4 Purple Annual Flowers

Written by Crystal
Updated: August 22, 2023
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What gives purple annual flowers their color? The answer lies in anthocyanins, carotenoids, and pigments. The fewer the pigments, the less color you’ll see. Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light and reflect others. The colors we see, like purple, are the wavelengths of light reflected back to us. Amazing, right?

Purple flowers are some of the most awe-inspiring plants in the garden. If you’re looking for an annual purple flower that will stand out, try some of the varieties in this article.

Their rich, deep hues add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any landscape. And while there are many different shades of purple to choose from, all of them are sure to make a bold statement in your garden. Keep reading to discover your favorite purple flower.

1. Swan River Daisy

Swan River Daisy

The Swan River daisy is a delightful little flower that originates from Australia.

©iStock.com/HaraldBiebel

The Swan River daisy is a delightful little flower that originates from Australia. Its clusters of violet-colored petals are recognizable, which resemble miniature balloons. Sometimes the flowers are blue or rose-colored instead.

These river-loving purple annual flowers are also quite fragrant, making them popular for bouquets and floral arrangements. Swan River daisies typically only grow about one foot tall, but their petals can be up to one and a half inches wide. They make for a beautiful and dainty addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a splash of color and a hint of sweetness, the Swan River daisy is the perfect daisy-like flower.

The Swan River daisy is also an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a short-stemmed cut flower. This little plant is perfect for window boxes, terrace planters, and other types of borders. It’s a complete sun plant that requires rich soil in order to thrive. Gardeners in colder climates will need to take care to protect their plants from frost damage.

2. Cup-and-Saucer Vine

The cup-and-saucer vine is perfect for covering fences, walls, or trellises.

©iStock.com/weisschr

Looking for a way to add a bit of whimsy to your garden? Then consider planting a cup-and-saucer vine! This fast-growing climber is perfect for covering fences, walls, or trellises. The pretty purple annual flowers resemble cups and saucers, hence the plant’s name.

The cup-and-saucer vine, also known as cathedral bells, is a vigorous climber that is native to Mexico. It gets its name from its showy blossoms, which look like cups that are sitting in large saucers of foliage. The blossoms range in color from deep purple to intense violet and are typically 2 inches long and 1.5 inches across.

It’s a relatively easy plant to care for and can be grown in a variety of soil types. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant does not require a lot of water, so it is a good choice for those who live in areas with low rainfall. The cup-and-saucer vine can be an aggressive grower, so it is important to give it plenty of space to spread out. With proper care, the plant will bloom from mid-summer to early fall.

3. Dwarf Morning Glory

Dwarf morning glories are incredibly easy to grow from seed.

©iStock.com/nickkurzenko

Do you love the look of morning glories twining around a mailbox or cascading from a hanging basket but dread the thought of dealing with their rampant growth? If so, then dwarf morning glories are the perfect solution. These petite flowers pack all the visual punch of their larger cousins but stay well-behaved in containers and gardens. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to grow from seed.

Simply sow the seeds indoors about six weeks before your last expected frost date and transplant the seedlings into your garden after the danger of frost has passed. Dwarf morning glories will thrive in any type of soil, and they prefer sunny locations. With a little TLC, they will bloom all season continuously long. So why not give them a try? You may be surprised by how much you enjoy having these cheerful little flowers in your garden.

Once you establish these purple annual flowers in your garden, you’ll never look back. The dwarf morning glory is a unique plant that has long been popular among photographers and gardeners. Native to Southern Europe, the plant is distinguished by its flowers, which stay open all day long. This quality makes the dwarf morning glory an ideal subject for photographers, who can capture its beauty in both natural and artificial light. Gardeners also appreciate the plant for its ability to add color and interest to any garden. While the dwarf morning glory is not difficult to grow, it does require some care and attention.

4. Foxglove Annuals

The annual foxglove is a timeless flower that has been bred by plant breeders for years.

©iStock.com/Elmar Langle

The annual foxglove is a timeless flower that has been bred by plant breeders for years. The foxglove is native to Europe, and the plant breeders who created it have thoughtfully chosen a variety of colors that are sure to please everyone. The most popular colors are deep purple, lavender, and pink, but there are also many other options available. Foxy foxgloves grow up to 3 ft tall, and their sturdy, compact spikes of 3-in-long flowers make them an excellent choice for any garden. The bell-shaped flowers with mottled throats are sure to add a touch of elegance to any landscape.

The foxglove is a tall and very showy plant that provides intense color even in cool, shady spots where other plants want to flower. However, the soil has to be well drained for it to prosper. You can put it on the rear of a sunny border or use the flowers as individual accents.

If you’re starting from seed, you should sow them outdoors during the fall, then set the seedlings into the garden as soon as the ground can be cultivated in the spring. The foxglove reproduces from its own scattered seeds. Consequently, if you have one in your garden, you’re likely to have many more in future years!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. Lowes Gardening, Available here: https://www.lowes.com/pl/Purple--Annuals-Plants-bulbs-seeds-Plants-planters-Lawn-garden/4294395612?refinement=4294775859&view=List
  2. Kevin Lewis, Available here: https://blog.ewingirrigation.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/weed-identification-purple-deadnettle
  3. HGTV, Available here: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/our-favorite-purple-annual-flowers-pictures
  4. Janet Loughrey, Available here: https://www.gardendesign.com/flowers/purple.html
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About the Author

Crystal is a dedicated writer at A-Z Animals, focusing on topics related to mammals, insects, and travel. With over a decade of experience in the world of research and writing, she also fulfills the role of a skilled video and audio engineer. Residing in sunny Florida, alligators are Crystal's favorite animal.

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