Complete Gardening
Incorporating plants with purple and green leaves into your garden can dramatically enhance its visual appeal. These stunning flora provide a contrasting palette that stands out and complements other garden elements.
From the bold hues of Persian Shield to the delicate shades of Wandering Jew, each plant brings its own unique charm and personality.
Explore these 25 vibrant plants to find the perfect addition to your garden oasis, and enjoy a burst of bold color and texture that will delight your senses all year round.
1. Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
The Persian Shield is a stunning tropical plant, renowned for its striking iridescent purple foliage that glistens with a metallic sheen. The leaves are edged with lush green, creating a vibrant contrast that enhances its visual appeal.
Perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to any garden or indoor space, these plants thrive in warm, humid conditions. To keep the colors bright, ensure they receive plenty of indirect sunlight.
Their bold presence makes them an excellent focal point, and they pair beautifully with other green-leafed plants to create a lush landscape.
2. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Wandering Jew is a charming and versatile plant, adored for its striking striped leaves in shades of purple and green. Each leaf is kissed with a silvery shimmer, adding an elegant touch to its overall appearance.
This plant thrives in hanging baskets, where its trailing vines can cascade gracefully, providing a lush, vibrant display. It’s a hardy choice for indoor and outdoor spaces, preferring bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid colors.
With minimal care, the Wandering Jew becomes a captivating addition, inviting admiration with its unique and colorful foliage.
3. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Coleus offers a dazzling array of colors and patterns, with endless possibilities for vibrant garden displays. The variegated leaves come in a stunning mix of purple and green, providing a striking contrast that enriches any garden bed or container.
Coleus is especially beloved for its adaptability, thriving in both sun and shade, and requiring minimal care. With countless varieties to choose from, each plant brings its own unique flair, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to introduce bold color and texture to their outdoor spaces.
4. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
The Purple Heart is a true gem in any garden with its luxuriant dark purple foliage and charming, delicate pink flowers. Known for its trailing stems, this plant is perfect for creating a cascading effect in containers or as an eye-catching groundcover.
Its dramatic color palette of deep purples draws the eye, providing a bold splash of color against the green landscape. Thriving in warm climates, the Purple Heart is easy to care for, demanding little more than a sunny spot and occasional watering to maintain its vivid hues.
5. Rex Begonia
Rex Begonias are highly prized for their spectacular foliage, showcasing a stunning palette of green, purple, silver, and even touches of red. Each leaf is uniquely patterned, adding an element of intrigue and artistic flair to any setting.
These plants excel in shaded areas, where their dramatic colors truly stand out. While they require a bit more attention, such as regular watering and humidity, the payoff is a continuously captivating display.
Rex Begonias are a perfect choice for those looking to introduce bold, artistic elements into their indoor or shaded outdoor gardens.
6. Calathea ‘Dottie’
Calathea ‘Dottie’ is a striking plant with deep purple undersides contrasting beautifully against vibrant green tops adorned with pink-purple highlights. This tropical beauty thrives in humid conditions, making it an ideal choice for creating a lush, indoor oasis.
While slightly demanding in terms of care, requiring consistent moisture and indirect light, the rewards are well worth it. The unique color patterns of Calathea ‘Dottie’ turn any room into a lively gallery of natural art, captivating onlookers with its bold, dynamic appearance and delightful texture.
7. Oxalis triangularis (Purple Shamrock)
The Oxalis triangularis, also known as the Purple Shamrock, enchants with its distinct triangular leaves in a deep purple hue, accented by subtle green touches. At night, the leaves fold up like delicate butterflies, adding a whimsical touch to any setting.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained soil to keep its vibrant colors and unique leaf movement. Its charming appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts looking to add a playful yet elegant touch to their collections.
8. Alternanthera ‘Purple Knight’
Alternanthera ‘Purple Knight’ captivates with its glossy foliage, shimmering in rich purple and green hues. This low-growing, dense plant is perfect for edging borders or adding texture to container gardens. Its vibrant colors thrive in sunny spots, where the leaves’ metallic sheen can truly shine.
The plant is easy to maintain, requiring minimal watering and care, making it a practical yet visually striking choice for gardeners aiming to introduce bold colors without complicating their routine. Its versatility and eye-catching appearance make it a delightful addition to any garden setting.
9. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
The Ti Plant, or Cordyline fruticosa, stands tall with its sword-like leaves, creating a striking vertical element in any garden or indoor space. Renowned for its vibrant purple and green hues, it adds a touch of drama and exotic flair wherever it’s planted.
This tropical beauty thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys a warm, humid environment. Despite its bold appearance, the Ti Plant is relatively easy to care for, making it accessible to both novice and experienced gardeners seeking to infuse their spaces with a tropical essence.
10. Sweet Potato Vine ‘Sweet Caroline Purple’
Sweet Potato Vine ‘Sweet Caroline Purple’ is a must-have for those looking to add a splash of bold color to their garden. The heart-shaped leaves, drenched in rich purple with subtle green undertones, create a striking visual impact.
Perfect for hanging baskets or as a groundcover, this fast-growing vine thrives in full sun, requiring only regular watering to flourish. Its vibrant foliage adds depth and dimension, creating a lush, inviting environment for any outdoor space.
With minimal maintenance, it offers a dramatic, colorful display throughout the growing season.
11. Iresine herbstii (Bloodleaf)
Iresine herbstii, commonly known as Bloodleaf, dazzles with its vivid purplish foliage intricately veined with green. This bold plant is perfect for adding a splash of drama to any garden or indoor setting.
It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires well-drained soil to maintain its vibrant colors. Although it demands a bit more attention to watering, the breathtaking display of its deeply colored leaves is well worth the effort.
Bloodleaf’s striking appearance makes it a standout choice for those looking to introduce unique and dynamic elements into their plant collection.
12. Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ (Coral Bells)
Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’, commonly known as Coral Bells, boasts ruffled purple leaves with subtle hints of silver and green that shimmer in the shade. This hardy perennial is a favorite for its adaptability and ease of care, thriving in shaded or partially sunny conditions.
Its foliage provides year-round interest, with beautiful color variations that intensify in the cooler months. Ideal for border planting, ‘Plum Pudding’ adds texture and depth to any garden setting, making it an essential choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with elegant, low-maintenance beauty.
13. Chinese Evergreen ‘Red Siam’ (Aglaonema)
The Chinese Evergreen ‘Red Siam’ is a beautiful and resilient houseplant, celebrated for its striking variegated leaves in shades of green and purplish-pink. Renowned for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, this plant is perfect for adding subtle elegance to indoor spaces.
Its hardy nature requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. With its unique color palette and ease of maintenance, ‘Red Siam’ adds a touch of sophistication and vibrancy to any room, enhancing the interior with its natural beauty.
14. Tradescantia spathacea (Moses-in-the-Cradle)
Tradescantia spathacea, commonly known as Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a compact and striking plant with boat-shaped leaves. The vivid green tops contrast beautifully with their deep purple undersides, creating a bold visual effect.
This plant is ideal for container gardening and small spaces, offering a touch of color and texture. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained soil to maintain its vibrant appearance.
Moses-in-the-Cradle’s unique structure and coloration make it a popular choice for those looking to introduce intriguing and low-maintenance plants into their home or garden.
15. Canna ‘Tropicanna Black’
Canna ‘Tropicanna Black’ is a showstopper with its large dark green leaves infused with rich purple tones. This plant is a favorite for adding a tropical flair to garden settings, complemented by its vibrant orange flowers that bloom in the warmer months.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, ‘Tropicanna Black’ is relatively easy to care for, rewarding gardeners with its bold and lush presence.
Its dramatic foliage and striking flowers create a captivating contrast, making it a perfect choice for those looking to infuse their gardens with tropical beauty.
16. Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens’)
Purple Basil, also known as Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpurascens’, is a delightful addition to any herb garden with its rich purple and green leaves. Not only does it offer visual beauty, but its aromatic and flavorful leaves enhance a variety of culinary dishes.
Thriving in sunlit conditions, Purple Basil is easy to grow and maintain, providing both aesthetic and practical benefits. Its bold color and fragrance create a sensory experience in the garden, making it a must-have for those looking to combine ornamental and edible elements in their outdoor spaces.
17. Caladium ‘Royal Flush’
Caladium ‘Royal Flush’ is a stunning plant known for its large heart-shaped leaves that display vibrant shades of purple and green. This shade-loving variety thrives in humid conditions, making it perfect for brightening up darker garden corners.
With minimal maintenance, the plant offers a burst of color and intricate leaf patterns that captivate the eye. Its lush foliage creates a sense of depth and movement, transforming any shaded area into a lively and inviting space.
‘Royal Flush’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their landscapes with unique and colorful foliage.
18. Setcreasea purpurea
Setcreasea purpurea, often used in borders or containers, is a low-growing succulent with long, narrow leaves in shades of purple and green. Its vibrant foliage adds texture and color, making it an attractive choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes.
Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, this plant requires minimal care, perfect for those with busy schedules. Its unique coloration and hardy nature make it a versatile addition to gardens, offering an interesting contrast when paired with other plants or used as a standalone feature in decorative pots.
19. Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ captivates with its vibrant purple-green variegated foliage and striking violet flower spikes. This creeping groundcover is perfect for creating a rich tapestry of colors and textures in your garden.
Thriving in both sun and partial shade, it requires little care, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping. The plant’s dense growth habit helps suppress weeds while providing visual interest year-round.
‘Burgundy Glow’ is a versatile addition to any garden, enhancing borders, paths, or open spaces with its unique and colorful presence.
20. Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’
Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’ is a striking plant with deep purple foliage tinged with green, providing a bold splash of color to gardens in mild climates. Its unique coloration and interesting texture offer year-round visual appeal, making it a valuable addition to any landscape.
The plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun, requiring minimal maintenance once established. With its dramatic appearance and hardy nature, ‘Blackbird’ is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to introduce distinctive and low-maintenance elements into their outdoor spaces, while also providing a habitat for local wildlife.
21. Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’
Kalanchoe ‘Fantastic’ is a truly eye-catching succulent with marbled leaves that blend shades of purple and green, accented by pink edges. This plant thrives in well-drained soil and bright, indirect light, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardens.
Its unique coloration and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for busy plant enthusiasts looking to add a touch of whimsy to their spaces.
The ‘Fantastic’ Kalanchoe’s vibrant appearance and easy-care requirements make it a standout addition to any succulent collection, attracting attention with its distinct and colorful foliage.
22. Photinia ‘Red Robin’
Photinia ‘Red Robin’ is renowned for its striking new growth, which emerges in a vibrant reddish-purple before maturing to a rich green. This fast-growing shrub is commonly used for hedging, providing both privacy and seasonal color variation.
Thriving in sunlit gardens, ‘Red Robin’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage fresh, colorful growth.
Its bold, dynamic foliage adds interest and depth to the landscape, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their outdoor spaces with vibrant, year-round color.
23. Gynura aurantiaca (Purple Passion Plant)
Gynura aurantiaca, often called the Purple Passion Plant, captivates with its velvety green leaves covered in soft purple hairs, creating an exotic appeal. Perfect for indoor settings, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light, adding a touch of mystery and flair to your home decor.
Its unique texture and coloration make it a conversation starter, while its low maintenance requirements make it accessible for beginners. Purple Passion’s lush, velvety appearance brings an element of intrigue and sophistication, enhancing any space with its distinctive and vibrant presence.
24. Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’
Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’ is a dramatic plant with trailing vines of deep purple-black leaves that create an enchanting display in hanging baskets or as groundcover. Known for its fast growth and lush appearance, ‘Blackie’ thrives in full sun and requires regular watering to maintain its vibrant hues.
Its dark foliage adds depth and contrast to garden settings, making it a perfect choice for gardeners looking to introduce bold, dramatic elements. Easy to care for, this plant offers a unique and captivating option for enhancing outdoor spaces with its rich color and texture.
25. Caladium ‘Raspberry Moon’
Caladium ‘Raspberry Moon’ is a spectacular plant known for its lime-green leaves speckled with purple and raspberry-pink blotches. This variety thrives in shaded gardens, where its vibrant colors can brighten even the darkest corners.
Requiring minimal care, this plant excels in humid conditions, offering a luminous display of color and texture. Its unique appearance and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to introduce standout elements into their landscapes.
‘Raspberry Moon’ provides a visually stunning option for enhancing any garden with its delightful and vibrant foliage.