16 Purple Flowers In Mississippi Gardens (Photos & Care Tips)
Purple flowers add a sense of enchantment and elegance to any garden, including Mississippi’s. There is no shortage of plants to choose from, including perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs, for adding pops of purple to your landscape.
These flowers, ranging from the vibrant Purple Coneflower to the charming Dwarf Iris, not only beautify your outdoor space, but they also attract pollinators and provide other unique benefits.
In this article, we will look at the 16 most common purple flowers in Mississippi gardens, highlighting their characteristics, care instructions, and applications.
Let’s begin.
1. Creeping Phlox
- Scientific Name: Phlox subulata
- Common Name(s): Creeping Phlox, Moss Phlox
- Mature Height: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm)
- Native Region: Eastern and Central United States
- Flowers: Five-petaled, star-shaped flowers that come in various shades of purple, including lavender, lilac, and deep purple.
- Fruit: Small capsules containing tiny, brown seeds.
- Uses: Ground cover, rock gardens, borders, slopes
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a low-growing perennial plant that gives a burst of rich purple color to Mississippi gardens. Because of its spreading, mat-like growth pattern, it is also known as Creeping Phlox or Moss Phlox. It grows to a mature height of 4-6 inches and produces a dense carpet of foliage covered in beautiful, star-shaped blooms in the spring.
Creeping Phlox, a native of the eastern and central United States, thrives in Mississippi’s climate and soil conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This adaptable plant can thrive in a range of environments, making it ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and borders.
Creeping Phlox’s most noticeable feature is its blossoms. They are available in a variety of purple hues, including lavender, lilac, and deep purple. When planted in quantity or cascading over walls and slopes, the five-petaled blossoms produce a magnificent carpet of color. The blooms attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, increasing the biodiversity of the garden.
Creeping Phlox produces little capsules holding tiny brown seeds after blooming. These seeds can be kept for replication or let to self-sow, allowing the plant to spread spontaneously. It is advised to cut back the foliage after flowering to keep a clean appearance.
Creeping Phlox is a good ground cover in Mississippi settings, avoiding soil erosion and limiting weed development. Its trailing growth habit and vivid purple blossoms make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. This low-maintenance plant will reward gardeners with a long-lasting display of purple beauty if properly cared for, including regular watering and periodic fertilizing.
2. Purple Coneflower
- Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Common Name(s): Purple Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower
- Mature Height: 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Purple, daisy-like flowers with a cone-shaped center
- Fruit: Seed heads with spiky bracts
- Uses: Medicinal plant, attracts pollinators, popular in wildflower gardens
The Purple Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea purpurea, is a North American native perennial plant. Because of its bright purple blossoms and propensity to attract pollinators, it is widely seen in Mississippi gardens. This plant grows to a mature height of 2-5 feet, making it an excellent choice for flower beds, borders, and wildflower gardens.
The Purple Coneflower is distinguished by its eye-catching purple flowers, which are composed of delicate petals encircling a cone-shaped center. Throughout the summer, these daisy-like flowers produce a lovely show and attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures to the garden. The flowers also have therapeutic characteristics and are frequently used in herbal treatments to strengthen the immune system and treat a variety of diseases.
The Purple Coneflower is renowned for its hardiness and adaptation to varied soil types, in addition to its aesthetic appeal and therapeutic applications. It can grow in both full sun and moderate shade, making it useful in Mississippi environments. This plant prefers well-drained soil and, once established, is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance alternative for gardeners.
Purple Coneflower generates seed heads with prickly bracts when the blooms fade. These fascinating seed heads not only give visual appeal to the garden, but they also provide food for birds during the fall and winter months. Leaving the seed heads on the plants can attract finches and other seed-eating birds.
Purple Coneflower is best cared for in Mississippi by planting them in early spring or late fall, giving them ample time to establish their roots before harsh temperatures. Watering is required on a regular basis during the first year, but once established, this plant can endure dry circumstances. Deadheading wasted flowers can help to prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.
3. Lavender
- Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
- Common Name(s): Lavender
- Mature Height: 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
- Native Region: Mediterranean region
- Flowers: Lavender flowers in shades of purple, blue, and pink, shaped like spikes.
- Fruit: No fruit.
- Uses: Used in aromatherapy, culinary purposes, and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Lavender is well-known for its unusual physical properties. It has long, narrow gray-green leaves that are intensely scented and slender, woody stems. When the leaves and stems are touched or crushed, they emit a lovely aroma. Lavender produces stunning spikes of blooms in purple, blue, and pink hues. These blooms not only brighten up the landscape, but they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Lavender grows best in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. It can withstand heat and drought, making it a good choice for Mississippi landscapes. It is critical to give lavender with a sandy or loamy soil that provides for good drainage if it is to thrive effectively in this region. Soil that is too damp can promote root rot, so keeping the soil well-drained is essential.
Lavender is popular due of its fragrant characteristics. The plant’s lovely fragrance makes it a popular choice for aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil can be used to promote relaxation, stress alleviation, and improved sleep. Lavender is also extensively employed in culinary applications, where it adds a distinct floral flavor to foods, sweets, and beverages.
Regular pruning is vital for maintaining the shape of lavender in Mississippi and encouraging new growth. Before new growth emerges, prune lavender in early spring. It is also critical to water lavender sparingly, as too much moisture might cause root troubles. Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that may thrive in Mississippi gardens, giving beauty as well as aroma to the landscape.
4. Purple Verbena
- Scientific Name: Verbena bonariensis
- Common Name(s): Purple Verbena, Tall Verbena
- Mature Height: 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
- Native Region: South America
- Flowers: Purple, small clusters of tubular-shaped flowers
- Fruit: Small, inconspicuous fruit
- Uses: Attracts pollinators, used as a decorative garden plant
Purple Verbena, also known as Verbena bonariensis or Tall Verbena, is an eye-catching perennial that offers a splash of rich purple color to any garden. It is native to South America and belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 in Mississippi.
This tall, upright plant grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical flair to a landscape. The stems are narrow yet strong, with clusters of little tubular-shaped purple blooms at the top. From late spring through early fall, the flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Purple Verbena is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention. It enjoys direct sunlight but will take mild shade. Its growth requires well-drained soil. Once established, it is also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for Mississippi’s hot and humid climate.
In the garden, this plant can be used in a variety of ways. It looks wonderful when planted in large groupings and works well as a border or backdrop plant in flower beds. Its lofty and airy appearance can give the environment a sensation of movement. Purple Verbena can also be cultivated in containers, allowing you to enjoy its gorgeous purple flowers on patios or balconies.
Purple Verbena is a fantastic choice for attracting pollinators to the yard, in addition to its visual appeal. Its nectar-rich blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This plant also reseeds rapidly, providing a year-round food supply for pollinators.
Regular deadheading is required to keep Purple Verbena healthy and to encourage ongoing blooming. This entails removing faded flowers in order to encourage fresh development and keep the plant from going to seed. It’s also a good idea to prune the plant in late winter or early spring to promote new growth.
5. Balloon Flower
- Scientific Name: Platycodon grandiflorus
- Common Name(s): Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower
- Mature Height: 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
- Native Region: East Asia
- Flowers: Striking and balloon-like, the flowers of the Balloon Flower come in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white.
- Fruit: Small, round, dry seed capsules
- Uses: The Balloon Flower is primarily grown for its attractive flowers and as an ornamental plant in gardens. It can also be used as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
The Chinese Bellflower, also known as the Balloon Flower, is a lovely perennial plant that gives a whimsical touch to any garden. This plant, which is native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, has become a favorite choice for Mississippi gardens. It is most recognized for its distinctive balloon-shaped blooms, which gave rise to the plant’s popular name.
The Balloon Flower, with its modest dimensions and mature height of 1-3 feet, is perfect for smaller garden settings or as a border plant. Its tidy growth habit gives structure and visual charm to garden beds. The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that make an eye-catching backdrop for the brilliant flowers.
The Balloon Flower prefers full sun to light shade and grows best in well-drained soil. It can survive a variety of soil types, making it suited for use in a variety of sites around Mississippi. This perennial is relatively low maintenance once established, requiring little trimming or bother.
The Balloon Flower blooms in abundance from mid to late summer. The flowers are available in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, pink, and white. Each flower has a balloon-like bloom that opens to expose five pointed petals that resemble a star. These eye-catching flowers provide color and excitement to garden beds or container plants.
As summer gives way to October, the flowers are replaced by small, spherical, dry seed capsules. These capsules can be kept on the plant for winter interest or harvested for propagation. Balloon Flowers can also be grown from seeds, which should be planted in early spring or late fall.
6. Russian Sage
- Scientific Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia
- Common Name(s): Russian Sage
- Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters)
- Native Region: Central Asia
- Flowers: Small, tubular, and lavender-purple in color, forming upright spikes
- Fruit: No fruit
- Uses: Russian Sage is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes due to its beautiful flowers and fragrant foliage. It also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Russian Sage, is a common perennial plant in Mississippi gardens. This plant is native to Central Asia and thrives in Mississippi’s hot and humid climate. It is a woody subshrub that grows to be 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The plant has slender grayish-green stems with finely split scented leaves.
Russian Sage is well-known for its spectacular floral show. The lavender-purple tubular flowers are thickly grouped on erect spikes that rise above the foliage. These blooms bloom in late summer and last far into the fall, bringing a splash of color to the yard. The blossoms are not only physically pleasing, but they also have a pleasant aroma that attracts butterflies and bees.
Russian Sage is a low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for Mississippi landscapes. It enjoys direct sunlight but will take little afternoon shadow. This plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but thrives in well-draining soil. Once established, Russian Sage is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for Mississippi’s hot and dry summers. Pruning in early spring is recommended to promote new growth and preserve a compact shape.
Aside from its aesthetic value, Russian Sage performs various functions in the garden. Because of its upright growing habit, it is a wonderful choice for adding vertical interest to borders and flower beds. This plant’s flowers attract pollinators, making it helpful to the local ecosystem. Russian Sage dried stems and blossoms can also be used to add texture and color to dry flower arrangements.
7. Purple Sage
- Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
- Common Name(s): Purple Sage, Common Sage
- Mature Height: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Native Region: Mediterranean region
- Flowers: Purple, tubular-shaped flowers
- Fruit: Small, brown seeds
- Uses: Culinary herb, medicinal plant, ornamental plant
Purple Sage, also known as Salvia officinalis, is a popular herb that can be found in many Mississippi gardens. It is a perennial shrub that grows to a height of 2-3 feet. Purple Sage is a Mediterranean native that thrives in Mississippi’s warm, sunny climate.
When stroked, the delicate, silver-green leaves have a velvety texture and release a powerful and pleasant fragrance. The leaves are often used as a culinary herb, imparting a distinct flavor to a variety of dishes, particularly those from the Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. Purple Sage can be utilized fresh or dried for later use.
Purple Sage has therapeutic qualities in addition to culinary purposes. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oils, making it a beneficial herb for treating a variety of diseases. The leaves can be used topically in poultices or infused oils, or brewed as a tea.
Purple Sage is also an appealing plant that gives visual value to the garden. It blooms in late spring to early summer and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These flowers not only add a splash of color to the garden, but they also contribute to its general biodiversity.
Purple Sage grows best in well-drained soil and full light in Mississippi. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance plant. Overwatering, on the other hand, is dangerous and can cause root rot. Pruning the plant in the spring helps it keep its shape and promotes bushier growth.
8. Mexican Petunia
- Scientific Name: Ruellia simplex
- Common Name(s): Mexican Petunia, Purple Ruellia, Britton’s Wild Petunia
- Mature Height: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
- Native Region: Mexico
- Flowers: Purple trumpet-shaped flowers
- Fruit: Small capsules with numerous seeds
- Uses: Ornamental plant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, used as ground cover
The Mexican Petunia, formally known as Ruellia simplex, is a lovely flowering plant that is prevalent in Mississippi gardens. It is an Acanthaceae plant that can reach a mature height of 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters). This plant, native to Mexico, has made its way into gardens all around the world because to its attractive purple trumpet-shaped flowers.
Mexican Petunia thrives as a perennial in tropical and subtropical areas in its native habitat. It grows well in full sun to medium shade, making it an excellent choice for Mississippi landscaping. This plant is well-known for its adaptability to a variety of soil conditions, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Mexican Petunia has beautiful purple blooms that bloom from spring to fall, making for a colorful display in the garden. The flowers, which resemble petunias, attract butterflies and hummingbirds, providing a natural element to your landscape. This plant also spreads swiftly, making it an excellent choice for ground cover.
Mexican Petunia requires constant watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. It can, however, endure short periods of drought once established. It is crucial to remember that this plant has the potential to become invasive in some areas, so keep an eye on its growth and remove any undesirable shoots to preserve control.
The Mexican Petunia gives a touch of elegance and color to any garden as an ornamental plant. Its brilliant purple blossoms make it a prominent point in any setting, whether as a border, mass planting, or part of a mixed perennial bed. Its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds adds to the overall beauty of the environment.
9. Purple Beardtongue
- Scientific Name: Penstemon digitalis
- Common Name(s): Purple Beardtongue, Foxglove Beardtongue
- Mature Height: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Tubular, lavender flowers with white throats, arranged in spikes
- Fruit: Small, inconspicuous capsules
- Uses: Attracts pollinators, suitable for borders or rock gardens.
Purple Beardtongue, also known as Penstemon digitalis, is a lovely North American perennial plant. It grows to a mature height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). This plant is prized for its gorgeous lavender blooms with white throats that grow in spikes. The tubular structure of the flowers attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Purple Beardtongue can be found in a variety of settings throughout its native area, including prairies, open forests, and meadows. It prefers well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to light shade. The climate and soil conditions in Mississippi are ideal for this plant, making it a good addition to the region’s gardens.
Purple Beardtongue can be used into borders or rock gardens in Mississippi settings to add a splash of color. It is an eye-catching choice due to its upright growth habit and gorgeous foliage. Once established, this perennial requires little attention. Watering on a regular basis during dry seasons, as well as occasional pruning to remove faded flowers, will promote stronger and longer-lasting blooms.
Purple Beardtongue fruits are small, inconspicuous capsules containing tiny seeds. These seeds can be collected and propagated to grow your garden, or they can be shared with other gardeners. Furthermore, the ability of this plant to attract important pollinators makes it a great addition to any garden, contributing to a healthy ecology.
10. Catmint
- Scientific Name: Nepeta × faassenii
- Common Name(s): Catmint
- Mature Height: 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
- Native Region: Europe and western Asia
- Flowers: Lavender-blue flowers in small clusters
- Fruit: No fruit
- Uses: Ornamental flower, attracts bees and butterflies
Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is a popular perennial herbaceous plant that lends a dash of purple to Mississippi gardens. This plant is native to Europe and Western Asia, although it is now widely cultivated around the world. It grows to a mature height of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters), making it an excellent choice for borders, container gardens, or as a groundcover.
Catmint blooms in compact clusters of exquisite lavender-blue flowers, giving a vivid and eye-catching show. From late spring to early summer, the flowers bloom, attracting bees and butterflies to the area. Catmint leaves are aromatic and grayish-green in color, providing a fascinating contrast to the gorgeous blossoms.
Catmint grows best in full sun to partial shade in Mississippi’s hot and humid climate. It is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates a broad variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained. Catmint is drought-tolerant once planted and can tolerate periods of drought. During lengthy dry conditions, however, regular watering helps maintain its overall health and vigor.
Catmint has some functional benefits aside from its visual appeal. Catmint dried leaves can be used to produce herbal tea, which has relaxing properties and is frequently used as a natural cure for anxiety and insomnia. Furthermore, the pungent aroma of Catmint functions as a natural repellent for certain pests like mosquitoes and mice.
11. Spiderwort
- Scientific Name: Tradescantia virginiana
- Common Name(s): Spiderwort, Virginia Spiderwort
- Mature Height: 1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
- Native Region: Eastern and Central United States
- Flowers: Three-petaled, star-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, or pink.
- Fruit: Capsules containing tiny black seeds.
- Uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator attractant.
Spiderwort, or Tradescantia virginiana, is a multipurpose perennial plant endemic to the eastern and central United States, including Mississippi. It is a hardy plant with clumping growth that can reach heights of 1-3 feet. The spider-like appearance of its blossoms gives Spiderwort its name.
Spiderwort is distinguished by its blossoms. They feature three petals arranged in a star configuration and appear in purple, blue, or pink. The flowers bloom in the morning and gradually close over the day. During the spring and summer, spiderwort blooms, attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Spiderwort may adapt well to a variety of soil types and moisture conditions. It grows well in full sun to light shade and tolerates dry and moist soil. As a result, it is appropriate for a wide range of landscapes, including borders, wildflower gardens, and naturalized areas.
After flowering, spiderwort produces capsules containing small black seeds. These seeds can be kept for replication or allowed to self-sow, allowing the plant to naturalize and spread. Spiderwort’s foliage is also quite appealing, with long, grass-like leaves that lend texture and interest to the garden even when it is not in flower.
Spiderwort is a popular plant in Mississippi gardens for providing color and attracting pollinators. Its vivid purple, blue, or pink blossoms stand out in any landscape, and its ability to flourish in a wide range of soil and moisture conditions makes it a dependable and low-maintenance plant. Watering and fertilizing on a regular basis will keep Spiderwort healthy and flowering throughout the growing season.
12. Dwarf Iris
- Scientific Name: Iris spp.
- Common Name(s): Dwarf Iris, Miniature Iris
- Mature Height: 4-10 inches (10-25 cm)
- Native Region: North America, Europe, Asia
- Flowers: Purple, blue, or white, with 3 petals and 3 sepals
- Fruit: Capsule containing seeds
- Uses: Edges of rock gardens, borders, containers, cut flowers
The Dwarf Iris, also known as the Miniature Iris, is a small and beautiful perennial plant that brightens up Mississippi gardens. Its mature height ranges from 4 to 10 inches, making it ideal for edging rock gardens, borders, and container planting.
Dwarf Irises are members of the Iris genus, with several species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. This hardy plant has adapted to a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions, making it ideal for Mississippi landscaping. It has slender, grass-like leaves that sprout from a rhizome, giving it a tidy and compact appearance.
When it comes to flowers, Dwarf Irises come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, and white. Each flower normally has three petals and three sepals, resulting in an appealing symmetrical arrangement. During the early spring, the blossoms produce an eye-catching show, bringing a splash of color to the garden before many other plants have begun to bloom.
It is relatively simple to care for Dwarf Irises in Mississippi. These plants grow in full sun to partial shade, and they need at least four to six hours of direct sunshine per day to blossom properly. Excessive wetness can be harmful to plants, therefore well-drained soil is vital for preventing root rot.
Dwarf irises are low-maintenance in general, but regular watering is required during dry seasons. Mulching around the plants can aid in moisture conservation and weed control. Deadheading spent blooms can extend the flowering season and keep the plant from utilizing energy to develop seeds.
13. Blazing Star
- Scientific Name: Liatris spp.
- Common Name(s): Blazing Star, Gayfeather
- Mature Height: 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
- Native Region: North America
- Flowers: Purple, tubular flowers arranged in tall, spiky clusters.
- Fruit: Small, dry seed capsules.
- Uses: Attracts pollinators, great for cut flowers, adds vertical interest to gardens.
Blazing Star, sometimes known as Gayfeather, is a beautiful purple-flowering perennial plant in the Liatris genus. It can grow to be 2 to 5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters) tall when mature, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to Mississippi gardens. Blazing Star is native to North America, specifically the continent’s center and eastern parts.
This striking plant has slender, erect stems that are capped with tall, spiky clusters of purple tubular blooms. The flower spikes bloom from the top down, creating the image of a flaming flame, hence the name. These flower clusters not only offer a burst of brilliant color to the landscape, but they also attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
After flowering, Blazing Star develops little, dry seed capsules. These capsules contain seeds that, if desired, can be harvested and used for propagation. However, keep in mind that the main attraction of this plant is its eye-catching blossoms.
Blazing Star requires well-drained soil and full sun exposure to thrive. Once established, it is a drought-tolerant plant that is well-suited to the Mississippi environment. This plant enjoys sandy or loamy soil and can tolerate a wide variety of pH levels. Watering on a regular basis throughout the establishment stage is critical to support healthy root development.
Blazing Star is not only a lovely addition to the yard; it also works well as a cut flower. It is a popular choice for floral arrangements and bouquets due to its tall, strong flower spikes and long-lasting blooms. You can enjoy the spectacular beauty, height, and extra advantage of bringing pollinators to your Mississippi garden by growing Blazing Star.
14. Purple Heart
- Scientific Name: Setcreasea pallida
- Common Name(s): Purple Heart, Purple Queen
- Mature Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters)
- Native Region: Mexico
- Flowers: Pink, small and inconspicuous
- Fruit: Small capsules
- Uses: Ground cover, ornamental plant, erosion control
Purple Heart, formally known as Setcreasea pallida, is an attractive and popular perennial plant. It is native to Mexico and is known as the Purple Heart or Purple Queen. It is a highly prized plant in Mississippi due to its capacity to thrive in a variety of growing situations.
This low-growing plant grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, but its trailing stems can spread to 24 inches (60 cm) or more, making it an excellent ground cover. Purple Heart’s foliage is its most remarkable characteristic, with long, slender leaves that are drenched in a rich purple color. The succulent leaves have a slightly fuzzy feel.
Although Purple Heart has little, inconspicuous pink flowers, it is planted more for its vivid foliage than for its blossoms. Flowers occur on long, thin stalks and can add a delicate touch to the plant’s overall appearance. Many gardeners, however, choose to pluck the blossoms in order to redirect the plant’s energy into growing more lush leaves.
Purple Heart’s tolerance to varied growing situations is one of its key features. It prefers full sun to partial shade and may grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. However, well-drained soil is essential for avoiding root rot. Purple Heart is drought-tolerant and requires little water once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-maintenance landscapes.
Purple Heart, in addition to its decorative value, can be used to reduce erosion on slopes or embankments. Its dense growth and trailing habit assist to anchor the soil, avoiding erosion and giving visual appeal to soil-moving areas.
15. Persian Shield
- Scientific Name: Strobilanthes dyerianus
- Common Name(s): Persian Shield
- Mature Height: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Native Region: Myanmar (Burma)
- Flowers: Persian Shield produces small, insignificant flowers that are pale blue or white. However, it is primarily grown and valued for its vibrant and colorful foliage.
- Fruit: No fruit
- Uses: Persian Shield is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its stunning, iridescent purple foliage. It is commonly used as a focal point in garden beds, borders, or containers and can also be used as a houseplant.
The Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a magnificent leaf plant that offers a splash of purple color to any yard. It is native to Myanmar (Burma), but it has become a favourite choice for Mississippi gardeners because to its gorgeous leaves and ease of care.
This tropical plant has huge, lance-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen and a variety of purple hues. The vivid foliage has a remarkable iridescent character, reflecting varied colours of purple, silver, and, depending on the light, even pink or blue. The leaves are opposite, which means they grow in pairs along the stem, providing a luxuriant and visually pleasing display.
Persian Shield matures to a height of 2-3 feet, making it an ideal choice for providing vertical interest to garden beds or as a backdrop for shorter plants. It can also be cultivated as a container plant, giving you the option of bringing it inside during the colder months.
Persian Shield grows best in well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade to full sun. While it can withstand some direct sunshine, excessive exposure will cause the foliage color to fade. It is also advised to water it on a regular basis to maintain the soil constantly moist but not waterlogged.
While Persian Shield has little, pale blue or white flowers, they are unimpressive in comparison to the plant’s magnificent foliage and are frequently cut off to keep the attention on the leaves. The plant does not bear fruit, and its leaves is the main draw.
Persian Shield is typically grown as an ornamental plant because to its eye-catching and distinctive purple foliage. It can be utilized as a focal point in garden beds, borders, or containers to offer color and exotic charm. Persian Shield can also be cultivated indoors as a houseplant, with its beautiful purple foliage lighting up any living room.
16. Autumn Sage
- Scientific Name: Salvia greggii
- Common Name(s): Autumn Sage, Cherry Sage, Texas Sage
- Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters)
- Native Region: Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico
- Flowers: Tubular, in various shades of red, pink, orange, and white
- Fruit: No fruit
- Uses: Autumn Sage is widely used in Mississippi gardens as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and is also suitable for container gardening and xeriscaping.
Autumn Sage, scientifically known as Salvia greggii, is a lovely perennial plant found in Mississippi gardens. This plant, which is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, has adapted well to Mississippi’s climate. It matures to a height of 2 to 3 feet and has a compact and bushy growth habit. The leaves are tiny, gray-green, and fragrant.
October Sage’s greatest attraction is its profusion of tubular flowers that bloom from late spring through October. These blooms come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, orange, and white, and they provide a splash of brilliant color to the yard.
Autumn Sage is a popular choice for pollinator gardens since the blossoms are very appealing to hummingbirds and butterflies. The scented foliage also adds to the overall appeal of this plant.
Autumn Sage is a low-maintenance plant that is well-suited to Mississippi landscapes. It prefers full sun but will take mild shade. A well-drained soil is required for the plant’s healthy growth. Autumn Sage, once established, is relatively drought-tolerant and can endure dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping.
Early spring pruning can be done to stimulate bushier growth and remove any dead or broken branches.
Autumn Sage has a variety of applications in Mississippi gardens and landscapes. Its bright blossoms make it ideal for border plantings, rock gardens, and bulk plantings.
The plant’s compact nature also lends itself to container gardening, as it can be readily transported and placed in various sections of the garden. Due to its dense growth pattern, Autumn Sage can also be utilized as a natural screen or hedge.
The capacity of this plant to attract hummingbirds and butterflies adds to its appeal as a pollinator-friendly plant.
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Purple Flowers In Mississippi – Sources
The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.
- Department Of Plant & Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University Extension.
- Native Plant Resources, Mississippi Native Plant Society
- Mississippi Department Of Agriculture & Commerce
- Native Mississippi Plants, University Of Mississippi
- Horticulture, Department Of Plant & Soil Sciences, Mississippi University
