As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring settles in, my garden transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues and intoxicating fragrances.
This year, the predominant colours of purple, white and yellow create a harmonious palette that celebrates the essence of May flowers.
I absolutely love purple flowers in the garden. There are so many long-blooming perennial options that purple is a go-to flower colour for many home gardeners… including myself!
But sometimes it’s difficult to decide what flowers will complement a purple colour scheme. If you want to make your garden stand out from the rest, here are some top tips for what to plant with purple flowers.
Plant a variety of purple flowers of different hues, such as light pastel, medium and dark purple together.
Complement purple flowers with similar colours like pink-purple (magenta) or a blue-purple (violet) flowers.
Combine purple with an opposite colour, like yellow or yellow-orange.
Add similar colours like pink-purple (magenta) and blue-purple (violet) to your purple garden, then take it up a notch with pops of opposite colours like yellow or yellow orange (amber).
Try a peaceful combination with purple flowers combined with white flowers and foliage.
(Monika Rekola photo)
Lilacs (Syringa)
No spring garden is complete without the lush, fragrant blooms of lilacs.
These clusters of small, star-shaped flowers range in shades from white and soft lavender to deep purple, their heady scent a symbol of spring's full bloom. Lilacs also hold the promise of longevity, often living for decades and blooming more profusely with each passing year.
Allium
Standing tall and proud, the alliums punctuate the garden with their striking spherical blooms. The deep purple globes of allium giganteum rise like lollipops on sturdy stems, attracting bees and butterflies alike.
Their geometric form adds a modern touch to the otherwise whimsical landscape, making them a favourite for both their visual appeal and their pollinator-friendly nature.
Chive flowers (allium schoenoprasum)
In the herb garden, the chive flowers are in full bloom, their light purple pom-poms not only beautiful but also edible. These blossoms add a subtle onion flavour to salads and garnishes, making them a delightful dual-purpose plant. Their cheerful appearance and practicality make them a staple in my garden, blending beauty with utility.
Tulips
The tulips, with their bold, cup-shaped flowers, add a burst of colour to the garden.
Each variety, from the rich purples of 'queen of night' to the pristine whites of 'purissima,' contributes to the garden's dynamic tapestry, swaying gently in the spring breeze.
Chinese tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)
These peonies are renowned for their large, lush blooms, which can range from pure white to soft pinks and deep magentas.
They are a spectacular addition to the garden, their flowers resembling intricate tissue paper creations.
(Monika Rekola photo)
Horseradish flowers (armoracia rusticana)
Often overlooked, the horseradish flowers are a pleasant surprise in the spring garden.
These small, white blooms form delicate clusters atop the plant's robust foliage. While the root is renowned for its pungent flavour, the flowers add a subtle charm and are a testament to the plant's versatility.
Bridal wreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia)
These cascading white flowers add a graceful, flowing element, reminiscent of a bride's veil, adding to the garden's charm.
(Monika Rekola photo)
Lily of the valley (convallaria majalis)
These bell-shaped, pure white flowers hang gracefully from their slender stalks, exuding a sweet, intoxicating fragrance that fills the air.
Though petite, their scent is powerful, evoking memories of childhood springs and adding a touch of timeless elegance to the garden.
Ranunculus: Their bright, cheerful yellow blooms are perfect for adding a burst of colour among the purples and whites.
(Monika Rekola photo)
Columbine (aquilegia)
The columbine flowers, with their intricate, spurred petals, are a true delight.
Among the varieties in my garden, special attention is given to the native Canadian columbine (aquilegia canadensis).
This species is particularly enchanting with its red and yellow flowers, which dangle like tiny lanterns. Adapted to thrive in the local climate, they are hardy and resilient, attracting hummingbirds and bees with their nectar. Their unique shape and vibrant colours make them a standout, contributing to the garden's biodiversity and ecological balance.
As I stroll through the garden, each plant tells its own story, contributing to a rich tapestry of colour, scent, and life with many surprises. A small tree frog sleeps peacefully in the heart of a rose.
(Monika Rekola photo)
The purple, white, and yellow flowers create a serene and uplifting atmosphere, a true celebration of spring's arrival.
(Monika Rekola photo)
A certified landscape designer and horticulturalist, Monika Rekola brings landscapes to life with her passion for gardening and CAD designs, guided by a profound love for all living beings. As a budding homesteader and garden writer, she shares her passion for sustainable living. With a knack for recycling and repurposing, Monika finds beauty in simplicity, while her love for birds makes her a keen observer of nature. Committed to forest management and gardening with an ecological focus, she strives to create balance in our delicate ecosystem. She can be reached at [email protected].
