20 Purple Flowers to Beautify Your Garden
If you like Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, try some of these purple-flowering plants suited to U.S. gardens
Gardeners who are looking to add more cool, deep hues to the yard or to channel Pantone’s 2018 color of the year can consider these 20 purple-flowering favorites. These flowers, including wildlife-attracting U.S. natives and drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs, offer a bit of everything for gardeners from coast to coast.
Tall blazing star (L. aspera)
2. Blazing Star
(Liatris spp.)
Prairie gardeners can grow blazing star as a single accent plant or a massed swath, adding a distinct silhouette to the garden that a range of wildlife go crazy for. Everything from bees to butterflies and birds flock to flowering blazing star species in summer, which grow in a range of sizes and colors and will rejuvenate on their own each year.
Bloom season: Summer to early fall
Cold tolerance: Varies by species, most hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: North America
Water requirement: Varies by species, from moist to dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun to some shade
When to plant: Early spring to late fall
See how to grow blazing star
2. Blazing Star
(Liatris spp.)
Prairie gardeners can grow blazing star as a single accent plant or a massed swath, adding a distinct silhouette to the garden that a range of wildlife go crazy for. Everything from bees to butterflies and birds flock to flowering blazing star species in summer, which grow in a range of sizes and colors and will rejuvenate on their own each year.
Bloom season: Summer to early fall
Cold tolerance: Varies by species, most hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: North America
Water requirement: Varies by species, from moist to dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun to some shade
When to plant: Early spring to late fall
See how to grow blazing star
3. Lead Plant
(Amorpha canescens)
Lead plant may not be one of the most popular purple prairie plants, but it’s a plant to consider in your next planting. Attractive purple flower spikes appear in summer, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, attracting plenty of wildlife. Some butterfly species use lead plant as a host plant for their larvae, and birds feed off its seeds.
Bloom season: Early summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: The Midwest
Water requirement: Dry to medium soil
Light requirement: Full sun to a touch of shade
When to plant: Potted or bare-root plants can be planted from spring to fall; seed in fall or winter
See how to grow lead plant
(Amorpha canescens)
Lead plant may not be one of the most popular purple prairie plants, but it’s a plant to consider in your next planting. Attractive purple flower spikes appear in summer, reaching 2 to 3 feet tall, attracting plenty of wildlife. Some butterfly species use lead plant as a host plant for their larvae, and birds feed off its seeds.
Bloom season: Early summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: The Midwest
Water requirement: Dry to medium soil
Light requirement: Full sun to a touch of shade
When to plant: Potted or bare-root plants can be planted from spring to fall; seed in fall or winter
See how to grow lead plant
P. parryi; photo from the National Park Service
4. Phacelia
(Phacelia spp.)
These annuals appear every spring, unfurling flashy bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators with pollen and nectar. Since these flowers self-sow, plant once and you’ll have flowers year after year.
Caution: The hairs on the stems and leaves may produce dermatitis in those who are sensitive. Wear long sleeves and gloves when working near phacelias.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardiness varies by species (zones 3 to 10)
Origin: California; some species are also native to other states
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Sow seeds in fall or early winter; put in plants from fall to early spring
See how to grow phacelia
4. Phacelia
(Phacelia spp.)
These annuals appear every spring, unfurling flashy bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators with pollen and nectar. Since these flowers self-sow, plant once and you’ll have flowers year after year.
Caution: The hairs on the stems and leaves may produce dermatitis in those who are sensitive. Wear long sleeves and gloves when working near phacelias.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardiness varies by species (zones 3 to 10)
Origin: California; some species are also native to other states
Water requirement: Low to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Sow seeds in fall or early winter; put in plants from fall to early spring
See how to grow phacelia
5. Cleveland Sage
(Salvia clevelandii)
Southern California gardeners know the distinct herbal scent of Cleveland sage, as the plant grows wild in the native landscape. These deer-resistant pollinator-attractors stand 3 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide, doing well as a backdrop or landscape anchor plant. Their blue-purple flowers provide a nice contrast to warmer-hued California natives like California poppies (Eschscholzia californica).
Bloom season: Spring through summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow Cleveland sage
(Salvia clevelandii)
Southern California gardeners know the distinct herbal scent of Cleveland sage, as the plant grows wild in the native landscape. These deer-resistant pollinator-attractors stand 3 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide, doing well as a backdrop or landscape anchor plant. Their blue-purple flowers provide a nice contrast to warmer-hued California natives like California poppies (Eschscholzia californica).
Bloom season: Spring through summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Origin: Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow Cleveland sage
6. Lavender
(Lavandula spp.)
If you’re looking for a fragrant, resilient and wildlife-friendly shrub for your Mediterranean-climate garden, there’s no need to look beyond lavender. This familiar herb is at home in gardens of all styles, also finding great use inside the home.
You can grow many varieties of lavender, but those grown most often are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or L.officinalis), lavandin (L. x intermedia) and Spanish lavender (L. stoechas).
Bloom season: Summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Origin: Throughout the Mediterranean
Water requirement: Regular to establish, then minimal
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring through fall, except during the hottest summer days
See how to grow lavender
(Lavandula spp.)
If you’re looking for a fragrant, resilient and wildlife-friendly shrub for your Mediterranean-climate garden, there’s no need to look beyond lavender. This familiar herb is at home in gardens of all styles, also finding great use inside the home.
You can grow many varieties of lavender, but those grown most often are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or L.officinalis), lavandin (L. x intermedia) and Spanish lavender (L. stoechas).
Bloom season: Summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Origin: Throughout the Mediterranean
Water requirement: Regular to establish, then minimal
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring through fall, except during the hottest summer days
See how to grow lavender
7. ‘Rozanne’ Cranesbill
(Geranium ‘Rozanne’)
For a colorful, flowering summer annual, look to ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill. This well-behaved, trailing ground cover tumbles over boulders or garden containers to create soft, casual garden feel.
Bloom season: Early summer to late fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Origin: Garden hybrid
Water requirement: Average, although in my moisture-retentive soil, it can easily go a full week or more without watering
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow ‘Rozanne’ Cranesbill
(Geranium ‘Rozanne’)
For a colorful, flowering summer annual, look to ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill. This well-behaved, trailing ground cover tumbles over boulders or garden containers to create soft, casual garden feel.
Bloom season: Early summer to late fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Origin: Garden hybrid
Water requirement: Average, although in my moisture-retentive soil, it can easily go a full week or more without watering
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow ‘Rozanne’ Cranesbill
8. Blue Wild Indigo
(Baptisia australis)
Blue wild indigo is a garden specimen that brings purple-blue spikes 3 to 4 feet tall and wide to the garden, as well as beneficial native bees. Its low maintenance and ability to thrive in the drier parts of the garden make it a useful and attractive garden workhorse.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: From the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast
Water requirement: Medium to dry
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
When to plant: Spring to fall
See how to grow blue wild indigo
(Baptisia australis)
Blue wild indigo is a garden specimen that brings purple-blue spikes 3 to 4 feet tall and wide to the garden, as well as beneficial native bees. Its low maintenance and ability to thrive in the drier parts of the garden make it a useful and attractive garden workhorse.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: From the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast
Water requirement: Medium to dry
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
When to plant: Spring to fall
See how to grow blue wild indigo
9. Purple Prairie Clover
(Dalea purpurea)
Purple prairie clover is loved throughout its native region, not just because it offers showy violet flowers that attract bees and butterflies, but also because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, adding enriching the ground wherever it’s planted. Reaching 18 to 30 inches tall and wide, it’s relatively low-growing but stands out in the wildflower or meadow garden.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Central North America
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring through fall
See how to grow purple prairie clover
(Dalea purpurea)
Purple prairie clover is loved throughout its native region, not just because it offers showy violet flowers that attract bees and butterflies, but also because of its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, adding enriching the ground wherever it’s planted. Reaching 18 to 30 inches tall and wide, it’s relatively low-growing but stands out in the wildflower or meadow garden.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Central North America
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring through fall
See how to grow purple prairie clover
10. Sweet Alyssum
(Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a common garden flower, and for good reason: Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, birds and bees, brings blooms in winter to warmer climates (spring and summer blooms in colder climates) and can fill in open spots in gardens and containers for the season, mounding and trailing over container edges and garden nooks.
Bloom season: Winter-blooming in warmer climates; spring- and summer-blooming in cooler climates
Cold tolerance: As an annual, can be grown in all zones
Origin: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
When to plant: Fall or winter in warmer climates; spring in cooler climates
See how to grow sweet alyssum
(Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum is a common garden flower, and for good reason: Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, birds and bees, brings blooms in winter to warmer climates (spring and summer blooms in colder climates) and can fill in open spots in gardens and containers for the season, mounding and trailing over container edges and garden nooks.
Bloom season: Winter-blooming in warmer climates; spring- and summer-blooming in cooler climates
Cold tolerance: As an annual, can be grown in all zones
Origin: Southern Europe and the Mediterranean
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
When to plant: Fall or winter in warmer climates; spring in cooler climates
See how to grow sweet alyssum
11. Allium
(Allium spp.)
Whether as cut flowers or blooming out in the garden, alliums, or ornamental onions, stand out among other flowering plants. Globe-shaped flower clusters top green stems, sometimes 3 to 4 or more feet tall, as a spectacular accent piece in a cottage garden. Its flower nectar attracts birds, butterflies and bees.
Caution: Allium can be toxic to people and pets.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Varies by species
Water requirement: Regular while in bloom
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Plant bulbs in fall
See how to grow allium
(Allium spp.)
Whether as cut flowers or blooming out in the garden, alliums, or ornamental onions, stand out among other flowering plants. Globe-shaped flower clusters top green stems, sometimes 3 to 4 or more feet tall, as a spectacular accent piece in a cottage garden. Its flower nectar attracts birds, butterflies and bees.
Caution: Allium can be toxic to people and pets.
Bloom season: Spring and summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Varies by species
Water requirement: Regular while in bloom
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Plant bulbs in fall
See how to grow allium
12. Fuchsia
(Fuchsia x hybrida)
For shady gardens wanting intense color from a container plant, look no further than Fuchsia, one of the showiest flowers around. The plants’ weeping habit, with drooping flowers in shades of pink to purple, creates an elegant and attractive accent that hummingbirds will love.
Bloom season: Spring to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 12)
Origin: Garden hybrid; the species is from the tropical mountains of North and South America, primarily Mexico, Argentina and Chile
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Full sun in foggy or cool-summer areas; otherwise provide partial to full shade
When to plant: Spring
See how to grow fuchsia
(Fuchsia x hybrida)
For shady gardens wanting intense color from a container plant, look no further than Fuchsia, one of the showiest flowers around. The plants’ weeping habit, with drooping flowers in shades of pink to purple, creates an elegant and attractive accent that hummingbirds will love.
Bloom season: Spring to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 12)
Origin: Garden hybrid; the species is from the tropical mountains of North and South America, primarily Mexico, Argentina and Chile
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Full sun in foggy or cool-summer areas; otherwise provide partial to full shade
When to plant: Spring
See how to grow fuchsia
13. Aster
(Symphyotrichum spp.)
Fall-blooming asters bring beautiful color to gardens around the country, while also providing valuable sustenance for wildlife in a time of year when flowers are slowing down their blooming.
Bloom season: Fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: North America
Water requirement: Although somewhat drought-tolerant, asters do best in well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Early fall or after the last frost of winter
See how to grow aster
(Symphyotrichum spp.)
Fall-blooming asters bring beautiful color to gardens around the country, while also providing valuable sustenance for wildlife in a time of year when flowers are slowing down their blooming.
Bloom season: Fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: North America
Water requirement: Although somewhat drought-tolerant, asters do best in well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Early fall or after the last frost of winter
See how to grow aster
14. Garden Hyacinth
(Hyacinthus orientalis)
Cold-winter gardens rejoice the upcoming arrival of spring when garden hyacinth’s showy flowers and sweet fragrance fill the gardens. These bulbs grow well in containers, naturalized with other spring-blooming bulbs or even forced indoors.
Caution: Hyacinth bulbs can cause an allergic reaction when handled, so wear gloves and wash hands after handling. The plants, particularly the bulbs, are also toxic to pets.
Bloom season: Late winter to spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean for Dutch hybrids; southern France for Roman hyacinths
Water requirement: Regular while growing and blooming
Light requirement: Full sun; can handle partial shade
When to plant: Plant bulbs in fall
See how to grow grape hyacinth
(Hyacinthus orientalis)
Cold-winter gardens rejoice the upcoming arrival of spring when garden hyacinth’s showy flowers and sweet fragrance fill the gardens. These bulbs grow well in containers, naturalized with other spring-blooming bulbs or even forced indoors.
Caution: Hyacinth bulbs can cause an allergic reaction when handled, so wear gloves and wash hands after handling. The plants, particularly the bulbs, are also toxic to pets.
Bloom season: Late winter to spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean for Dutch hybrids; southern France for Roman hyacinths
Water requirement: Regular while growing and blooming
Light requirement: Full sun; can handle partial shade
When to plant: Plant bulbs in fall
See how to grow grape hyacinth
15. Coneflower
(Echinacea spp.)
While coneflower comes in a range of colors, from white to pale pink, purple coneflower (E. purpurea) is still one of the most popular and beautiful. These prairie natives are extremely versatile, growing well in mixed flower gardens or woodland-style gardens. They’re also boons to wildlife, as flowers attract butterflies, seeds attract birds — they even attract some beneficial insects. Their seed heads also add interest to a winter garden.
Bloom season: Summer to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Eastern and central United States
Water requirement: Regular; can handle some drought when established
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow coneflower
(Echinacea spp.)
While coneflower comes in a range of colors, from white to pale pink, purple coneflower (E. purpurea) is still one of the most popular and beautiful. These prairie natives are extremely versatile, growing well in mixed flower gardens or woodland-style gardens. They’re also boons to wildlife, as flowers attract butterflies, seeds attract birds — they even attract some beneficial insects. Their seed heads also add interest to a winter garden.
Bloom season: Summer to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Eastern and central United States
Water requirement: Regular; can handle some drought when established
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow coneflower
16. Common Lilac
(Syringa vulgaris)
The fragrant purple flowers of common lilac are some of the showiest in the spring garden, creating a burst of color in some of the coldest-winter regions. The plants can reach from 5 to 20 feet tall and wide, and they can be grown as a specimen plant or hedge.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Eastern Europe; most were first imported to North America from France
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Plant container or bare-root plants in fall or spring
See how to grow common lilac
(Syringa vulgaris)
The fragrant purple flowers of common lilac are some of the showiest in the spring garden, creating a burst of color in some of the coldest-winter regions. The plants can reach from 5 to 20 feet tall and wide, and they can be grown as a specimen plant or hedge.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Eastern Europe; most were first imported to North America from France
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Plant container or bare-root plants in fall or spring
See how to grow common lilac
17. Bigleaf Hydrangea
(Hydrangea macrophylla)
Growing in colors that range from blue to baby pink and purple, bigleaf hydrangea is a garden staple in cottage or traditional-style gardens, but it can find a place in garden spaces of all styles. Reaching 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, shrubs produce long-lasting blooms from summer to fall.
Bloom season: Summer to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Origin: Japan
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial shade or full sun in the morning
When to plant: Spring to early summer or in fall
See how to grow bigleaf hydrangea
(Hydrangea macrophylla)
Growing in colors that range from blue to baby pink and purple, bigleaf hydrangea is a garden staple in cottage or traditional-style gardens, but it can find a place in garden spaces of all styles. Reaching 4 to 8 feet tall and wide, shrubs produce long-lasting blooms from summer to fall.
Bloom season: Summer to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Origin: Japan
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial shade or full sun in the morning
When to plant: Spring to early summer or in fall
See how to grow bigleaf hydrangea
18. Mexican Bush Sage
(Salvia leucantha)
Drought-tolerant Mexican bush sage adds bold, lush color to more arid landscapes, with dramatic purple flower spikes topping a bush that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. This deer-resistant shrub welcomes butterflies and hummingbirds to its flowers from spring through fall.
Bloom season: Spring to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9 to minus 7 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Origin: Mexico
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant once established
Light requirement: Filtered sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow Mexican bush sage
(Salvia leucantha)
Drought-tolerant Mexican bush sage adds bold, lush color to more arid landscapes, with dramatic purple flower spikes topping a bush that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide. This deer-resistant shrub welcomes butterflies and hummingbirds to its flowers from spring through fall.
Bloom season: Spring to fall
Cold tolerance: Hardy to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9 to minus 7 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Origin: Mexico
Water requirement: Drought-tolerant once established
Light requirement: Filtered sun
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow Mexican bush sage
19. Shell-Leaf Penstemon
(Penstemon grandiflorus)
Drought-tolerant shell-leaf penstemon bridges the gap between spring and summer plants, as its 2- to 3-foot-tall flower spikes welcome hummingbirds and some bees to the garden. Its 2-inch-long flowers are some of the largest in the genus and look best when planted with grasses or prairie-style plants.
Bloom season: Spring to summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native from Texas and New Mexico north to Montana and east through Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan
Water requirement: Medium to dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Potted or bare-root plants can be put in from late spring to late fall; sow seeds in late fall through winter.
See how to grow shell-leaf penstemon
(Penstemon grandiflorus)
Drought-tolerant shell-leaf penstemon bridges the gap between spring and summer plants, as its 2- to 3-foot-tall flower spikes welcome hummingbirds and some bees to the garden. Its 2-inch-long flowers are some of the largest in the genus and look best when planted with grasses or prairie-style plants.
Bloom season: Spring to summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native from Texas and New Mexico north to Montana and east through Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan
Water requirement: Medium to dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Potted or bare-root plants can be put in from late spring to late fall; sow seeds in late fall through winter.
See how to grow shell-leaf penstemon
20. ‘Hummelo’ Betony
(Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’)
‘Hummelo’ betony was introduced by star plantsman Piet Oudolf and can have a place in a meadow or informal garden, with its bright purplish-pink flowers on 2-foot-tall spikes punctuating the garden. Planting in masses or drifts will add more impact.
Bloom season: Summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Origin: Stachys officinalis is native to Europe and Asia; ‘Hummelo’ was introduced by plantsman Piet Oudolf and named after his hometown in the Netherlands
Water requirement: Average
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow ‘Hummelo’ betony
Tell us: Do you have red flowers growing in your garden? Upload your photos in the Comments.
More
What to Do in Your Garden This Month
Find a landscape designer to help you plan your garden color
See more Houzz guides to colorful flowers
(Stachys officinalis ‘Hummelo’)
‘Hummelo’ betony was introduced by star plantsman Piet Oudolf and can have a place in a meadow or informal garden, with its bright purplish-pink flowers on 2-foot-tall spikes punctuating the garden. Planting in masses or drifts will add more impact.
Bloom season: Summer
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Origin: Stachys officinalis is native to Europe and Asia; ‘Hummelo’ was introduced by plantsman Piet Oudolf and named after his hometown in the Netherlands
Water requirement: Average
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring or fall
See how to grow ‘Hummelo’ betony
Tell us: Do you have red flowers growing in your garden? Upload your photos in the Comments.
More
What to Do in Your Garden This Month
Find a landscape designer to help you plan your garden color
See more Houzz guides to colorful flowers
(Pulsatilla patens)
Plant pasque flower for showy blooms in early spring that produce nectar and pollen that pollinators love. It will slowly spread to a clump 1 foot tall and wide and can be grown in a variety of garden conditions.
Bloom season: Spring
Cold tolerance: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Origin: The central and northern U.S. plains
Water requirement: Low; dry to very dry soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring to fall
See how to grow pasque flower