Purple, the color of royalty, mystery, and magic.
It’s no wonder that garden enthusiasts around the world are smitten by the allure of purple flowers. Now, imagine these regal blooms gracefully climbing up a trellis, cascading down a wall, or even forming a canopy overhead in a garden arbor. Intrigued? We thought so! If you’re looking to add a touch of enchantment to your outdoor space, purple flowering vines are a must-consider. In this guide, we’ll dive into 10 of our favorite climbers that flaunt purple blossoms. Get ready to make purple pop in your garden like never before!
1. Clematis (Clematis spp.)
- Type: Perennial
- Origin: Northern Hemisphere, primarily Asia and Europe
- Care Level: Medium
- Size: Up to 12 feet, depending on variety
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9, depending on variety
The Clematis genus, often referred to as the “Queen of the Vines,” boasts an astonishing diversity with over 300 species and countless cultivars. The myriad of purple shades it unfurls is a spectacle to behold – from the softest whispers of lavender to the richest, deepest purples that border on midnight. Their flowers can take on various shapes, from star-like blossoms to extravagant, velvety rosettes, making them a gardener’s jewel. The alluring play of purple tones on Clematis blossoms can create a captivating focal point, whether draped elegantly over a pergola or climbing spiritedly up a trellis.
Fun Fact: The name “Clematis” is derived from the Greek word ‘klema’ which means vine branch.
2. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
- Type: Perennial
- Origin: China
- Care Level: Medium
- Size: 20-30 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun
- Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Wisteria is poetry in plant form, a cascading dream of lilac and lavender hues that seems to have been conjured straight out of a fairy tale. When in full bloom, it presents a breathtaking spectacle, draping its luxurious tresses of fragrant, grape-like clusters over arbors, pergolas, and walls. The sheer opulence and size of its hanging racemes—often stretching several feet in length—make it an unparalleled sight in the gardening world. As sunlight filters through the delicate petals, the air around is imbued with a gentle, sweet scent, reminiscent of distant, enchanted forests. Wisteria’s display is not just a feast for the eyes but an experience that stirs the soul, beckoning onlookers to pause, breathe, and lose themselves in its purple-hued wonder.
Fun Fact: Wisteria vines twist and coil around their support in a counter-clockwise manner.
3. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning Glory is nature’s daily reminder of the beauty that a new day brings. As its name suggests, these trumpet-shaped blossoms unfurl their petals to the early sun, bathing gardens in vibrant shades of purple, blue, and sometimes pink or white. Each bloom, with its delicate, satin-like texture, lasts just a day, but what a display they put on in that brief span! The flowers seem to shimmer with an inner luminosity, drawing the eye and uplifting the spirit. Entwining themselves around trellises, fences, or any available support, Morning Glories create a vivid tapestry of color against the backdrop of heart-shaped leaves. The ephemeral nature of its blossoms, which gracefully bow out as the day ends, teaches a poignant lesson on the transient beauty of life, making every moment with this vine precious and worth cherishing.
Fun Fact: The name “Morning Glory” comes from the flower’s habit of blooming in the morning and dying by afternoon.
4. Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
- Type: Annual
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Care Level: Medium
- Size: Up to 6 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun
- Hardiness Zones: 2-11 as an annual
The Sweet Pea is the epitome of old-world charm and grace, an enchanting tribute to the gardens of yesteryears. When in full bloom, these dainty, winged blossoms form clusters of radiant purple, pink, and sometimes white hues, looking much like delicate butterflies alighted upon the vine. Each petal is intricately veined and silky to the touch, with a gentle curvature that lends them a soft, three-dimensional allure. But it’s not just their visual appeal that captivates; the Sweet Pea’s intoxicating fragrance is legendary. It’s a heady, sweet aroma, reminiscent of warm summer days, garden parties, and moments caught in timeless beauty. Draping over archways or trailing along garden borders, the Sweet Pea is a nostalgic nod to the romance of gardening, an heirloom treasure that, season after season, fills the air with its vintage perfume and the soul with memories.
Fun Fact: Sweet Peas are considered a symbol of gratitude.
5. Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)
- Type: Perennial
- Origin: Japan, China, and Korea
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: Up to 30 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8
The Chocolate Vine, also known as Akebia quinata, offers a fascinating juxtaposition of earthy elegance and wild vigor. Its elegant compound leaves, with a unique texture, seem to dance along the lengths of the vine, giving it a textured, layered appearance that sets it apart from the average climber. In spring, this vine really steals the show: it produces intriguing, purple-hued flowers that have an exotic, otherworldly quality. Their bell-like shape and the gentle way they dangle from the stems give them a whimsical charm. But it’s the scent of these blooms that truly astounds. As the name suggests, there’s a faint, yet unmistakable, hint of chocolate that wafts in the air when the flowers are in full bloom.
Fun Fact: Its fruit is sometimes called the “chocolate vine fruit” due to its brownish interior.
6. Purple Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Image by Lisa Penoyer
- Type: Perennial
- Origin: Southeastern US
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 15-20 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zones: 5-9
The Purple Passionflower, or Passiflora incarnata, is a breathtaking testament to nature’s artistry. This exotic climber bursts forth with a vibrant spectacle of blooms that seem to be plucked straight from a dream. Each flower is a mesmerizing arrangement of intricately detailed filaments surrounding a central, white and purple corona that’s cradled by lush, velvety petals. The ethereal radiance of its blossoms holds a magnetic allure, drawing both wandering gazes and pollinators alike. Beyond its beauty, the Purple Passionflower is steeped in symbolism and history, often representing mystery, passion, and devotion in various cultures. As the sun casts its golden rays upon these blooms, one can’t help but get lost in the hypnotic dance of shadows and light playing upon the spiraling tendrils and lush green leaves of this vine. A vision of tropical paradise, the Purple Passionflower stands as an ode to the wonders of the natural world, effortlessly captivating and endlessly enchanting.
Fun Fact: The plant’s unique blossom structure is often used as a symbol in Christian iconography.
7. Purple Hyacinth Bean (Lablab purpureus)
Photo by Magnus Manske
- Type: Annual
- Origin: Africa
- Care Level: Easy
- Size: 10-15 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun
- Hardiness Zones: All as an annual
The Purple Hyacinth Bean, or Lablab purpureus, paints a canvas of royal splendor in any landscape it graces. As if dipped in a palette of regal tones, its heart-shaped leaves set the stage in a deep burgundy, acting as a dramatic backdrop for the vibrant, orchid-colored flowers that appear like luminescent gems against the foliage. But the spectacle doesn’t end there. As the blossoms fade, they give way to glossy, deep purple pods, adding an unexpected twist of elegance and interest. The cascading effect of its growth pattern creates a waterfall of purple, turning ordinary garden trellises or fences into showcases of botanical brilliance. Originating from the tropical regions of Africa, this climber brings a touch of the exotic to temperate gardens, promising a season-long display that whispers tales of far-off lands and adventures waiting just beyond the horizon. The Purple Hyacinth Bean isn’t just a plant; it’s a statement, a bold declaration of nature’s ability to astonish and inspire.
Fun Fact: The beans are edible when young but can be toxic if eaten in large quantities when mature.
8. Purple Bell Vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineus)
- Type: Annual
- Origin: Mexico
- Care Level: Medium
- Size: Up to 10 feet
- Sun/Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zones: All as an annual
The Purple Bell Vine, known scientifically as Rhodochiton atrosanguineus, is a captivating climber that brings a touch of delicate charm to any garden setting. With its slender tendrils and pendant blooms, it introduces an ethereal elegance to its surroundings. Each bell-shaped flower, painted in deep purple hues with faintly veined patterns, seems to hang in the air like nature’s own ornaments. As the seasons progress, the blooms contrast beautifully with the heart-shaped leaves, creating a tapestry of green and purple. This vine has a way of softly draping over fences, trellises, or walls, turning mundane garden fixtures into lively displays of color and form. Native to Mexico, the Purple Bell Vine is not just a plant but a celebration of nature’s subtleties, highlighting the understated beauty that often goes unnoticed in our fast-paced world.
Fun Fact: This plant is also commonly known as the “black man’s willy” due to its peculiar flower shape.
9. Lavender Trumpet Vine
- Type: Perennial
- Origin: Central and South America
- Care Level: Easy to medium
- Size: Up to 25 feet in length
- Sun / Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Lavender Trumpet Vine, known scientifically as Clytostoma callistegioides, paints the garden with bursts of soft lavender throughout spring and summer. Like trumpets heralding the arrival of a royal procession, its tubular flowers stand out, set against a backdrop of rich green foliage. This vine is a favorite amongst hummingbirds and butterflies, turning any garden into a lively gathering of nature’s very own symphony. As the vine matures, its woody stems form intricate patterns, making it an attractive choice even when not in bloom.
Fun Fact: The Lavender Trumpet Vine’s nectar-rich blossoms make it a favorite for hummingbirds, offering a delightful spectacle as these tiny birds flit and hover to sip its sweet offerings.
10. Mandevilla
- Type: Perennial in tropical climates; often grown as an annual in cooler regions.
- Origin: South and Central America.
- Care Level: Medium.
- Size: Up to 20 feet in length in its native habitat, but often shorter in cooler climates or when grown in pots.
- Sun / Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: 10-11. In colder zones, it’s usually grown as a container plant and brought indoors during winter.
The Mandevilla vine is a beacon of tropical elegance and delight in any setting. Characterized by its radiant trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine spirals upwards, creating a cascade of vibrant colors ranging from deep reds to pastel pinks and pure whites. Each bloom seems to have been carefully painted with a brush, often showcasing a vivid contrast with its golden-yellow throat. Complementing this vivid display, the glossy deep green leaves provide a rich backdrop, intensifying the flamboyance of the flowers. The Mandevilla doesn’t merely bloom; it puts on a show, transforming patios, fences, and trellises into stages for its floral performance. And while its beauty is undoubted, the vine is more than just a pretty face. It’s a durable, resilient grower, brave against pests and versatile in different environments. Whether gracing a tropical garden or brightening up a cooler climate patio as a container plant, Mandevilla stands as a testament to the wonders of nature, offering a slice of the tropics wherever it grows.
Fun Fact: Though Mandevilla looks very delicate, it’s often used in hummingbird gardens because of its nectar-rich blooms. The contrast of the tiny, energetic hummingbirds against the large, languid flowers is nothing short of magical.
Symbolism of Purple in Vines
The color purple has always held a special place in human history, weaving tales of grandeur, mystery, and emotion. When translated into the realm of botany, especially in the graceful drapes of flowering vines, the symbolism deepens, connecting nature’s beauty with cultural narratives.
- Royalty and Nobility: Historically, purple was a color reserved for royalty and the elite. The production of purple dye was a costly and labor-intensive process, making it a luxury few could afford. Just as kings and queens draped themselves in purple robes, having a garden graced by purple flowering vines can give one’s space a regal, noble ambiance.
- Spirituality and Mystery: Purple is often associated with the mysterious and the spiritual. In various cultures and religions, purple signifies a higher realm, meditation, or a connection with the universe. Purple vines, with their lofty reaches and blossoming flowers, can be seen as nature’s antennas, connecting the earthly to the ethereal.
- Creativity and Imagination: The rich, deep shades of purple inspire creativity and spark imagination. Artists, writers, and creators have often been drawn to this hue, finding in it the depth and dynamism that mirrors human emotion and creativity. Planting purple flowering vines can be a beautiful way to inspire and rejuvenate one’s creative spirit.
- Deep Emotion and Contemplation: Purple is also a color that signifies deep contemplation, introspection, and emotion. It’s the shade of twilight, that magical moment when day meets night, asking us to reflect and dream. A garden adorned with purple vines can be a sanctuary for such reflection, a place to connect with one’s deeper feelings.
- Nature’s Luxury: Beyond the cultural and emotional, purple in nature is a luxury. It’s not as commonly occurring as greens or yellows, making it all the more special. To have a vine with purple flowers is to have a piece of nature’s luxury in your very own garden.
Incorporating purple flowering vines into one’s space is not just an aesthetic choice; it’s a statement, a nod to history, emotion, and the profound beauty of nature. As these vines grow and blossom, they enrich not just the garden, but also the tapestry of stories and meanings they carry with them.
Final Thoughts
The allure of purple, with its rich hues and historical significance, becomes even more captivating when draped in the form of flowering vines. It’s an invitation into a world where nature’s beauty intertwines with stories, emotions, and symbolism. These purple flowering vines, from the delicate sweet pea to the commanding wisteria, offer an incredible array of choices for every gardener, whether novice or expert.
However, it’s not just about the colors or the flowers; it’s about the experience. Imagine a warm evening, the sun setting, casting a golden hue, and amidst it all, the purple blossoms sway gently, their fragrance filling the air. It’s a sensory experience, a moment of connection with nature.
For those looking to make a statement, to add depth, and to create a space that resonates with stories and emotions, these purple flowering vines are an excellent choice. They’re a testament to the magic that occurs when we let nature weave its tales in our spaces. As you watch these vines grow, bloom, and transform, you’re not just nurturing plants; you’re curating memories, dreams, and a legacy of beauty.