Plants with purple leaves add vibrant hues to outdoor and indoor settings, adding an eye-catching accent. Their unique aesthetic adds flair to houseplants and indoor plants alike.
Purple foliage can be found on many varieties of ornamental shrubs and perennials, such as purple smokebush and tradescantias, tropical houseplants such as caladiums, and certain crops such as New Guinea impatiens, coleus, and coral bells.
Mexican Rose
The Mexican Rose (Anastatica hierochuntica) is an attractive sub-tropical succulent thrives in warm, sunny environments. Forming dense rosette-shaped clumps with striking pink or white flower stalks that pop against dark green leaves, its vibrant blooms appear late winter through summer and are striking against any dark background. Native to Northeastern Mexico and Southern California, its hardiness allows it to flourish outdoors or container-grown – an excellent option for hot, dry gardens!
Rose of Jericho flowers have long been used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions, including diabetes, respiratory ailments, and arthritis. Furthermore, it can induce labor. Unfortunately, little research has been conducted into rose Jericho; therefore, pregnant women should avoid it because its safety during gestation remains unknown, and whether this herb is effective against any specific medical condition is also unknown.
Herbalists use the plant to cleanse the liver and lungs, treat various skin conditions, such as snake bites and insect stings, and promote wound healing. Furthermore, its fresh leaves may be chewed to treat toothaches, while its juice may help ease hepatitis pain and reduce throat inflammation.
The moss rose is an increasingly popular food source. Similar to purslane, but with sweeter notes and lower levels of oxalates. It can be consumed raw or cooked and used as part of soups, stews, and salads; tea can even be made out of this versatile crop! Furthermore, its vibrant hue and unique flavor lend themselves perfectly to baking cakes and pastries!
The moss rose is an easy, low-maintenance addition to any garden. Requiring no direct sun, its care can be minimal, with regular deep watering once weekly being sufficient to ensure survival during summer heat waves. Furthermore, its stunning blooms create an eye-catching feature in any landscape setting and pair beautifully with other colorful plants for striking contrasts in color schemes.
Begonia Rex
Begonia rex is an ever-popular houseplant species known for its vibrant colors and swirled leaves. Many cultivars have been produced from this single species, making it one of the most diverse begonias available for cultivation. Many different methods exist for propagating begonias, such as leaf cuttings, division, and seeds – making rex begonias an ideal beginner plant that fits well into many indoor spaces.
Begonias require bright indirect light for maximum growth; direct sunlight is detrimental and should be avoided as it can scorch their leaves and stems. Placing them in an area with partial sunlight, such as a south-facing windowsill, is ideal. These plants also appreciate humidity, so repotting into containers with drainage holes is helpful to maximize airflow – adding regular potting soil mixed with perlite helps improve drainage while still providing essential nutrients to their bloom.
Rex begonias are moderate feeders and benefit most from being fertilized regularly during their growing season with diluted houseplant fertilizer solutions or fed every two or three weeks during this time of year. Avoid fertilizing them during dormancy as their roots will not absorb it efficiently.
Leaf cuttings are an easy and quick way to propagate begonias. Use a clean razor to cut through the underside of one leaf about 1/4″ from its petiole stem; the cut should produce new plants within weeks! Misting occasionally will increase humidity around your plant, but be wary not to keep it too moist, as this could lead to powdery mildew!
Rex begonias can become infested with mites, so it is wise to check them continuously for signs of infestation. When infestation is identified, cutting back infected leaves and increasing air circulation should help restore their health, while insecticidal soaps or summer oils may also prove effective at controlling mites.
Echeveria Purple Pearl
Echeveria Purple Pearl is a rosette-forming succulent that adds an eye-catching flourish to any garden. Perfect for flower beds, rockeries, and containers, its dark pink leaves feature silver borders to set itself apart from other varieties. Drought-resistant and deer-proof, its coral pink bell-shaped flowers bloom from summer until fall – providing this plant thrives under full sunlight with well-draining soil conditions.
Care is simple for this plant, and propagation can occur quickly via leaf cuttings or division. To take leaf cuttings, carefully twist a healthy leaf away from its parent plant and remove any fleshy material at its base before leaving it to callus for several days before planting it in soil that drains effectively – keeping moisture levels between damp and slightly damp will encourage new roots to form quickly!
Like other Echeveria species, Purple Pearl thrives best in sandy soil mixes that drain well. For optimal color retention, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day are needed; otherwise, it tolerates drought conditions well and requires low maintenance. It thrives indoors or out and tolerates light frost but can become waterlogged if overwatered.
Echeveria Purple Pearl plants may look beautiful but are vulnerable to pest infestation. To control pests effectively, it is vital to provide enough sunlight, water, and nutrients for the plant’s needs – you should also apply natural or chemical pesticides if signs of an infestation appear.
If you prefer not to use pesticides, try keeping your plants healthy. Doing this will lower the likelihood of disease-causing pests such as root rot and leaf spot appearing.
Maintaining healthy echeverias will protect them from pest infestation and strengthen them against frost and harsh conditions. You can increase their health by feeding them properly and giving regular pruning; additionally, applying general fertilizer once every three months would also be advisable.
Weigela
Weigela is an attractive shrub perfect for the landscape and ideal for drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden. Low-maintenance perennial flowering shrubs such as Weigela can add color in both spring and fall – full sun or part shade environments are suitable; preferring well-draining soil over water-logged conditions is best; most varieties are hardy in zones 4 through 8.
To grow Weigela from seed, begin by pinching off all but the top set of leaves on each stem and dipping its tips in rooting hormone to encourage faster growth. After several weeks have passed, and once your tiny seedlings have developed roots, they are ready for transplanting outdoors in their permanent position.
When planting Weigelas, dig holes slightly larger than their original nursery container or root ball. Carefully insert each plant, using your fingers to spread out its rootball before filling up with soil mixture and lightly tamping lightly to eliminate air pockets before thoroughly watering to settle the area around the plants.
Weigela can grow in both full sun and partial shade environments, though full sun environments tend to produce the highest flower bloom. But this is just an approximate rule; variegated foliage weigelas such as “My Monet” change colors depending on light level – with whiter leaves in shade areas becoming pinker in full sunlight.
Though weigelas tend to be pest-free, occasional intruders such as aphids may still cause issues. If this happens on your weigela, look for signs such as white cotton-like spots on its leaves or tiny holes along its leaf margins that might indicate infestation. When this happens, treat with natural insecticide or horticultural oil such as neem oil.
Weigela can be used in flower beds or borders in more extensive gardens. Some weigela cultivars are more compact than others, making them suitable for smaller yards or containers. Most varieties will look attractive planted anywhere within their landscapes – alone or as part of an informal or formal hedgerow.
