms are pale blue or violet in hue. When they are done blooming, the blossoms fall to the ground and leave behind the calyces. A calyx is a flower’s base and is often green, but the queen’s wreath has purple calyces that are just as lovely as the genuine flower petals.
This plant blooms multiple times throughout the year, with the best months being February and June. It prefers full sun but may tolerate some mild shade. It is also drought, wind, and salt hardy, making it perfect for coastal gardens. Queen’s wreath needs frequent watering to establish itself, and immature, fragile plants should be sheltered from the cold.
3. King’s Mantle (Thunbergia Erecta)
King’s mantle is an upright shrub that reaches a mature height of 48 inches. The shoots are quadrangular in form, with a thin wing on each angle. The leaves are ovate-elliptic in shape and orientated in opposing directions. The leaf margin is usually whole—though in rare cases, it can be wavy—with a large triangular tooth above the center.
The 2-inch long evergreen oval leaves form a lovely, easy-to-manage hedge. The foliage is complemented with one-and-a-quarter-inch royal purple to blue flowers with yellow throats that can be planted alone or in bunches.
4. Mexican Heather
Mexican heather is hardy in zones 8 to 10, which makes it a fantastic addition to any Florida garden. Some varieties have white or scarlet blooms against rich green foliage, while others have tiny purple blossoms.
When fully mature, Mexican heather is a thick, blooming shrub approximately 12 inches tall. It prefers a location with lots of light and well-draining soil. Its wonderful flowers and beautiful scent attract butterflies.
Mexican heather works well as a border plant or edging along walkways. It can also be grown as a potted plant.
5. Agapanthus
The Agapanthus, often known as the Lily-of-the-Nile or African lily plant, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Amaryllidaceae family that is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 11. Large clusters of beautiful blue or white blooms on tall and thin stems characterize this South African natural beauty. Agapanthus plants mature to a height of 4 feet and bloom from June to August.
Agapanthus requires frequent watering and a sunny to partially shaded position to thrive. Mulching helps young plants retain moisture. While agapanthus is tolerant of a broad range of soil conditions, it does benefit from some rich compost or organic matter applied during the planting process.
Because of its height, stunning trumpet-shaped blossoms, and leaf texture, Agapanthus makes a great rear border or feature plant. For an especially dramatic appearance, plant them in mass. It is suitable for container planting as well.
6. Vinca Periwinkle
Vinca periwinkle is a charming, small plant that produces predominantly blue flowers, although they can also come in lavender, purple, or white. In spring, you will see a profusion of flowers. The plant may also bloom in summer, but the display will not be quite as spectacular.
Vincas may be grown in full sun, medium shade, or full shade. It can withstand deep shadow but will burn if exposed to bright sunlight. While the plants need damp soils to establish themselves, the vines are drought-tolerant once grown.
Periwinkle is commonly used as a groundcover since it rarely grows taller than 4 inches. It can be used for erosion management. This plant may be utilized as a climber on a non-living support and can be used for privacy on your property. When planted close to other plants in beds, it may overwhelm and choke them.
7. Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
The chaste tree is a deciduous shrub that produces purple flower clusters in July. Its colorful summer display of violet panicles attracts honeybees in particular.
Vitex grows well in full sun to part shade; full sun produces the finest flowers. This shrub thrives in acidic to slightly alkaline soils, but it dislikes excessively rich soil because it traps too much moisture around the roots. Choose a location that drains well and avoid organic mulch, as it retains too much water. You won’t need to water a vitex once it’s established.
The striking chaste tree makes a stunning specimen in a big container or as the focal point of your garden bed.
