Purple Flowers: The Meaning and the 20 Most Beautiful Varieties

Discover the fascinating world of purple flowers and discover their symbolic meaning. From the deep beauty of the sweet violet to the elegance of the iris, this guide presents the 20 most fascinating varieties. We reveal the message that each flower conveys and add a touch of color and meaning to your gardens and bouquets.

The variations of purple hues found in nature are surprisingly diverse: from deep plum to delicate lavender, through intense indigo and lively light purple. Choosing flowers of this color to adorn your garden is undoubtedly a great choice. But what are the most famous purple flowers?

Let's now discover the 20 most beautiful varieties of purple flowers and their meaning.

1. Agapanthus

Agapanthus, commonly called agapanthus, is a perennial plant of great beauty and elegance, native to South Africa. Its botanical name derives from two Greek words meaning flower and love, making it a symbol of affection and passion, hence its nickname the flower of love. It is often grown in pots, or in gardens and flower beds.

Some African populations traditionally adorned the bride's neck with this flower, believing that it would bring fertility and protect future pregnancy. The Agapanthus, in addition to having this symbolic importance, is a beautiful plant that deserves to find space in your collection of houseplants.

2. Viola

Viola is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Violaceae family, characterized by flowers with a typical purple color, but they can also vary in other shades such as white, yellow and blue. These plants are commonly grown in gardens for their beauty and ability to withstand the cold.

From a symbolic point of view, the Viola has different interpretations depending on the cultures and contexts. Generally, it is associated with meanings such as modesty, delicacy, humility and secret love. Furthermore, the Viola is often considered a symbol of rebirth and hope, especially during the spring when it blooms after the winter months.

3. Allium

Allium is a genus of plants in the Liliaceae family, which includes over 700 species, including onion, garlic, and leek. Many varieties of Allium produce purple flowers, which often form compact spheres or umbels.

Symbolically, Allium is associated with different meanings. In general, it can represent prosperity, purification, and protection. However, the precise meaning can vary depending on the culture and context. In some cases, Allium is considered a symbol of strength and determination, while in other contexts it can be associated with beauty and creativity.

4. Clematis

Clematis is a climbing plant belonging to the Clematis genus, known for its brightly colored and multicolored flowers, ranging from white to red, blue, purple and pink. It is a very popular ornamental plant in gardens for its ability to enrich pergolas, walls and fences with its spectacular flowering.

Symbolically, Clematis can represent different meanings, including elegance, grace, and beauty. However, its meaning can also vary depending on the color of the flower. For example, blue clematis are often associated with serenity and peace, while red ones can symbolize passion and intense love. In general, Clematis is also seen as a symbol of renewal and transformation, as it regenerates its flowers every year from the base of its vines.

5. Wisteria

Wisteria, with its elegant appearance and clusters of drooping flowers, is a climbing plant renowned for its ornamental beauty. Native to Asia, it is widely grown in gardens around the world for its spectacular and fragrant flowering.

In the language of flowers and plants, wisteria has a deep symbolic meaning. In China and Japan, it is considered a symbol of friendship and helpfulness, a meaning that has also been adopted in Western countries. This plant is also seen as a talisman against adversity, a special gift to offer to those closest to us, as a sign of protection and affection.

6. Iris

The iris is a distinctive flower with sword-shaped petals and a variety of colors, including purple, blue, white, and yellow. It is one of the most popular ornamental plants in gardens around the world, thanks to its extraordinary beauty.

In the language of flowers, the iris is associated with profound meanings. It evokes trust, sincerity and wisdom, acting as a bearer of truth and messenger of positive messages. Its name has roots in the Greek language and recalls the image of the rainbow, with strong ties to mythology.

Since ancient times, iris has been admired for both its ornamental beauty and its medicinal properties. It has also been used in the creation of perfumes due to its delicate and enveloping aroma.

7. Lilac

The Lilac flower is known for its delicate beauty and irresistible scent. Belonging to the Oleaceae family, this shrubby plant produces clusters of fragrant flowers in various shades of purple, white and pink. It is a popular choice in gardens and parks for its abundant flowering and decorative appearance.

Symbolically, Lilac is associated with many meanings, including love, youth, and innocence. It is often considered a symbol of purity and devotion, as well as nostalgic memories and feelings related to spring and childhood.

Furthermore, the enveloping scent of Lilac flowers brings with it a sense of tranquility and harmony, making this plant also associated with peace and inner serenity.

8. Lobelia

Lobelia is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant in the Campanulaceae family, known for its bell-shaped flowers and bright colors ranging from blue to purple, red, and white. It is a popular choice for gardens and borders due to its abundant flowering and ornamental appearance.

Symbolically, Lobelia is associated with several meanings. It usually represents love and devotion, but can also symbolize wisdom and perseverance. In some cultures, Lobelia is considered a symbol of good luck and protection, and is sometimes used in healing and purification rituals.

Additionally, Lobelia is often associated with the sign of Leo in the zodiac, and can therefore represent courage, determination and loyalty.

9. Passion Flower

Passiflora, also known as the “Passion Flower,” is a climbing plant with vibrantly colored flowers, including purple. This flower is rich in symbolism, representing passion, love, and spirituality. Its name comes from its parts, which some believe have correlations with the symbols of the Passion of Christ. Passiflora is also associated with inner calm and meditation, adding a touch of serenity and tranquility to the spaces in which it grows.

10. Periwinkle

Periwinkle (Vinca) is a genus of perennial plants in the family Apocynaceae. Native to Europe, North Africa, and southwest Asia, it is known for its evergreen leaves and delicate flowers, usually blue or purple, although some varieties have white or pink flowers. Periwinkle is prized for its hardiness and ability to cover the ground, making it a popular choice in gardens and ornamental landscapes.

The periwinkle symbolizes memory and fidelity, often associated with eternal love and nostalgia. In the Christian tradition, it also represents the immortality of the soul.

11. Lavender

Lavender is an aromatic plant with deep purple flowers, known for their distinctive and relaxing scent. It symbolizes purity, peace and tranquility. Its fragrance is considered calming and therapeutic, and is often used to promote relaxation and well-being. Lavender is also associated with cleansing and purification, adding a note of freshness and serenity to the environments in which it is grown.

12. Autumn Colchicum

Colchicum autumnum, also known as “Saffron”, is a bulbous plant that blooms in autumn with bell-shaped flowers of a characteristic purple or pink color. This flower symbolizes transition and transformation, as it blooms at a time of seasonal change. It is also associated with delicacy and fragility, as its bloom is brief but intensely beautiful. However, it is important to note that all parts of Colchicum are poisonous if ingested and therefore it also symbolizes caution and awareness of hidden dangers.

13. Tulbaghia

Tulbaghia, commonly known as Ornamental Garlic, is a summer flowering plant characterized by small purple or white flowers. This plant is often associated with purification, protection and inner strength. Due to its pungent aroma and its insect-repellent properties, Tulbaghia is seen as a symbol of defense and security, bringing a sense of tranquility and protection to gardens and outdoor spaces.

14. Bittersweet

Dulcamara, also known as Solanum dulcamara or Morella glandolosa, is a climbing plant in the Solanaceae family. It has lanceolate leaves and star-shaped flowers, usually purple or blue. It is widespread in many parts of the world and grows in various habitats, including woodlands, roadsides and gardens.

Symbolically, Dulcamara is associated with contrasting meanings. On the one hand, it can represent sweetness and beauty, deriving from its Latin name dulcis amara which means bitter sweet, on the other hand, it can symbolize danger and poison, since all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. In some traditions, Dulcamara is also associated with magic and superstition, and can be used in ritual practices or spells.

Additionally, Dulcamara has been used in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, although it is important to remember that it can be dangerous if taken without medical supervision. In general, Dulcamara is a plant that evokes a sense of mystery and ambiguity.

15. Bellflower

Campanula, is a plant with bell-shaped flowers, available in a wide range of colors including purple. This plant symbolizes gratitude, love and admiration. Its delicate shape and abundant flowering make it a symbol of beauty and sweetness, perfect for expressing feelings of appreciation and affection towards others.

16. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is an ornamental plant widely appreciated for its showy flowers and lush blooms. Known for its ability to change color depending on the pH of the soil, Hydrangea symbolizes gratitude, abundance and harmony. It is often used in bouquets and floral arrangements to celebrate love, friendship and the beauty of life. With its elegance and variety of colors, Hydrangea brings a sense of joy and appreciation to any environment in which it grows.

17. Hellebore

Hellebore, also known as Christmas Rose, is a winter-enchanting perennial with delicately colored flowers that bloom during the colder months. Often associated with hope and rebirth, Hellebore symbolizes resilience and strength in the face of adversity. With its ability to bloom even when nature seems to be asleep, this flower is a sign of promise and new life, bringing a touch of color and joy to winter gardens.

18. Aster

Aster is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family, known for its star-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, pink, and white. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens for its abundant flowering and its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Symbolically, Aster is associated with meanings of love and devotion. This flower is often considered a symbol of sincere love, gratitude and appreciation. In some cultures, Aster is also associated with hope and wisdom, symbolizing the ability to face life's challenges with courage and determination.

Additionally, Aster has been traditionally used in some folk medicine practices to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and skin conditions.

19. Orchid

We all know the orchid, it is a flower plant renowned for its exotic beauty and the variety of its flowers, which can be of different colors, including purple. It symbolizes beauty, elegance and love, and is considered a precious gift to express admiration and respect. It is also associated with fertility and prosperity, adding a touch of harmony to home and work environments.

20. Petunia

Petunia is an annual or perennial plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, known for its showy and colorful flowers that bloom in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, red, white and blue. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, pots and balconies for its abundant and long-lasting flowering during the summer season.

Symbolically, Petunia is associated with several meanings, including love, gratitude and hope, this flower is often considered a symbol of everlasting love and sincere affection, making it a popular choice to express romantic feelings and appreciation towards others.

More purple flowers: Scabious, Geranium, Delphinium, Echinacea, Alyssum, Verbena, Veronica, Fritillary, Penstemon, Anemone