Plant Sale Perennial Preview: Pretty in Purple
Published on March 30, 2026
by Kelly Kellow, Senior Horticulture Technician
Every year, there are a few plants that rise to the top of my favorites list, and often, they share one thing in common: the color purple. From soft lavender blooms to deep, dramatic violet spikes, purple plants bring depth, richness, and a little bit of magic to the garden. They catch the light differently, pair beautifully with nearly everything, and never fail to draw in pollinators and people alike. Check out these standouts and add them to your 2026 list:
Salvia farinacea ‘Hardy Form’ (mealycup sage) is a standout for long-lasting color. Its dark blue-violet flower spikes bloom steadily through summer and are irresistible to pollinators. This form is notably hardier than typical mealycup sage, especially when planted in early summer in a slightly protected spot to improve winter survival. Cutting back spent blooms reduces self-seeding. This plant typically gets 24-36 inches tall and 12 inches wide and likes full sun to part shade with low water.
Ruellia humilis (prairie petunia) is a humble native with quiet charm. Found across much of the eastern U.S., it produces soft lavender flowers from early summer into fall, especially with occasional watering. Compact and adaptable, it typically reaches about 12–15 inches tall and wide, thrives in full sun, and requires only moderate to low water. It may re-seed lightly, adding to its easygoing appeal. I have had it in my garden for years and has shown itself to be one tough plant!
Phemeranthus calycinus (fame flower) is a tiny treasure for rock gardens and dry spaces. This small succulent sends up wiry stems topped with rose-purple flowers that open only in the afternoons. Pollinators flock to many flowers from June to September. Though it disappears completely in fall, it reliably returns late in spring and often reseeds. It is beautifully paired with cacti and other drought-loving plants.
Eryngium leavenworthii ‘Purple Sheen’ (false purple thistle) brings drama and structure to the garden. With spiky foliage and shimmering purple, thistle-like blooms from July through September, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant and pollinator-friendly, it adds bold texture and a sculptural presence to borders, rock gardens, and xeriscapes. It’s also great for cut flower gardens; the flowers will keep their purple color even when they are completely dry.
As the season unfolds in the nursery, these purple standouts are the ones I keep coming back to—plants that are not only striking in color, but also tough, reliable, and full of life. These are my favorite purple plants for this year’s plant sale, each one earning its place through beauty, resilience, and sheer garden presence.