9 purples for the border
Amethyst purple
Cynara cardunculus AGM
A mass of silver foliage topped with purple flowerheads from June to September. Grows best in well-drained soil in sheltered sun. Seedheads can be dried for the house or left to provide interest in the border during autumn and winter. H: 5-8ft (1.5-2.5m).
Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ AGM
Bees love this smart Balkan sage, which blooms during summer and early autumn. Plant this perennial in welldrained soil in sun. Protect the young spring growth from slugs. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. H: 20in (50cm).
Aster x frikartii ‘Mönch’ AGM
This aster produces generous clumps of blue-purple daisies with golden bosses that feed bees before winter sets in. Grow this mildew-resistant perennial in well-drained humus-rich soil in full sun, in an open site. H: 2-3ft (60-90cm).
Verbena bonariensis AGM
Purple top has small clusters of purple flowers on slender stems. Having a ‘see-through’ quality, it can be grown in the middle of the border. Sow or buy as bedding. Wear long-sleeves and gloves to handle vervain, as it can irritate the skin. H: 6ft (1.8m).
Iris ‘Dusky Challenger’
This regal bearded iris commands attention when it blooms in May and June. Plant shallow in well-drained sunbaked soil and allow elbow room because bearded irises like sun on their rhizomes. Lift and divide every two-four years. H: 38in (95cm).
Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’
Pastel-purple flower wands that are visited by bumblebees from July to September tower above whorls of long, pointed green leaves. Plant this Culver’s root in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 4ft (1.2m).
Campanula portenschlagiana AGM
Good at the border edge or tumbling down a wall, this mat-forming evergreen perennial produces sunsetviolet bells in summer. Introduce it into cracks in walls or paving. It spreads vigorously in the right conditions.
H: 8in (20cm).
Ipomoea tricolour ‘Grandpa Ott’
The flowers of this morning glory are inky-purple marked with red stars. This short-lived perennial climber is grown as an annual in cold climates. Sow under cover (a windowsill or greenhouse) now or sow direct in May, in retentive, welldrained soil in sun. H: 6-10ft (2-3m).
Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’
An abundance of soft blue-purple flowers and aromatic leaves. Best in very well-drained soil in full sun. Grown into low hedging to line a path allows legs to release scent every time they brush the aromatic grey leaves. H: 3ft (90cm).