Purple Reign

Agapanthus africanus 'Black Buddhist'

Near-black buds open to reveal deep violet flowers, each umbel a moody composition of light and shadow. This agapanthus brings drama and depth to summer plantings.

Iris 'Superstition'

Nearly black with a shimmering purple-black beard, 'Superstition' is bearded iris at its most mysterious. Its dramatic flowers earn gasps in late spring.

Ajuga reptans

Bugle spreads its rosettes of dark, sometimes bronze-purple leaves like a living carpet, studded with blue flower spikes in spring. A willing worker in difficult shaded spots.

Nepeta × faassenii

Catmint is the great softener—billowing clouds of lavender-blue flowers that blur edges and fill gaps with easy grace. Bees and butterflies can't resist its aromatic presence.

Wisteria sinensis

Chinese wisteria in full bloom is one of gardening's greatest spectacles—cascading racemes of violet-blue flowers that scent the spring air with sweetness. Even bare, its twisted trunk has sculptural beauty.

Allium schoenoprasum

Chives bridge the kitchen and garden with effortless grace—drumstick heads of purple-pink flowers above slender, onion-scented foliage. Both beautiful and useful in equal measure.