Landscape designers and landscape architects often use dark purple foliage as a strategic element in their designs to elevate the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces while also serving functional purposes. This rich, dramatic hue brings numerous benefits to a garden, making it a favoured choice for both modern and traditional landscapes.
Dianella tasmanica‘NPW2’ PBR Trade Name Blaze™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/blaze-dianella/
One of the key advantages of dark purple foliage is its ability to create contrast. When placed alongside plants with green, silver, or variegated leaves, the deep purple hue creates a striking juxtaposition, making the surrounding greenery appear more vibrant and lively. Furthermore, purple foliage can intensify the brightness of flowers in nearby plants, such as whites, pinks, or yellows, helping them stand out more prominently. This contrast is often employed in garden borders or mixed planting schemes to craft a visually dynamic display.
Dark purple foliage also adds depth to a garden. Its darker shade recedes visually, creating an illusion of distance and helping to break up monotony in wide-open spaces. Designers often incorporate such plants to lead the viewer’s eye across the landscape, adding a sense of intrigue and movement.
Alternanthera dentata ‘LRU30’ PBR Trade Name Little Ruby™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/little-ruby-alternanthera-is-a-compact-ground-cover-emporium-range-hotties/
These plants can be used in various placements depending on the design goals:
- Borders– Dark purple foliage can form striking edges for garden beds. For example, Little Ruby™ Alternanthera works well as a low-growing border, contrasting beautifully with green hedges or flowering perennials.
- Focal Points– Larger shrubs such as certain crepe myrtles can be used as eye-catching focal points. Their bold hues naturally draw attention and can be paired with softer pastel flowers to create a balanced composition.
- Background Plants– Dark purple foliage also makes an excellent backdrop, particularly in mixed shrub borders. Here, plants like Blaze™ Dianella provide depth and allow brighter foliage or blooms in the foreground to shine.
Loropetalum chinense‘PEACK’ PBR.Trade Name Purple Pixie™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/purple-pixie-loropetalum-is-a-groundcover-plant-with-rich-purple-foliage-hardy-exotic-range/
The versatility of dark purple foliage means it complements a wide array of colours, from soft whites and creams to vibrant reds and yellows. Textures are also easily highlighted when purple tones are involved. For example, pairing the rounded leaves of Purple Pixie™ Loropetalum with the feathery plumes of Nafray™ Pennisetum can create a rich and layered aesthetic.
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the most resilient, high-performing and functional purple-leafed plants available in Australia.
Best Plants with Dark Purple Foliage
- Dianella tasmanica‘NPW2’ PBR Trade Name Blaze™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/blaze-dianella/
- Alternanthera dentata‘LRU30’ PBR Trade Name Little Ruby™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/little-ruby-alternanthera-is-a-compact-ground-cover-emporium-range-hotties/
- Loropetalum chinense‘PEACK’ Trade Name Purple Pixie™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/purple-pixie-loropetalum-is-a-groundcover-plant-with-rich-purple-foliage-hardy-exotic-range/
- Lagerstroemia spp‘CM03’ PBR Intended Trade Name Pinky Pink™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/pinky-pink-crepe-myrtle-compact-pink-flowered-drought-hardy-shrub/
Lagerstroemia spp‘CM03’ PBR Intended Trade NamePinky Pink™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/hardy-exotic-range/pinky-pink-crepe-myrtle-compact-pink-flowered-drought-hardy-shrub/
Conclusion
By using dark purple foliage strategically, landscape designers and architects not only enhance the visual impact of a garden but also bring a subtle sense of sophistication. Whether it’s for contrast, depth, texture, or complementing other species, these plants provide endless possibilities for creating engaging and memorable outdoor spaces.