Purple foliage instantly adds drama and richness to any plant collection.
Unlike the common greens, purple-leaved plants stand out, bringing a touch of elegance and mystery to your home or garden.
From trailing vines to upright tropicals, here are ten gorgeous plants with purple leaves you’ll love to grow.
1. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
- Scientific name: Tradescantia pallida
- Light: Bright, indirect to full sun
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix
- USDA Zones: 8-11
Purple heart is a trailing plant known for its deep purple, lance-shaped leaves. It thrives in hanging baskets, containers, or as ground cover in warmer zones.
The more sunlight it gets, the richer its color becomes. In bright light, it may even produce small, delicate pink flowers, adding another layer of charm.
Easy to grow and propagate, purple heart is perfect for beginners who want bold foliage without too much fuss.
2. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
- Scientific name: Oxalis triangularis
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Light, well-draining soil
- USDA Zones: 7-10 (as perennial, indoors elsewhere)
The purple shamrock has butterfly-shaped, triangular purple leaves that fold up at night and reopen in the morning.
Its constantly shifting appearance makes it a lively addition to any windowsill or shelf.
In spring and summer, it may produce clusters of small white or pink flowers.
This plant does best in bright light and looks stunning in decorative pots where its unusual foliage can be appreciated.
3. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
- Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
- USDA Zones: 10-11
Coleus comes in endless varieties with leaves that can be splashed, edged, or completely colored in purple hues.
Some cultivars blend purple with green, pink, or gold for even more vibrancy.
Indoors, it thrives in bright light, while outdoors it makes a stunning bedding or container plant.
Regular pinching encourages bushier growth, making it ideal if you want a full, lush display of dramatic color.
4. Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
- Scientific name: Strobilanthes dyerianus
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- USDA Zones: 8–11
The persian shield is one of the most striking purple-leaved plants you can grow. Its iridescent leaves shimmer in metallic purple and green, catching light beautifully.
Best grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in warm climates, it needs consistent moisture and humidity to thrive.
Pruning helps keep it compact and encourages vibrant new growth. It’s a true statement piece for any collection.
5. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)
- Scientific name: Hemigraphis alternata
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Soil: Moist, well-draining potting soil
- USDA Zones: 10-11
With its textured, crinkled leaves, the purple waffle Plant adds both color and dimension to indoor spaces.
Its rich purple undersides contrast with green tops, making it eye-catching from every angle.
This plant also helps clean indoor air, giving it added benefits beyond its beauty.
It thrives in lower light areas where other colorful plants might struggle, making it a versatile addition to your home.
6. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)
- Scientific name: Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil
- USDA Zones: 9-11
Often grown as an ornamental, the sweet potato vine produces lush, trailing vines with deep purple, heart-shaped leaves.
It works beautifully in hanging baskets or spilling over containers.
While it can be grown indoors, it shines outdoors as a dramatic accent plant.
Given enough sunlight, its foliage remains richly colored and vigorous throughout the growing season.
7. Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’
- Scientific name: Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix
- USDA Zones: 10-11
Calathea ‘Dottie’ is famous for its dark purple leaves accented with vibrant pink outlines.
Like other calatheas, it displays nyctinasty, leaves that rise and fall with the day-night cycle.
This constant movement adds personality, while its bold colors make it a showstopper in any collection.
High humidity and steady moisture are key to keeping its foliage healthy and vibrant.
8. Alternanthera dentata (Purple Knight)
- Scientific name: Alternanthera dentata
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil
- USDA Zones: 10-11
Purple knight is a bold plant with large, dark purple leaves that can grow outdoors in warm climates or indoors with plenty of light.
It’s fast-growing and often used in landscaping for dramatic contrast.
Indoors, it brings that same richness when given a sunny spot. Its foliage deepens in color under stronger light, so placement is key to enjoying its full beauty.
9. Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’
- Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
- USDA Zones: 10-12
Cordyline ‘Purple Compacta’ is an upright tropical plant with glossy, deep purple leaves that bring structure and bold color to interiors.
It works beautifully as a floor plant in living rooms or offices. With proper care, it holds its purple tones year-round.
Consistent watering and moderate humidity are important to keep its foliage lush and free of brown tips.
10. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
- Scientific name: Tradescantia zebrina
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Soil: Moist but well-draining potting mix
- USDA Zones: 9-12
Wandering jew is a trailing plant with purple-and-silver striped leaves that shimmer in the light.
Its foliage color changes depending on the lighting, with more intense purple in brighter conditions.
It’s an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a cascading accent in mixed displays.
Regular pruning keeps it lush and prevents legginess, making it a reliable favorite for color and movement indoors.
See also: Brighten Up Your Home with the Top 5 Best Indoor Plants
