Purple lilies truly stand out as some of the most captivating members of the flower family. They strike a perfect harmony between the enchanting shades of blue and the passionate allure of red, making them a remarkable addition to any garden or floral arrangement. Who knows, you might even find yourself compelled to cultivate these beauties in your own garden.
Within this list, you’ll have the pleasure of exploring various lily varieties, including the exquisite calla lily, all of which are bound to ignite your inspiration.
1. Zantedeschia Odessa
Zantedeschia, the scientific moniker for calla lilies, brings an air of mystique and enchantment, particularly when it comes to this deep purple variety. It exudes a captivating allure, often attracting people with a penchant for the gothic aesthetic, while garden enthusiasts appreciate its low-maintenance nature.
It’s worth noting that the intensity of its color can be so profound that it’s occasionally mistaken for a black version of the calla plant.
These dark violet lilies typically grace us with their blooms from June until the arrival of the frosty season.
What makes them even more appealing is their ease of cultivation; they thrive in various settings, whether in containers or directly in the soil. However, it’s essential to exercise caution, as they can become a tad invasive in certain states and regions.
If you’re keen on showcasing the rich purple hues of the Odessa variety, consider pairing it with contrasting white flowers, like the Casa Blanca lily, for a truly stunning visual contrast.
2. Zantedeschia Captain Violetta
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, we encounter the delightful light violet calla variety known as Captain Violetta. Its fragile trumpet-shaped blossoms beautifully showcase the soft hues that define this particular cultivar. This inherent quality also makes it an excellent choice as a cut flower, perfect for adorning table centerpieces or gracing bridal bouquets when paired with the Odessa variety.
Captain Violetta exhibits a remarkable versatility in its companionship with other lilies of various colors, including shades of pink, orange, and yellow. However, it’s undeniable that when combined with its purple counterpart, it truly steals the spotlight.
The burst of colors it offers can transport you to memories of vibrant summer sunsets or the promise of a new day at sunrise.
It’s worth noting that these captivating inspirations might just ignite your desire to cultivate calla plants, allowing you to bask in their beauty throughout the year.
3. Zantedeschia Purple Sensation
The Purple Sensation calla lily offers the perfect velvety remedy for your purple cravings. With its remarkably vibrant and deeply saturated hue, this calla plant goes above and beyond, producing an abundance of calla blossoms during the summer. Their sheer beauty is so breathtaking that you could easily mistake them for meticulously crafted artificial blooms.
The Purple Sensation lily flower serves as a wonderful middle ground if you intend to showcase it alongside other calla varieties within the same color family.
Furthermore, you have the option of arranging multiple purple flowers together for a striking display, or you could opt for the simplicity of a single, gorgeously purple bloom placed in a plain glass bottle. In either case, this cultivar is bound to leave you spellbound with its exquisite charm and vitality.
4. Zantedeschia Captain Prado
Naturally captivating and infused with deep, rich colors, the unadorned, fluted blossoms of Captain Prado exude an unmistakable elegance. Their warm purples and ravishing reds set these calla blossoms apart, even among the diverse array of lily varieties. If you’re in search of flowers that seamlessly blend magic with vibrancy, Captain Prado stands as your ultimate choice.
For those who love the electric purple hues of these flowers, consider mixing them with other calla blossoms to craft a harmonious purple bouquet that’s sure to enchant.
You can also get creative by incorporating Captain Prado flowers alongside other types of lilies, like the Asiatic lilies, which offer a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes for a captivating arrangement.
Alternatively, opt for the timeless elegance of displaying a single Captain Prado bloom in a slender vial or a fluted, transparent glass bottle. Such floral arrangements never cease to lift our spirits and add a touch of charm to any space.
5. Zantedeschia Lavender Gem
If you’re in search of a delicately feminine pastel lily flower, look no further than the Lavender Gem. With its gracefully formed blooms featuring slightly wavy edges, this cultivar is the perfect addition to your home, whether in containers to enhance your indoor and outdoor spaces or planted directly in the ground if you’re lucky enough to enjoy warm climates year-round.
The Lavender Gem’s charm lies in its ability to please the eye with its pleasing colors, even for those who typically prefer darker lilies. It strikes that elusive balance between beauty and simplicity, a quality that can be challenging to find in some other varieties.
The best part is, caring for this lily cultivar is a breeze. Offer it the most basic care, and it will generously reward you with an abundance of exquisite flowers. So, if you’re truly drawn to the Lavender Gem, rest assured that with minimal effort, it will grace your surroundings with its timeless allure.
6. Zantedeschia Captain Paris
This particular variety, often referred to as Pacific Callas, goes by the name Captain Paris. It boasts a rich purple hue infused with captivating burgundy undertones. One can’t help but admire how the warm reddish-purple tones of the calla flowers pop against the lush, jade green foliage of the plant.
While it may not possess the same depth and darkness as the Odessa variety, envision the possibility of planting both Captain Paris and Odessa together to create the gothic garden of your dreams. This unique combination would certainly lend your garden a distinctive touch that sets it apart from the rest.
Now, for those who don’t have a green thumb, fret not. You can always procure these captivating blooms from your favorite florists. Adoring flowers doesn’t necessitate growing them yourself, after all.
If you’re on the hunt for dark lilies, consider pairing Captain Paris with other varieties boasting similarly deep hues, such as the Black Pearl Asiatica or the Midnight Mystery Asiatica. Such a floral arrangement is bound to delight your inner goth while paying homage to your love for the beauty of nature.
7. Zantedeschia Amethyst
For all you calla enthusiasts out there who have a penchant for purple blossoms with a hint of pink, allow me to introduce you to the delightful Amethyst calla lily. These exquisite calla flowers are the epitome of beauty and femininity, making them a seamless addition to a wide range of summer centerpieces and bouquets. Their candy-like colors evoke a sense of sweetness and innocence that’s truly captivating.
Much like most calla plants, caring for the Amethyst variety is a breeze. Offer it the simplest of care, and in return, it will generously bless you with a profusion of flowers from the heart of summer right through to the fall.
Growing calla lilies entails providing them with a few basic necessities: bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering. These requirements are by no means daunting, making the cultivation of calla varieties a delightful endeavor. And if you’re feeling creative, don’t hesitate to plant different calla varieties side by side or mix them in with other lilies for a garden that’s bursting with color and charm.
8. Zantedeschia Captain Promise
Allow me to introduce you to the exquisite Captain Promise, a calla lily variety that graces us with rich medium shades of purple blooms. If you’re in search of those cozy, warm purple tones for your calla blossoms, then this beauty might just be the perfect fit for your garden.
What sets Captain Promise apart is the delicate striations on its fluted petals, lending the flower a textured and opulent appearance. In essence, much like its namesake, this splendid calla blossom is brimming with potential and promise.
Typically, calla plants reach a height of around 16 inches, and Captain Promise adheres to this norm. Originally hailing from South Africa, these resilient plants can thrive in various locations, provided they receive the appropriate amount of sunlight, temperature, and water. For those residing in chillier regions, consider giving them a little extra care by digging them up and bringing them indoors during the winter months to ensure their well-being.
9. Zantedeschia Black Forest
Here’s another entrancing addition to the realm of dark-colored calla blossoms, sure to beckon the enigmatic allure of gothic gardens. It’s a striking variant within the world of lilies, appearing almost as black as the night, but as you delve closer, the dark purple hues emerge from the heart of the flower, gradually transitioning into a sumptuous wine color along the edges. While you’ve come across other dark purple calla varieties, the Black Forest promises to captivate even the most shadowed hearts.
Now, just envision gardens graced by calla plants boasting a variety of dark purple flowers. These mysteriously beautiful blooms would create a mesmerizing contrast against the lush green foliage, turning every inch of your garden into a realm of wonder and drama.
You too can infuse your space with enchanting darkness and profound mystique by introducing the Black Forest into your garden. Give it a try, and you might find your garden blooming with magical dark purple calla flowers in no time, casting their unique spell of beauty.
10. Zantedeschia Captain Reno
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Captain Reno, a flower with a profoundly dark and intriguing allure. Its color palette resembles that of a luscious, deep purple grape, showcasing a captivating blend of various purple shades, including a rich maroon hue. If you’re considering adding calla plants to your garden, this dark purple beauty might just be the irresistible choice you’ve been searching for.
What’s particularly appealing about Captain Reno is its ability to harmoniously complement a wide array of flowers, ranging from Tiger lilies to Liliums, thanks to its captivating darker shades.
Picture this: a garden bed adorned with a mesmerizing blend of lilies in hot pink, vibrant orange, and scarlet red, all working in harmony to accentuate the enchanting purple-blue tones of Captain Reno. It’s a vision that’s truly captivating and one that’s highly recommended for those seeking a dynamic burst of color in their garden.
11. Zantedeschia Black Star
The Black Star lily is indeed a star in its very own right. Most gardeners love it because of the deep purple saturation that leans towards the blue spectrum instead of warmer reds and burgundies.
Some people mistake the color as being black, and we can’t blame them because of the intense tone of the shade. However, if you look closer, the colors are more similar to the deep aubergine tones of a dark eggplant-purple.
The Black Star calla plants would be the most perfect additions to any garden, whether they’re gothic or simply in need of some drama. So, if you’re looking to add even more spectacle, pair the Black Star with some white calla plants and watch the drama unfold right before your very eyes.
Or better yet, group the Black Star with some purple calla blooms as well as those in pinks, scarlet, bright reds, and maroons for that spectacular floral show.Step into the enchanting world of Captain Reno, a flower with an irresistibly dark and intriguing allure. Its color palette mirrors that of a succulent, deep purple grape, featuring a captivating medley of purple shades, including a sumptuous maroon hue. If you’re contemplating the addition of calla plants to your garden, this dark purple gem could be the very choice you’ve been yearning for.
One of the most alluring qualities of Captain Reno is its remarkable ability to effortlessly complement an extensive array of other flowers. Whether you have Tiger lilies or Liliums in your garden, this calla’s captivating darker shades will seamlessly blend in.
Now, picture this: a garden bed adorned with a mesmerizing fusion of lilies in shades of hot pink, vibrant orange, and scarlet red. Together, they create a harmonious symphony of colors, each hue enhancing and accentuating the enchanting purple-blue tones of Captain Reno. It’s a vision that’s nothing short of captivating and comes highly recommended for those in search of a garden bursting with dynamic and harmonious color.
12. Zantedeschia Picasso
Allow me to introduce you to the crown jewel of the purple calla lily family – the Picasso. This particular cultivar effortlessly commands attention with its seamless fusion of purple and white tones within a single flower. It’s a living testament to the art of captivating an audience without breaking a sweat, and its name tells you everything you need to know.
As you fix your gaze upon the Picasso, you’ll be captivated by the inner Purple Heart’s graceful transition into a creamy white hue, adorning the entire blossom with an aura of both high fashion and understated elegance.
In truth, the Picasso variety of the lily lives up to its name, especially when it’s planted or grouped in abundance. When viewed from a distance, it evokes a visual masterpiece reminiscent of Picasso’s renowned Pastiche painting, where white and purple spots dance in harmonious rhythm.
For those who want to emphasize its gradient colors, consider pairing this captivating cultivar with pure purple liliopsid genus blooms. Alternatively, venture into creative combinations, such as Picasso alongside pure white calla blossoms or in the company of shades like pink and yellow. As you embark on the rewarding journey of growing calla plants, particularly with this remarkable cultivar, you may discover your garden transforming into a living masterpiece, paying homage to the artistic genius it’s named after.
13. Day Lily
Daylilies, sometimes spelled daylilies, may resemble true lilies, but they’re actually more closely related to the onion family than the Lilium family. The key distinction lies in how their stems and leaves grow.
One of the simplest ways to differentiate daylilies from true lilies is by examining their growth pattern. Daylilies sport strapping leaves that emerge from multiple stems at the base, setting them apart from their true lily counterparts.
These versatile plants come in a multitude of colors, ranging from vibrant monochromatic tones to variegated and striking combinations. However, it’s the deeper, darker shades among them that truly radiate with vibrancy and allure.
Much like their botanical look-alikes, daylilies thrive in well-draining soil, provided they’re placed in a location that basks in at least six hours of sunlight daily. These show-stopping plants are a fantastic choice for creating hedges and borders, as they dazzle with a spectacular display of colors when planted en masse. For a touch of the exotic and tropical in your garden, consider grouping these marvelous plants together to create a captivating landscape that’s sure to turn heads.
14. Camas Lily
Formerly known as Camassia, this lily goes by many other names, including Indian hyacinth and wild hyacinth. But the similarities don’t stop at the names. The Camas lily boasts stunning bluish-purple flowers that echo the captivating lavender tones of fragrant hyacinths, with its lavender color being a particular standout.
In North America, you can easily spot Camas lilies flourishing abundantly in well-hydrated meadows.
What makes Camas lilies even more interesting is their membership in the asparagus family and their status as an edible plant. People have been known to dig up their roots for consumption, either fresh or after boiling them.
In fact, some even turn boiled Camas lily juice mixed with honey into herbal cough medicine. These versatile lilies are a popular choice in wildflower gardens, where their violet flowers frequently find their way into floral arrangements as charming cut flowers.
15. Lily of the Nile
The Lily of the Nile, scientifically known as Agapanthus, belongs to the Amaryllis family. It often goes by the name African lily, stemming from its origins in South Africa, coincidentally near the Nile River.
This remarkable lily has found its way into many gardens due to its extraordinary ease of cultivation, requiring minimal care while gracing the landscape with abundant, stunning purple flower clusters.
Lily of the Nile plants can reach heights of up to six feet, and when the flowering season arrives, your garden transforms into a mesmerizing display of pastel purple fireworks, swaying in the breeze.
The ancient Greeks bestowed profound meaning upon these purple lilies by naming them Agapanthus, a word derived from “agape,” meaning love, and “anthos,” meaning flower. Symbolically, the Lily of the Nile is considered the flower of love, a tribute to its graceful and enchanting blooms.
16. Lily of the Incas
The Lily of the Incas, with its enchanting name, is also known as the Peruvian Lily, owing to its native roots in South America. Some garden enthusiasts prefer to use its scientific name, Alstroemeria, to refer to this stunning plant.
Thanks to its widespread popularity, the Lily of the Incas has become a natural resident in gardens across the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, Madeira, Australia, and the Canary Islands.
This perennial beauty takes center stage by showcasing its lovely purple blossoms in late spring or early summer. While it boasts a dazzling array of flower colors, including pink, orange, red, yellow, and white, it’s worth noting that the Lily of the Incas can potentially trigger allergies in some individuals due to its toxins.
To fully appreciate this vibrant plant, it’s best to admire it from a respectful distance. After all, you wouldn’t want to be inadvertently intoxicated by the allure of this captivating flower.
17. Sword Lily
Sword lilies are also known as gladiolus since they resemble the swords of Roman gladiators. This perennial flowering plant belongs to the iris genus. Sword lilies spread by growing corms underground, quickly filling up garden areas with their delicate flowers on lance-like inflorescences.
The sword lily comes in a variety of colors, and some of them sport variegated flowers. Note that these plants can be found naturally in Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean parts of Europe.
Sword lilies symbolize the strength of character, sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity. A significant symbol for this flower is that in Mexico, it is common to see sword lilies as floral decorations during the Day of the Dead, as they pay their respect with it.
18. Lily Turf
The lily turf is not a real lily since it belongs to the Liriope genus, which is under the asparagus family. It has other names in the horticultural community, such as border grass, monkey grass, and big blue lilyturf.
This is due to the evergreen grass-like appearance in addition to its foliage and the profusion of lilac-colored flowers in the summer. These flowers, in turn, produce berries with single seeds during autumn.
Lily turf is planted in some residential gardens as well as in some commercial ones for its beauty as a floral filler.
Its long-lasting shelf life has made it highly popular in centerpieces and bouquets. Some states consider this plant a threat to native wildlife, so if you’re looking to plant lily turf in your area, you should consider checking with your local wildlife authorities.
Facts
Natural Beauty:
Purple lilies are naturally occurring flowers with deep violet to light lavender hues.
Botanical Diversity:
Each purple lily variety—calla, Asiatic, and daylilies—has its own qualities.
Symbolism:
Royalty, elegance, admiration, and magic make purple lilies popular for special occasions.
Meaning in Culture:
Different cultures associate purple lilies with purity and rejuvenation.
Garden Variety:
Purple lilies can grow in pots or open soil with sufficient care.
Companion Plants:
They contrast with white flowers and other lily species to create vivid garden displays.
Indoor Decor:
Purple lilies like calla lilies are elegant cut flowers for interior decorations.
Easy Care:
Purple lilies are low-maintenance and need well-draining soil, sunshine, and watering.
Edible Varieties:
Lilies like the Camas are edible, with their roots utilised in traditional cuisine and herbal medicines.
Environmental Impact:
Purple flowers attract bees and butterflies, making the local ecosystem more diverse.
Conclusion
Caring for lilies that grace your garden with beautiful purple blossoms is an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. With these stunning flowers, you have the choice to opt for purple tones that evoke a sense of peace and serenity or ones that infuse your garden with drama and excitement.
What’s even better is that tending to purple lilies isn’t as intricate as it may seem. Most lilies with purple blooms are surprisingly easy to cultivate and maintain, making the experience all the more enjoyable. So go ahead and explore our list of purple-colored lilies, and bring their enchanting beauty right to your doorstep!
FAQs
Can cooler climates grow purple lilies?
Purple lilies can be grown in colder climates with adequate care and protection in winter.
Do purple lilies need special soil?
Purple lily thrive in well-draining soil but aren’t picky. Add organic materials to the soil to boost growth.
How can purple lilies avoid frequent pests and diseases?
Aphids, mites, and fungal infections should be checked on lilies regularly. Proper pest control and garden cleanliness can help.
Are there deadly purple lilies?
Yes, several lily kinds, especially leaves and bulbs, are poisonous to pets. They must be out of reach.
Purple lilies should be planted when?
Purple lilies are planted in spring or autumn, depending on the variety, to build roots before blooming.
Should I plant purple lilies from seeds or bulbs?
Lilies can be grown from seeds, but bulbs are faster and more reliable.
Purple lilies: how often to water?
Purple lilies prefer damp soil. Water them regularly, especially during dry seasons, but avoid waterlogging.
Purple lilies: can I grow more?
Purple lilies can be propagated by dividing mature bulbs in autumn. This rejuvenates and propagates plants.
Where should I put purple lilies in my garden?
Depending on the kind, purple lilies grow in full to partial sunshine. Provide enough light for optimum growth.
Do purple lilies need fertilisation?
Purple lilies benefit from spring-applied balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes luxuriant growth but fewer blossoms.
