When planning a garden, choosing the right ground cover can make a big difference in bringing color and interest to the landscape. Many gardeners look for ground covers that bloom in spring to provide a welcome burst of color after the dreariness of winter. Purple flowers can add vibrancy and complement spring greenery beautifully. There are a number of excellent options for purple-flowering ground covers that thrive in spring. Read on to learn about some of the best purple ground cover flowers that blossom in spring.
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Periwinkle
One of the most popular purple flowering ground covers for spring is periwinkle (Vinca minor). This fast-spreading evergreen plant bursts into flower in early spring, often in March or April. The small purple blooms appear before the leaves are fully out, creating a carpet of color. Periwinkle thrives in shade and shelter, making it an ideal underplanting for trees and shrubs. It grows only 4-6 inches tall but spreads indefinitely. The glossy green leaves persist even after the flowers finish. There are also white flowered cultivars of periwinkle available.
Growing Conditions
Periwinkle prefers moist, well-drained soil and does best in partial to full shade exposures. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. Established plants have moderate drought tolerance. Periwinkle can survive winters even in colder northern climates when planted in a sheltered spot.
Care
Periwinkle requires little maintenance throughout the season. It has few pest or disease problems. Trimming it back after flowering can encourage a second bloom later in spring. It spreads aggressively so some containment may be needed in smaller spaces.
Dead Nettle
Another excellent purple flowering ground cover for shade is dead nettle (Lamium species). This mat-forming perennial blooms profusely in spring and also has showy foliage. The clusters of small hooded purple flowers appear on short stalks above the leaves in April and May. Popular species include spotted dead nettle (L. maculatum), purple dragon dead nettle (L. purpureum), and red dead nettle (L. purpureum ‘Roseum’).
Growing Conditions
Dead nettles thrive in partial to full shade with moist, nutrient-rich soil. They can handle a range of soil pH levels. Established plants have good drought tolerance. Dead nettles are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Care
These plants need little care when grown in appropriate conditions. The main maintenance required is cutting back spent flower stems and occasional weeding. Containment of spread may be necessary in some cases. Pinching off flower heads before they set seed can reduce unwanted spread.
Purple Heart
For a durable, low maintenance purple ground cover, consider growing purple heart (Tradescantia pallida). Also known as purple queen, this vigorous perennial has striking dark purple foliage and small pinkish-purple flowers that appear in spring. The leaves are long, pointed ovals that retain their rich color throughout the growing season. The trailing stems spread along the ground indefinitely, making a dense mat.
Growing Conditions
Purple heart adapts to a variety of conditions but does best in full sun and dry to medium moisture levels. It can handle poor, rocky soil. Once established it is quite drought tolerant. This species is hardy to zone 7.
Care
Purple heart requires minimal care beyond occasional watering during dry spells. It is not finicky about soil fertility. Little pruning or deadheading is needed. Since it can spread aggressively, containment around the edges may be necessary. Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot.
Purple Bellflower
For a beautiful, clump-forming purple ground cover, try growing purple bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana), also known as Serbian bellflower. Starting in early summer, plants produce a profusion of star-shaped violet-blue flowers that rise above tidy mounds of narrow green leaves. Blooming continues off and on until fall.
Growing Conditions
Purple bellflower thrives in full sun to partial shade and average moisture levels with well-draining soil. It grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads steadily to form a dense ground cover patch. Hardy in zones 4-8.
Care
This versatile perennial needs minimal care when grown in suitable conditions. Cut back finished flower stems and remove damaged foliage as needed. Divide dense clumps every 2-3 years to encourage vigor. Avoid wet soils in winter.
Creeping Phlox
For a classic and charming spring ground cover, creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is hard to beat. This low, mat-forming perennial explodes into color in early spring. Blankets of small, five-petaled blooms cover the carpet of needle-like evergreen foliage. Popular varieties include ‘Purple Beauty’ and ‘Red Wings’ as well as mixes with both purple and magenta blooms.
Growing conditions
Creeping phlox thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. It grows only 4-6 inches tall but spreads readily. Once established it has good drought tolerance. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Care
Prune spent flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh growth. This plant needs occasional division every few years to look its best. Avoid overwatering for best growth. It has no serious pest or disease problems.
Purple Clover
For an easy-care edible ground cover, consider planting fields of purple clover (Trifolium pratense). This cool season annual legume grows low to the ground and fixes nitrogen in the soil. It blooms prolifically with spherical deep purple flower heads in early spring. The foliage is deep green and three-lobed.
Growing Conditions
Purple clover thrives in full sun to partial shade and a range of soils. It enjoys cool weather and self-seeds readily. Just scatter seeds where plants are desired. No need to amend soil. Hardy in zones 3-10 and reseeds itself.
Care
Purple clover is easy to grow and needs no special care. It can simply be left alone to grow or mowed occasionally. No watering, fertilizing or pruning is needed. Be sure to allow some plants to reseed if you wish it to return each year.
Ajuga
Ajuga makes a nice choice for a purple flowering ground cover that also offers interesting foliage. Also known as bugleweed, it forms a dense carpet of purple-tinged oval leaves. The compact growth habits to 4-8 inches tall. In spring it produces short spikes of purple flowers on upright stems above the foliage mat. Popular varieties include ‘Burgundy Glow’, ‘Purpurea’ and ‘Catlin’s Giant’.
Growing Conditions
Ajuga thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It spreads rapidly to form dense patches. Established plants have good drought tolerance. Hardy in zones 4-10. Does well in cool climates.
Care
This vigorous grower takes minimal care once established. Water occasionally in very dry periods. Cut back spent flower stems to encourage tidiness. Divide dense clumps every 2-3 years to refresh. Minimal disease or pest problems.
Speedwell
For a quick-spreading purple-flowered ground cover, try growing speedwell (Veronica species). These spring bloomers form mounds of fresh green foliage and send up abundant spires of purple flowers starting in early spring. Species like common speedwell (V. officinalis), thymeleaf speedwell (V. serpyllifolia) and creeping speedwell (V. filiformis) are great options.
Growing Conditions
Speedwells are not picky and adapt to various conditions. Most prefer partial shade and medium to dry moisture levels. Hardy in zones 4-8. They spread readily to form dense patches.
Care
Speedwell care is minimal – mostly occasional watering during drought and cutting back spent flower stems as needed. These plants have few problems with pests or diseases. Divide clumps every few years to encourage vigor.
Woodland Violet
Another classic purple-flowered ground cover for spring is the woodland violet (Viola papilionacea). This hardy perennial produces mounds of heart-shaped green foliage and charming five-petaled purple blooms that appear early in the spring. It spreads steadily via rhizomes to form attractive carpets.
Growing Conditions
Woodland violet thrives in dappled shade and evenly moist, humus-rich soil. Plants reach 4-9 inches tall. Established violets tolerate drought. Hardy in zones 4-8. Does well under trees and shrubs.
Care
Water woodland violets during dry spells. Cut back foliage occasionally to keep plant looking fresh. Division can help maintain vigor but is not mandatory. This species has few problems with pests or diseases.
Purple Saxifrage
Saxifrage offers loads of charm along with early season purple blooms. Purple saxifrage (Saxifraga opppositifolia) bursts into flower in late spring, with loose panicles of small purple-spotted white blooms hovering delicately over low mounds of foliage. The tiny spoon-shaped leaves form a dense evergreen mat.
Growing Conditions
Purple saxifrage thrives in partial shade to full shade with evenly moist, humus-rich soil. Its short stature reaches just 4-8 inches tall but it spreads readily. Hardy in zones 4-9. Does well under trees.
Care
This carefree plant needs little attention. Water during dry periods. Cut back flower stems after blooming finishes. Division can help maintain vigor but is not mandatory. It has no serious pest or disease issues.
Purple Rock Cress
For a versatile, hardy purple bloomer, consider planting purple rock cress (Aubrieta deltoidea). This low-growing perennial produces clouds of small purple flowers on trailing stems starting in early spring. Its gray-green leaves form a dense carpet. The blooms appear before foliage is fully out.
Growing Conditions
Purple rock cress thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can adapt to poor, rocky conditions. Plants reach just 4-6 inches tall but spread steadily. Once established it has good drought tolerance. Hardy in zones 4-8.
Care
Easy to grow, this plant needs little care. Cut back spent flowers as needed. Avoid overwatering. Division can help maintain vigor but is not critical. No major pest or disease concerns.
Purple Leaf Wintercreeper
For low evergreen ground cover with a pop of spring color, purple leaf wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’) is a fine choice. The oval green leaves of this woody vine take on a dramatic purple hue in cooler weather. In spring it bears small, starry purple flowers. The vining stems creep along the ground indefinitely.
Growing Conditions
Wintercreeper thrives in partial shade to full sun with average moisture levels. It tolerates a range of soils and exposures. Hardy to zone 5. Grows just 4-6 inches tall but spreads readily.
Care
This tough plant requires minimal care. Prune as needed to contain spread or promote bushiness. Water during drought. Little fertilizing or division needed. Avoid planting where invasive.
Purple Shamrock
For an unusual purple flowering ground cover, try growing purple shamrock (Oxalis triangularis). This plant produces a trio of heart-shaped, deep purple foliage. In early spring, dainty white or pale pink flowers rise above the leaves on slender stems. Foliage color is brightest in cooler weather.
Growing Conditions
Purple shamrock does best in partial shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil. It appreciates humidity. Plants reach 4-6 inches tall and spread by rhizomes and self-seeding. Hardy in zones 9-11.
Care
Water purple shamrock when soil is partly dry. Cut back spent flower stems. Light fertilizing can encourage growth. Dig up and divide clumps every few years to renew vigor. Provide winter mulch in cooler climates. Inside as a houseplant is another option.
Purple Dragon’s Eye
Dragon’s eye (Phedimus ‘Psuedocamellia’) offers unusual foliage and pretty purple spring blooms. The thick succulent leaves are green with creamy white margins. Small starry purple flowers appear in early spring on short stalks. Foliage takes on red hues in winter.
Growing conditions
Dragon’s eye thrives in full sun and dry to medium moisture levels. Good drainage is a must. It tolerates poor, gravelly soil. Plants form a slowly spreading mat to around 4 inches tall. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Care
Dragon’s eye needs little care. Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot. Cut off spent bloom stalks as desired. Well-drained soil and full sun prevent most pest/disease issues.
Conclusion
When planning a new landscape or looking to add some color to established beds, consider incorporating one of these excellent purple flowering ground covers for spring. They provide eye-catching color in the early season garden along with foliage interest or cover. Choices like creeping phlox, periwinkle and dead nettle grown quickly to form carpets of spring blooms year after year. For edible as well as ornamental value, plant purple clover. Versatile evergreen choices like wintercreeper and dragon’s eye offer cooler weather color as well. With minimal care required for most, spring flowering purple ground covers are an easy way to brighten up the garden.