Purple is a stunning and rich color that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. When it comes to Japanese plants, there are several beautiful options that showcase this captivating hue. In this answer, I will introduce you to some of the popular purple Japanese plants, sharing their unique features and potential uses in landscaping.
1. Wisteria floribunda ‘Royal Purple’ (Japanese Wisteria):
This particular cultivar is known for its deep purple flowers that cascade in long, fragrant clusters. The tresses can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in length, creating a captivating display in the garden. Japanese Wisteria is a vigorous climber, making it perfect for training over arbors, pergolas, or along fences. Its enchanting flowers, coupled with its sweet scent, make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts.
2. Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ (Carpet Bugle):
While not exclusively Japanese, this low-growing perennial is often used in Japanese-inspired gardens due to its striking foliage. ‘Burgundy Glow’ features variegated leaves with shades of purple, green, and cream, creating a beautiful carpet-like effect. This plant is suitable for ground cover, borders, or rock gardens, adding texture and color to the landscape.
3. Iris ensata (Japanese Iris):
Japanese Irises are renowned for their large, showy flowers, and they come in various shades of purple. These perennials thrive in moist soil and are often found near water features in traditional Japanese gardens. The elegant blooms of Japanese Iris make them an excellent choice for creating a focal point in a garden bed or near a pond.
4. Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Japanese Maple):
While not exclusively purple, the ‘Atropurpureum’ cultivar of the Japanese Maple boasts deep red to purple foliage. This small tree is prized for its stunning foliage color, which intensifies during the fall season. Japanese Maples are versatile and can be used as specimen trees, in group plantings, or even in containers. Their purple leaves add a touch of drama and sophistication to any garden setting.
5. Allium giganteum (Giant Allium):
These striking bulbous perennials produce large, globe-shaped flowerheads that are a vibrant shade of purple. Giant Alliums can reach heights of up to 4 feet (120 cm), making them an eye-catching addition to borders or mixed perennial beds. Their unique form and color add a touch of whimsy to the garden, and they also make great cut flowers for floral arrangements.
6. Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ (Meadow Sage):
While not of Japanese origin, ‘Caradonna’ is a popular perennial with stunning purple flowers. This Salvia variety features tall, upright spikes of deep purple blooms, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. ‘Caradonna’ is an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to a garden bed or as a backdrop for lower-growing plants. It also has a long blooming period, providing color throughout the summer.
Each of these purple Japanese plants brings its own unique charm and beauty to the garden. Whether you want to create a serene Japanese-inspired space or simply add a pop of purple to your landscape, these plants are sure to captivate and delight both you and your visitors.
