In ancient Rome, certain shades of purple were reserved for the rulers. Wearing purple by non-royals was punishable by death. This royal color in the plant kingdom can range from rich understated purples to warm burgundy and deep coppery reds, to a dark red-green that appears almost black. People tend to gravitate towards purple foliage because used properly, it is a striking foil for other hues. They lend solidity to a composition or planting that is mainly pastels, preventing it from being too cute or saccharine.
Used along with reds, yellows and oranges, the purples will bring together these vivid colors into a jazzy composition. It is a great neutral, and seems to work with everything. Considering that red is the complement to green, the deep purplish tones of certain plants work well with the greens of most plants.
Rich red-green canna foliage adds a striking accent to any garden.
If you’re just starting out in your experimenting with color combinations, first try combinations of seasonal plants in your containers. Coleus has a number of cultivars that are almost black, and makes a combination of fuschia and orange impatiens a vibrant accent.
In warmer climates, purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is so striking you shouldn’t hesitate to grow it. Or if you’re in a more cool climate, just grow it as an annual. It’s reddish-purple leaves, bottle-brush infloresence make it a great focal point in a container, where it will dance in the slightest breeze. Sweet potato Blackie (Ipomoea batatas) has nearly black, deeply lobed leaves. Along with other brightly colored annuals, it is stunning in a container.
For sheer drama, you can’t beat canna lilies, which have deep rich dark leaves that show the best color in full sun. Because they will grow up to over 1.5 meters, then need to be placed with care. Lime green foliage of plants such as lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis), maidenhair fern (adiantum pedatum) sets off the purples brilliantly.
As you get bolder, add a few perennials with rich colorful foliage to your garden. Reddish-bronze bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a charming grandcover. Heuchera, now growing in popularity are another purple leafed perennial They form a mound of roughly heart-shaped leaves, some with deep purple-red coloring. The tiny cream flowers held high above on slim stems set this plant off to perfection in a semi-shady area.
If you have a hot sunny spot, plant a bold New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax). It’s spiky one-meter tall leaves combine well with silver-leaf plants such as the sea hollies.
All of these handsome plants can add interest and contrast to your garden. Give them a try.
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