10 Stunning Plants With Purple Leaves for a Bold Garden

Purple foliage instantly adds drama and richness to any plant collection.

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Unlike the common greens, purple-leaved plants stand out, bringing a touch of elegance and mystery to your home or garden.

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From trailing vines to upright tropicals, here are ten gorgeous plants with purple leaves you’ll love to grow.

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1. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

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  • Scientific name: Tradescantia pallida
  • Light: Bright, indirect to full sun
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix
  • USDA Zones: 8-11
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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.

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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.

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Easy to grow and propagate, purple heart is perfect for beginners who want bold foliage without too much fuss.

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2. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

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  • Scientific name: Oxalis triangularis
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil: Light, well-draining soil
  • USDA Zones: 7-10 (as perennial, indoors elsewhere)
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The purple shamrock has butterfly-shaped, triangular purple leaves that fold up at night and reopen in the morning.

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Its constantly shifting appearance makes it a lively addition to any windowsill or shelf.

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In spring and summer, it may produce clusters of small white or pink flowers.

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This plant does best in bright light and looks stunning in decorative pots where its unusual foliage can be appreciated.

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3. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

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  • Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix
  • USDA Zones: 10-11
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Coleus comes in endless varieties with leaves that can be splashed, edged, or completely colored in purple hues.

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Some cultivars blend purple with green, pink, or gold for even more vibrancy.

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Indoors, it thrives in bright light, while outdoors it makes a stunning bedding or container plant.

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Regular pinching encourages bushier growth, making it ideal if you want a full, lush display of dramatic color.

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4. Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)

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  • Scientific name: Strobilanthes dyerianus
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
  • USDA Zones: 8–11
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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.

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Best grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in warm climates, it needs consistent moisture and humidity to thrive.

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Pruning helps keep it compact and encourages vibrant new growth. It’s a true statement piece for any collection.

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5. Purple Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis alternata)

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  • Scientific name: Hemigraphis alternata
  • Light: Low to medium indirect light
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining potting soil
  • USDA Zones: 10-11
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With its textured, crinkled leaves, the purple waffle Plant adds both color and dimension to indoor spaces.

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Its rich purple undersides contrast with green tops, making it eye-catching from every angle.

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This plant also helps clean indoor air, giving it added benefits beyond its beauty.

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It thrives in lower light areas where other colorful plants might struggle, making it a versatile addition to your home.

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6. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)

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  • Scientific name: Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Well-draining soil
  • USDA Zones: 9-11
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Often grown as an ornamental, the sweet potato vine produces lush, trailing vines with deep purple, heart-shaped leaves.

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It works beautifully in hanging baskets or spilling over containers.

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While it can be grown indoors, it shines outdoors as a dramatic accent plant.

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Given enough sunlight, its foliage remains richly colored and vigorous throughout the growing season.

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7. Calathea Roseopicta ‘Dottie’

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  • Scientific name: Calathea roseopicta ‘Dottie’
  • Light: Low to medium indirect light
  • Soil: Moist, well-draining potting mix
  • USDA Zones: 10-11
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Calathea ‘Dottie’ is famous for its dark purple leaves accented with vibrant pink outlines.

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Like other calatheas, it displays nyctinasty, leaves that rise and fall with the day-night cycle.

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This constant movement adds personality, while its bold colors make it a showstopper in any collection.

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High humidity and steady moisture are key to keeping its foliage healthy and vibrant.

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8. Alternanthera dentata (Purple Knight)

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  • Scientific name: Alternanthera dentata
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil
  • USDA Zones: 10-11
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Purple knight is a bold plant with large, dark purple leaves that can grow outdoors in warm climates or indoors with plenty of light.

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It’s fast-growing and often used in landscaping for dramatic contrast.

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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.

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9. Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’

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  • Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa ‘Purple Compacta’
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil
  • USDA Zones: 10-12
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Cordyline ‘Purple Compacta’ is an upright tropical plant with glossy, deep purple leaves that bring structure and bold color to interiors.

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It works beautifully as a floor plant in living rooms or offices. With proper care, it holds its purple tones year-round.

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Consistent watering and moderate humidity are important to keep its foliage lush and free of brown tips.

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10. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

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  • Scientific name: Tradescantia zebrina
  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil: Moist but well-draining potting mix
  • USDA Zones: 9-12
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Wandering jew is a trailing plant with purple-and-silver striped leaves that shimmer in the light.

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Its foliage color changes depending on the lighting, with more intense purple in brighter conditions.

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It’s an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a cascading accent in mixed displays.

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Regular pruning keeps it lush and prevents legginess, making it a reliable favorite for color and movement indoors.

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See also: Brighten Up Your Home with the Top 5 Best Indoor Plants

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