Fall for Purple this Autumn with these Unique Plants

Sugar maple shades get the press-orange, red, russet, and gold-one of the most exciting garden colors for fall is purple. Not those pale Easter shades, but the rich and robust ones, from plum to burgundy.

Case in point is this seductive scene. Dark, saturated tones of a purple leaf grape (Vitis vinifera ‘Purpurea’) and a plummy coral bell (Black Beauty Coral Bell). Together they create a quiet moodiness in contrast to the boisterous harvest hues.

As you survey the garden this autumn, imagine how you could up the drama with just a few purple plants. To get you started here are a few we love.

Black Beauty Coral Bells

Glossy, ruffled dark purple foliage grows into a tight mound, providing excellent contrast for its sprays of tiny white flowers. Partial to full sun. Up to 12 in. tall and 16 in. wide. Zone: 4 – 9

Little John Azalea
Zone: 8 – 9

Burgundy-red flowers and mahogany foliage provides year-round color. Partial to full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide.

Sizzling Pink Fringe Flower
Zone: 7 – 9

Deep-burgundy foliage maintains a purple tinge as it as it ages. Partial to full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide.

Burgundy Spire™ Dracaena Palm
Zone: 9 – 11

Deep burgundy to rich chocolate foliage forms a bold spire. Partial to full sun. Up to 8 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide.

Bloomerang® Dark Purple Lilac
Zone: 3 – 7

Classic lilac fragrance with very dark flowers that rebloom into fall. Yes, lilacs in fall. Full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide.

Purple Dome New England Aster
Zone: 4 – 8

Royal-purple flowers bloom well into frost-free autumn weather. Partial to full sun. Up to 2 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide.

Marcus® Meadow Sage
Zone: 4 – 9

Spikes of intense violet flowers top fragrant foliage well into fall. Full sun. Up to 12 in. tall and 18 in. wide.

Rubikon Hens & Chicks
Zone: 4 – 8

Hardy succulents that keep their reddish-purple hues year round. Partial to full sun. 6 in. high, spreading to 12 in. wide.

Festival™ Burgundy Cordyline
Zone: 8 – 11

Bright burgundy-red foliage creates a dramatic grass-like effect with long arching leaves. Full sun. Up to 3 ft. tall and wide.

Voodoo Stonecrop
Zone: 3 – 9

Mahogany-red leaves and rosy-red flowers provide bold, contrasting color. Partial to full sun. Up to 6 in. high and 24 in. wide.

2017-10-03 01:36:00

Barbara Faltico

Would any of the above do well in a pots that are south facing, but do not get any direct sunlight during the day. Only indirect light. They are in a covered area by our front doors. We live in Tucson. Thanks

Delores Williams

When is the best time to plant Japanese Maples in zone 5. I think I am in 5. I live in north east Ohio.

Mark Madsen

Seems like the image for the 'Little John' azalea is missing.

Linda Luikens

I NEED HELP PLANNING A DROUGHT TOLERANT FLOWER GARDEN IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY, CA IN MY FRONT YARD.

Brit DuBois

Can I purchase plants directly from your location

Elaine Giles

I like your web site it is helpful I live a rural area in Pinal county AZ where the high can be a 110 degrees in the summer to 32 degrees or below in the winter and soil is native I do a lot of container growing and would like to have some flowering shurbs and trees that are green year around Any suggestions

Keya Banerjee

I am looking for a large white fragrant Michelia Alba. Do you have it? If you do how big it is and how much does it cost? Thank you so much for your reply. Keya Banerjee

Beth Kight

I can't help but notice that many dogwood trees are just dying, do you have any ideas as to what's going on? I had been watching a small dogwood ( maybe 2-3 ft. tall) waiting on the right time to transplant it and it just died. Please help, I have 2 left in my yard and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

Linda Vincent

I have a small yard, but I will be doing the front yard into a way-station. I have a Butterfly/Hummingbird/Bee garden in the back. So I am looking for plants high in nectar both perrinals and annuals.

Rosanne Carter

430sw 43rd ln

Juanita Gibbs

Want to plant these trees on properity

Debbie Conover

I live in North County, San Diego. I love all things Purple. What do you recommend growing in a raised garden? My raised garden beds are 4' x 6' and 4' x 10'

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