Top 21+ purple plants that thrive in Australian gardens

Purple plants are a great way to introducing depth and colour to your garden. As well as purple flowers, there are actually a lot of plants with purple foliage that can create a lush and inviting space.

This also gives you a chance to play around with different types of plants that range in height, shape and colour. While vibrant green leaves are a tried and true classic, punctuating your garden with purple plants, subtle silver plants, bright flowers and hardy perennials adds the texture and tone needed for a beautifully landscaped outdoor space.

So if you want to add some variety to your garden, here are our favourite purple plant that will thrive in Australian gardens.

21 purple plants for Australian gardens

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

21 purple plants that thrive in Australian gardens

Coleus

Solenostemon scutellariodes ‘Black Prince’

This colourful foliage plant is common in gardens across Australia and doesn’t demand much. The green stems contrast with its red-to-purple, scallop-edged leaves. As the blooms are fairly insignificant, pinch them out as they form to keep the plant at its bushy best. You can also easily propagate it to add more to your garden or a pot.

Sun/Shade: Partial shade to full shade

When to plant: Early spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Common sage

Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’

Sage is typically known as a herb that tastes great but this cultivar also has a lilac to purple colour on new growth. Regularly picking the new leaves keeps it a tidy bun shape. It also contrasts well with silver/blue plants such as echium.

Sun/Shade: Full sun

When to plant: Spring or early summer

How fast it grows: 3 months, if grown from a cutting

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Black rose

Aeonium arboreum ‘Schwarzkopf’

This flower-shaped succulent is drought-tolerant, easy to propagate and has yellow, pyramid-shaped flowerheads from late winter through to spring. It works as a single specimen in a pot, where it will thrive; just ensure free-draining soil and don’t overwater or it will rot. If you mass-plant, it also starts to resemble a rose bush.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Winter to early spring

How fast it grows: Slow-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’

There’s a blueberry-like grey ‘bloom’ that covers this plant’s purple foliage, making it extra mesmerising. It forms a trailing ground cover that will grow in sunny areas in beds, pots or shallow soil around rocks. It can be invasive in summer rainfall climates, so you’ll need to control it or plant it in pots.

Sun/Shade: Full sun

When to plant: Spring or summer

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Smoke bush

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ or ‘Grace’

This small tree has a pinkish spray of flowers that contrasts beautifully against the deep purple of its foliage. Perfect for modern backyards, in autumn it puts on an extra show when the deciduous leaves turn from scarlet to pink and orange. It’s also drought-tolerant and frost-hardy.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Best planted in spring, but can be planted in autumn

How fast it grows: Approximately 30 – 60cm per year

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

False shamrock

Oxalis triangularis

This is one for collectors. The purple, clover-like foliage opens with the light and looks like resting butterflies at night, closing in half when it’s dark. Nodding pink flowers sit above the foliage. Powdery mildew can be an issue. It’s a bulb, so goes through annual dormancy. When that happens, place it somewhere out of sight to rest the pot until the plant’s new leaves start to grow.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Spring

How fast it grows: Shamrocks will appear after about six weeks

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Dwarf purple fountain grass

Pennisetum macrostachyum ‘Rubrum Compacta’

This popular ornamental grass has purple foliage and plumes of feather-like flowerheads that appear in summer and autumn. It’s great to watch wind blowing through when planted in groups. To rejuvenate for spring, mow or cut close to the ground at the end of winter.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Anytime

How fast it grows: Slow to moderate growth rate

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

(Credits: Getty)

Purple velvet plant

Gynura aurantiaca

Known as the purple velvet or purple passion plant, gynura has stunning purple and green leaves that almost appear to glow in certain lights. It’s relatively easy to care for and is often sold as a house plant, especially in cooler climates. But it also looks great as an outdoor pot plant or garden bed.

Sun/Shade: Bright, indirect sun

When to plant: Anytime

How fast it grows: Moderate

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Bugleweed

Ajuga reptans ‘Atropurpurea’

A low-growing groundcover with pretty blue, bee-attracting flowers in spring and summer. It looks great lining a pathway and planted en masse. It grows better in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. When you’re planting, allow for air circulation around it to avoid powdery mildew.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Early spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Painted-leaf begonia

Begonia rex

Begonia rex have beautiful, colourful foliage, including popular varieties with rich shades of purple. Sometimes known as the “king” of begonias, these foliage plants are great in shady spots in the garden and also work well in pots.

Plant in well-draining soil, with space for air circulation and water when the soil feels dry. During hot, dry days, you could also mist or lightly water the leaves in-between longer watering sessions as they like some humidity.

Sun/Shade: Shady or partially shaded location

When to plant: Year-round

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Crepe myrtle

Lagerstroemia ‘Diamonds in the Dark’

Grown in full sun, this deciduous crepe myrtle retains the purple tones of the juvenile foliage into maturity. It produces lots of white and pink to red flowers from early spring until autumn. Use it as an accent plant in the garden (in pots) or as a feature hedge.

Sun/Shade: Full sun

When to plant: Mid-autumn to early spring

How fast it grows: 30 – 60cm per year

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Bromeliad

Alcantarea imperialis ‘Rubra’

The bromeliad is much loved for its large rosette of purple-toned leaves, which get darker in cooler temperatures and also with more sun exposure. It’s a hardy plant that looks good in both pots and garden beds.

Sun/Shade: Partial to full shade

When to plant: Spring to early autumn

How fast it grows: Slow-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Persian shield

Strobilanthes dyerianus

Native to Myanmar, this beautiful plant has bright purple foliage that fades to pink with age. Tip prune to encourage a bushier plant, stimulating growth points to enjoy more of the dazzling young leaves.

Sun/Shade: Partial shade

When to plant: Early spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Black mondo grass

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

Taking purple foliage to its darkest edge, this low, tufty, grass-like plant looks best planted in groups at the front of a bed. Lilac to pink flowers adorn it in summer. Its colour and textured leaf also make it a fantastic contrast plant.

Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade (the more sun, the darker the colour)

When to plant: Early spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing once established

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Freckle face/polka dot plant

Hypoestes phyllostachya

Brightening up dark, shady corners of the garden, the polka dot plant has purple to pink speckled foliage and small purple flowers in summer. It’s great in a vertical garden, hanging basket or pot indoors. But it has weed status in Queensland and NSW, so keep it under control and avoid planting directly in a garden bed.

Sun/Shade: Partial shade/indirect sun

When to plant: Late spring/early summer

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Purple basil

Ocimum basilicum ‘Osmin’

A relative of sweet basil, this annual herb grows quickly and easily from seed, delivering a striking colour in the garden. Bees love the flowers, which are long-lasting on the plant. You can also use them as an edible garnish for your meals.

Sun/Shade: Full sun

When to plant: Spring to early autumn

How fast it grows: Reaches full maturity in less than two months

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Pink fringe flower

Loropetalum chinense rubrum

This pretty shrub grows to 2m, with purple-red foliage and pink flowers that resemble fireworks from spring through to summer. It’s popular as a hedge plant but could also be a feature plant in your garden.

Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade

When to plant: Spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Little Ruby

Alternanthera dentata ‘Little Ruby’

Little Ruby is a third of the height of common Alternanthera and has stunning, purple to burgundy foliage that grows to about 40cm. Once established, it thickens up like a purple carpet, making it great as a ground cover. Small pale-yellow flowerheads appear in late winter to early spring.

Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade

When to plant: Spring to autumn

How fast it grows: Established by approximately 12 weeks

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Elephant Ears “Black Magic”

Colocasia esculenta “Black Magic”

Colocasia Black Magic has deep purple foliage shaped like elephant ears (which is where it gets its common name). It’s considered a water plant, so is ideal for planting around a pond or in a pot with a dish of water.

Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade

When to plant: Any time

How fast it grows: Moderate to fast growth

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Honeywort/blue shrimp plant

Cerinthe major ‘Purpurascens’

Unmissable in the garden, this plant will self-sow when growing in a sunny position in well-drained soil. Come winter, its long-lasting purple flowers are surrounded by purple leaves up the stem, which eventually turn to a silvery green.

Sun/Shade: Full sun or partial shade

When to plant: Early spring

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

21 purple plants for Australian gardens, Coleus , Common sage , Black rose , Purple heart , Smoke bush , False shamrock , Dwarf purple fountain grass , Purple velvet plant , Bugleweed , Painted-leaf begonia , Crepe myrtle , Bromeliad , Persian shield , Black mondo grass , Freckle face/polka dot plant , Purple basil , Pink fringe flower , Little Ruby , Elephant Ears “Black Magic” , Honeywort/blue shrimp plant , Silver inch plant/spiderword

Silver inch plant/spiderword

Tradescantia zebrina

While the top of these striped leaves shimmer with a silvery glow, it has a striking purple underside flashes as it clambers over itself. You can also get varieties with purple through the top of the foliage. It’s a great plant for shade and dappled light, and is ideal in hanging baskets or cascading from a pot.

Sun/Shade: Bright but partially shaded location

When to plant: Year-round

How fast it grows: Fast-growing

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