Types of Purple Flowers and Their Symbolism

Captivating admirers with their enchanting hue, purple flowers evoke feelings of luxury, mystery, and deep spirituality. Their rich, regal tones instantly convey sophistication and elegance, carrying a powerful symbolism rooted in royalty, creativity, success, and spiritual enlightenment.

From delicate lavender sprigs to bold, dramatic blooms, this comprehensive guide will explore 21 stunning purple flower varieties, their meanings, ideal uses, and essential care tips.

Why Purple Flowers Stand Out

Purple is genuinely one of nature's most captivating yet rare colours. Unlike more common hues, true purple pigments are difficult for plants to produce naturally, making these blooms exceptionally precious and sought after.

This scarcity has historically elevated purple flowers to symbols of exclusivity and prestige, making them essential for weddings, luxury events, sympathy arrangements, and spiritual ceremonies.

Their distinctive colour, combining the stability of blue with the passion of red, creates a unique visual impact that stands out in any setting.

21 Types of Purple Flowers

To help you discover the perfect option for your needs, here is a breakdown of 21 captivating varieties.

1. Lavender (Lavandula)

• Appearance: Small, fragrant, tubular flowers clustered on slender spikes; typically soft purple or violet-blue; intensely aromatic.
• Symbolism: Devotion, serenity, and grace; historically associated with silence and purity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rustic bouquets, aromatic sachets, wedding favours, and calming home décor.
• Care Tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; excellent for drying; cut when half the flowers on the spike have opened.

2. Purple Orchid (Orchidaceae Hybrids Like Vanda, Dendrobium)

• Appearance: Exotic, intricate blooms with varied shapes and patterns; colours range from soft lilac to deep amethyst.
• Symbolism: Luxury, refinement, and rare beauty; conveys admiration and respect.
• Uses in Arrangements: High-end corporate gifts, elegant centrepieces, and sophisticated bridal work.
• Care Tips: Keep in shallow, clean water; wipe petals gently to remove dust.

3. Purple Iris (Iris Germanica)

• Appearance: Elegant blooms with upright standards and downward falls; often feature intricate veining; light, sweet fragrance.
• Symbolism: Wisdom, hope, and faith; traditionally linked to royalty.
• Uses in Arrangements: Spring bouquets, traditional floral designs, and thoughtful gifts for encouragement.
• Care Tips: Cut stems at an angle; change water frequently; these flowers last well if kept cool.

4. Purple Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris)

• Appearance: Dense, pyramid-shaped clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers; colours range from pale lavender to deep purple.
• Symbolism: First love, youthful innocence, and confidence.
• Uses in Arrangements: Romantic bouquets, nostalgic gifts, and vintage-themed décor.
• Care Tips: Crush stem ends to improve water uptake. This plant is highly fragrant and lasts best in cool conditions.

5. Purple Tulip (Tulipa)

• Appearance: Classic cup-shaped petals on sleek stems; shades from soft lavender to deep violet; typically unscented.
• Symbolism: Royalty, elegance, and deep, enduring love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Spring celebrations, Easter displays, and sophisticated bouquets.
• Care Tips: Continues to grow after cutting; keep in cool water; avoid direct sunlight.

6. Purple Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)

• Appearance: Smooth, sculptural, trumpet-shaped spathe in rich purple tones; elegant and architectural.
• Symbolism: Regal beauty, passion, and magnificent elegance.
• Uses in Arrangements: Modern, minimalist bouquets, upscale events, and contemporary wedding work.
• Care Tips: Prefers shallow water; handle stems carefully to avoid crushing.

7. Purple Pansy (Viola Tricolor Var. Hortensis)

• Appearance: Small, flat-faced flowers with distinctive markings; velvety petals in shades of purple, often with darker centres.
• Symbolism: Thoughtfulness, loving thoughts, and remembrance.
• Uses in Arrangements: Small posies, sympathy tributes, and charming table decorations.
• Care Tips: Short-lived as a cut flower; best appreciated as a potted plant; prefers cool weather.

8. Purple Clematis (Clematis Jackmanii)

• Appearance: Large, star-shaped flowers with prominent yellow stamens; deep violet-purple petals.
• Symbolism: Mental beauty, ingenuity, and artistic inspiration.
• Uses in Arrangements: Garden-style bouquets, structural arrangements, and as climbing décor.
• Care Tips: Fragile stems; best used fresh; requires support when growing.

9. Purple Dahlia (Dahlia Pinnata)

• Appearance: Intricate, layered petals forming diverse shapes from pom-pom to dinner plate; rich, deep purples.
• Symbolism: Dignity, inner strength, and commitment.
• Uses in Arrangements: Autumn bouquets, luxury event design, and celebratory arrangements.
• Care Tips: Cut when nearly open; sear stem ends in hot water before arranging.

10. Purple Hyacinth (Hyacinthus Orientalis)

• Appearance: Dense, cylindrical spike of bell-shaped flowers; intensely sweet, heady fragrance.
• Symbolism: Playfulness, sport, and sincerity; can also signify sorrow.
• Uses in Arrangements: Spring bouquets, potted gifts, and fragrant indoor displays.
• Care Tips: Very fragrant; change water frequently as stems can become slimy.

11. Purple Wisteria (Wisteria Sinensis)

• Appearance: Cascading clusters of pea-like flowers; soft to deep purple; light, sweet fragrance.
• Symbolism: Devotion, creativity, and long life.
• Uses in Arrangements: Dramatic installations, wedding arches, and hanging floral features.
• Care Tips: Short vase life; best appreciated on the vine; requires sturdy support when growing.

12. Purple Rose (Rosa Cultivars Like "Blue Moon")

• Appearance: Classic rose form with layered petals in mauve to deep purple tones; moderate fragrance.
• Symbolism: Enchantment, fascination, and love at first sight.
• Uses in Arrangements: Romantic bouquets, mystical-themed events, and unique anniversary gifts.
• Care Tips: Treat like standard roses; cut stems at an angle; keep cool and well-hydrated.

13. Purple Allium (Allium Giganteum)

• Appearance: Large, spherical flower heads composed of hundreds of tiny star-shaped flowers; striking architectural form.
• Symbolism: Unity, prosperity, and good fortune.
• Uses in Arrangements: Modern, structural bouquets, high-impact centrepieces, and contemporary garden design.
• Care Tips: Excellent vase life; remove any foliage that falls below the waterline.

14. Purple Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Morifolium)

• Appearance: Dense, multi-petalled blooms ranging from button-sized to large spider forms; vibrant purple hues.
• Symbolism: Nobility, longevity, and cheerfulness.
• Uses in Arrangements: Long-lasting home décor, autumn bouquets, and traditional arrangements.
• Care Tips: Exceptional vase life; remove lower foliage; change water daily.

15. Purple Petunia (Petunia × Atkinsiana)

• Appearance: Trumpet-shaped flowers with ruffled edges; colours from pale lavender to deep violet; light, pleasant fragrance.
• Symbolism: Comfort, soothing presence, and never losing hope.
• Uses in Arrangements: Informal bouquets, potted displays, and cascading hanging baskets.
• Care Tips: Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming; requires full sun.

16. Purple Verbena (Verbena Bonariensis)

• Appearance: Clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers on tall, wiry stems; airy, delicate appearance.
• Symbolism: Enchantment, sensitivity, and cooperative spirit.
• Uses in Arrangements: Adds height and texture to naturalistic bouquets; ideal for cottage garden style.
• Care Tips: Very hardy; attracts pollinators; benefits from regular watering.

17. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)

• Appearance: Daisy-like flowers with drooping purple petals and a prominent orange-brown centre cone.
• Symbolism: Strength, healing, and endurance.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rustic bouquets, wellness-themed gifts, and naturalistic arrangements.
• Care Tips: Long-lasting; excellent for drying; thrives in full sun.

18. Purple Fuchsia (Fuchsia Magellanica)

• Appearance: Pendulous, bell-shaped flowers with two-tone petals; often purple outer sepals with contrasting inner petals.
• Symbolism: Confiding love, amiability, and good taste.
• Uses in Arrangements: Hanging displays, small posies, and whimsical bouquets.
• Care Tips: Requires consistent moisture; prefers partial shade; fragile when cut.

19. Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum Novae-Angliae)

• Appearance: Star-shaped flowers with thin, ray-like petals radiating from a yellow centre; soft to deep purple.
• Symbolism: Patience, wisdom, and faithful love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Autumn bouquets, rustic arrangements, and seasonal décor.
• Care Tips: Good vase life; remove lower foliage; keep water fresh.

20. Purple Salvia (Salvia Nemorosa)

• Appearance: Tall spikes densely packed with small, tubular flowers; vibrant purple-blue tones.
• Symbolism: Wisdom, healing, and esteem.
• Uses in Arrangements: Adds verticality to summer bouquets; informal arrangements and garden-style designs.
• Care Tips: Excellent heat tolerance; deadhead to encourage more blooms; attracts beneficial insects.

21. Purple Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Odoratus)

• Appearance: Delicate, ruffled, butterfly-like flowers on climbing vines; intoxicatingly sweet fragrance.
• Symbolism: Blissful pleasure, delicate pleasures, and departure.
• Uses in Arrangements: Romantic spring bouquets, vintage-themed events, and scented gifts.
• Care Tips: Short vase life; harvest in the morning; keep cool and well-hydrated.

Symbolism & Occasions for Purple Flowers

Purple flowers carry profound emotional and cultural significance. Culturally, purple has long been associated with royalty and nobility across civilisations. In ancient Rome, purple dye was so expensive that only emperors could afford garments in this colour, cementing its connection to power and wealth.

In Eastern traditions, purple often represents spiritual awakening and enlightenment, while in the West, it signifies dignity, devotion, and refined taste. Their rich hues instantly convey luxury, admiration, and refined elegance, making them ideal for weddings, luxury events, sympathy arrangements, and spiritual ceremonies.

Beyond material luxury, purple holds deep spiritual symbolism, representing the connection between the earthly and the divine. This duality makes these flowers versatile, capable of expressing both worldly success and transcendent spirituality, while adding an air of prestige to any setting.

Care & Handling Tips

Most varieties of purple flowers thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, as excessive direct sun can cause their delicate pigments to fade prematurely. When growing purple flowers in the garden, select locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or consider growing them in air-conditioned rooms, especially in warmer climates like Singapore.

Regular watering is also crucial, but avoid waterlogging, which can damage roots and reduce flowering. For cut flowers, always trim stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or secateurs before placing them in fresh water mixed with floral preservative.

To significantly lengthen their vase life, change the water every two days and re-cut the stems to prevent bacterial build-up.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the most popular purple flowers worldwide?

The most popular purple flowers globally include lavender, prized for its fragrance and versatility; purple iris, valued for its elegant form and symbolism; and purple orchids, which dominate the luxury flower market. Purple roses and purple tulips are also widely sought after for romantic occasions.

Which purple flowers are best for romantic occasions vs sympathy?

Purple roses, purple tulips, and purple calla lilies are excellent choices for romantic occasions as they convey enchantment, passion, and regal beauty. For sympathy arrangements, consider purple irises, which symbolise faith and hope, or purple asters, representing patience and wisdom. Lavender is also appropriate for this occasion, offering calming, peaceful energy.

Do purple flowers occur naturally, or are they hybrid creations?

Both exist in nature. Many purple flowers, such as lavender, wisteria, and purple coneflower, occur naturally. However, intense purple shades in roses, tulips, and certain orchids are often the result of selective breeding and hybridisation by horticulturalists seeking to enhance colour depth and stability.

Why is purple considered a royal color in flowers?

Purple earned its royal status through historical scarcity. In ancient times, purple dye was extraordinarily expensive to produce, derived from rare sea snails, making it affordable only to emperors and royalty. This exclusivity became culturally embedded, and purple flowers inherited this association with wealth, power, and nobility.

Can purple flowers be easily grown in tropical climates like Singapore?

Some purple flowers adapt well to tropical climates, while others struggle. Heat-tolerant varieties like purple orchids, purple salvia, and purple verbena thrive in Singapore's conditions. However, cooler-climate favourites such as purple lilacs and purple hyacinths require careful management or are best avoided.

What is the fragrance profile of the most common purple flowers?

Fragrance varies widely. Lavender offers a clean, herbaceous scent, while lilacs and hyacinths are intensely sweet and heady. Roses typically have a moderate, classic scent, whereas orchids and irises are generally lightly scented or unscented.

Which purple flowers last longest in bouquets?

Purple orchids boast the longest vase life, often lasting two weeks or more.. Purple chrysanthemum also offers exceptional longevity of 10 to 14 days with proper care. Purple alstroemeria, purple statice, and purple carnations are other excellent choices for arrangements requiring extended freshness and durability.