Plants with purple leaves get their coloring from anthocyanin pigments, the same class of compounds responsible for red autumn foliage and the skin color of grapes and blueberries, produced in concentrations high enough to overwhelm the green chlorophyll underneath. Because that pigment production generally intensifies with stronger light and cooler temperatures, most purple-leaved plants show their deepest, most saturated color in full sun and tend to fade toward plain green when grown in heavy shade.
That shared mechanism runs across an enormous range of otherwise unrelated plants, from towering shade trees to low groundcovers to backyard vegetables, which is part of why purple foliage shows up so consistently across garden design regardless of climate or plant type. Several of the plants on this list are solid purple throughout, while others show the color concentrated in specific zones, undersides, or growth stages rather than across the entire leaf.
These plants span native North American woodlands, cultivated European trees, and tropical houseplants, with growth habits ranging from towering trees to trailing groundcovers. What follows covers 56 plants known for purple leaves, along with where each one grows and the data behind its coloring.
Persian Shield
Persian shield is native to Myanmar, displaying leaves with an iridescent, metallic purple sheen over a green base most visible along the veins. A mature plant typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall, with color most intense in bright, indirect light.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States and as a houseplant in colder climates.
Purple Waffle Plant
Purple waffle plant is native to Malaysia, displaying deeply quilted, puckered leaves in mixed bronze-purple and green tones. A mature plant typically reaches 6 to 12 inches tall, spreading via trailing stems that root at each node.
It’s grown as a houseplant worldwide, favoring bright, indirect light and consistent humidity.
Purple Passion Plant
Purple passion plant is native to Java, displaying green leaves entirely covered in fine purple hairs that give the whole plant a rich purple sheen. A mature plant can trail or climb several feet, with the purple coating most pronounced on new growth.
It’s grown as a houseplant worldwide, requiring bright light to maintain the intensity of its coating.
Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew, botanically Tradescantia zebrina, is native to Mexico and Central America, displaying olive-green leaves with 2 broad silvery-purple stripes and a solid purple underside. A mature plant trails several feet, rooting readily at each node.
It’s grown as a houseplant and groundcover in warm climates throughout the United States.
Purple Heart
Purple heart, botanically Tradescantia pallida, is native to eastern Mexico, displaying narrow, pointed leaves in a deep violet-purple that intensifies dramatically in full sun. A mature plant sprawls or trails, typically staying under a foot tall while spreading considerably wider.
It grows as a groundcover in warm climates and as a houseplant elsewhere throughout the United States.
Purple Shamrock
Purple shamrock, botanically Oxalis triangularis, is native to Brazil, displaying deep burgundy-purple, triangular leaflets that fold shut at night and reopen in bright conditions. A mature plant typically reaches 6 to 12 inches tall, going dormant periodically and regrowing from underground bulbs.
It grows as a houseplant and warm-climate garden perennial throughout the United States.
Bloodleaf
Bloodleaf, botanically Iresine herbstii, is native to Brazil, displaying deep red-purple leaves with vivid pink to purple veins running throughout. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall, with coloring most intense in full sun.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States and as a houseplant in colder climates.
Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’
Coral bells ‘Palace Purple’ is a cultivar of a plant native to North America, displaying glossy, maple-shaped leaves in a deep bronze-purple shade. A mature clump typically reaches 12 to 18 inches tall, sending up tall, wiry flower stalks in late spring.
It grows as a garden perennial throughout temperate regions of the United States, tolerating both sun and partial shade.
Purple Coleus
Purple coleus, including cultivars bred for deep, saturated color, is derived from species native to Southeast Asia. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall in a single growing season, with color intensity varying by cultivar and light exposure.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States, thriving in both sun and shade depending on the cultivar.
Purple Ti Plant
Purple Ti plant, including cultivars with deep burgundy-purple foliage, is native to Australia and the western Pacific islands. A mature plant typically reaches 3 to 10 feet tall depending on growing conditions, with coloring most vivid in bright, indirect light.
It grows as a houseplant in temperate climates and as an outdoor landscape shrub in South Florida and other frost-free regions.
Purple Sycamore Maple
Purple sycamore maple, botanically Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Atropurpureum,’ is a cultivar of a tree native to central and southern Europe, and according to Oregon State University’s Landscape Plants database, its leaves are dark green above and purple beneath. A mature tree can reach 40 to 60 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shade tree throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Japanese Maple ‘Bloodgood’
Japanese maple ‘Bloodgood’ is native to Japan, China, and Korea, one of the most popular purple-leaf or “redleaf” Japanese maple cultivars, holding its deep red-purple color well through summer. A mature tree typically reaches 15 to 20 feet tall. It was first marketed in the United States by a nursery on Long Island, New York.
It grows as a landscape specimen tree throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry
Purple-leaf sand cherry is a hybrid shrub derived from species native to North America and Asia, displaying oval leaves in a reddish-purple shade throughout the growing season. A mature shrub typically reaches 8 to 10 feet tall, producing small pink flowers in spring before the leaves emerge.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout the northern and central United States.
Summer Wine Ninebark
Summer Wine ninebark is a cultivar of a shrub native to eastern North America, and like the related Diabolo cultivar cataloged by the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, it displays deep wine-red to purple foliage that holds color well through summer heat. A mature shrub typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout the eastern and midwestern United States.
Diabolo Ninebark
Diabolo ninebark is a cultivar of a shrub native to eastern North America, displaying deep purple to nearly black foliage that holds its color through summer heat. A mature shrub typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, with peeling, exfoliating bark that adds winter interest.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout the eastern and midwestern United States.
Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’
Weigela ‘Wine and Roses’ is a cultivar of a shrub native to eastern Asia, displaying deep burgundy-purple leaves that hold color well through the growing season in full sun. A mature shrub typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall, producing pink, trumpet-shaped flowers.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Royal Purple Smoke Bush
Royal Purple smoke bush is a cultivar of a shrub native to southern Europe and central China, displaying rounded leaves that emerge a rich purple-red and intensify in full sun. A mature shrub can reach 10 to 15 feet tall, producing airy, smoke-like flower plumes.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Winecraft Black Smokebush
Winecraft Black smokebush is a cultivar bred at North Carolina State University, and according to the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, its foliage starts purple in spring and turns nearly black in summer before finishing orange in fall. A mature shrub typically reaches 8 to 10 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Hopi Red Dye Amaranth
Hopi Red Dye amaranth is a heritage cultivar derived from species native to the Americas, developing deep red-purple coloring concentrated toward its growing tips and flower heads. A mature plant can reach 4 to 6 feet tall, historically used by the Hopi people to color foods and textiles.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Orach
Purple orach is native to Europe and parts of Asia, displaying broad, arrow-shaped leaves in deep magenta-purple. A mature plant can reach 4 to 6 feet tall, with young leaves edible and similar in use to spinach.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Redbor Kale
Redbor kale is a cultivar of a plant native to the eastern Mediterranean, displaying deeply ruffled leaves in dark purple-red that intensify after cold exposure. A mature plant typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall, remaining fully edible.
It grows as a cool-season garden vegetable throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Kohlrabi
Purple kohlrabi is native to Europe, displaying a swollen, deep purple stem base that’s the primary edible portion of the plant. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall, with foliage remaining predominantly green.
It grows as a cool-season garden vegetable throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Tropicanna Canna
Tropicanna canna is a variegated cultivar of a plant native to South America, displaying broad leaves striped in purple, green, yellow, and pink. A mature plant can reach 4 to 6 feet tall, topped with bright orange summer flowers.
It grows as a warm-season garden perennial or annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Bronze Fennel
Bronze fennel is a color form of a culinary herb native to the Mediterranean region, displaying finely divided, feathery foliage in coppery bronze-purple. A mature plant can reach 4 to 5 feet tall, fully edible with the same anise flavor as green fennel.
It grows as a garden perennial or self-seeding annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Rex Begonia
Purple Rex begonia, a hybrid group derived from a species native to northeastern India, displays large, asymmetrical leaves in swirling bands of purple, silver, and green. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall, propagated readily from leaf cuttings.
It’s grown as a houseplant worldwide, favoring bright, indirect light with consistent humidity.
Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass, particularly the cultivar ‘Rubrum,’ is a variegated form of a grass native to East Africa, displaying arching, burgundy-purple leaf blades. A mature plant typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, topped with fuzzy purple-pink seed plumes.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States and as a perennial in frost-free climates.
Purple Basil ‘Dark Opal’
Purple basil ‘Dark Opal’ is a cultivar of a culinary herb native to tropical Asia, and according to Clemson Cooperative Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center, it was a 1962 All-America Selections winner reaching 24 inches in height, with purple leaves useful as a garnish or for making purple vinegar. A mature plant is fully edible with a flavor similar to green basil.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Beauty Barberry
Black Beauty barberry, also sold as ‘Concorde,’ is a cultivar of a shrub native to Japan, displaying small, rounded leaves in one of the darkest purple-black shades available. A mature shrub typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States, though its parent species is invasive in several states.
Black Lace Elderberry
Black Lace elderberry is a cultivar of a shrub native to Europe, displaying finely divided, fern-like leaves in deep black-purple. A mature shrub typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall, contrasting sharply with pale pink summer flowers.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Scallop Ajuga
Black scallop ajuga is a variegated form of a groundcover native to Europe, displaying glossy, deeply scalloped leaves in near-black purple. A mature planting spreads via runners, typically staying under 4 inches tall.
It grows as a groundcover throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Aeonium
Black Aeonium, particularly the cultivar ‘Zwartkop,’ is native to the Canary Islands, displaying rosettes of glossy, near-black succulent leaves atop branching stems. A mature plant can reach 2 to 3 feet tall, with color most intense in full sun.
It grows as a landscape and container succulent in mild, frost-free coastal climates.
Black Sweet Potato Vine
Black sweet potato vine, particularly the cultivar ‘Blackie,’ is native to tropical regions of the Americas, displaying deeply lobed leaves in a purple so dark it reads as black. A mature vine can trail or climb several feet in a season.
It grows as a warm-season garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Coral Bells
Black coral bells, particularly the cultivar ‘Obsidian,’ displays nearly solid black-purple, glossy, ruffled leaves. A mature clump typically reaches 8 to 12 inches tall, sending up flower stalks in late spring.
It grows as a garden perennial throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Magic Colocasia
Black Magic colocasia, an elephant ear cultivar derived from species native to Southeast Asia, displays enormous heart-shaped leaves in deep, velvety near-black purple. A mature plant can reach 4 to 6 feet tall, with individual leaves spanning up to 2 feet across.
It grows as a warm-season garden accent throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Negligee Bugbane
Black Negligee bugbane, a cultivar of a plant native to eastern North America, displays deeply cut, fern-like leaves in dark purple-bronze. A mature plant can reach 4 to 5 feet tall, topped with spikes of fragrant white flowers.
It grows as a garden perennial throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Black Mondo Grass
Black mondo grass, botanically Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens,’ is native to Japan, displaying black to purple-black strap-shaped leaves reaching up to 14 inches long. A mature clump typically reaches 8 to 12 inches tall.
It grows as a groundcover throughout temperate regions of the United States, favoring rich, evenly moist soil.
Purple-Leaf Plum
Purple-leaf plum, particularly the cultivar ‘Thundercloud,’ is native to Asia, displaying deep reddish-purple leaves that hold color throughout the growing season. A mature tree typically reaches 15 to 25 feet tall, producing fragrant pink spring flowers before the leaves emerge.
It grows as a landscape specimen tree throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Crabapple
Purple crabapple, including cultivars like ‘Royalty,’ is a hybrid derived from species native to Asia, displaying deep purple foliage that persists through much of the growing season. A mature tree typically reaches 15 to 20 feet tall, producing dark red-purple spring flowers.
It grows as a landscape specimen tree throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Beech
Purple beech, botanically Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea,’ is native to Europe, and according to the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, its leaves emerge purple in spring but often become green over the course of summer, with fall color shifting to yellow to copper. A mature tree can reach 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 to 60 feet wide.
It grows as a large landscape shade tree throughout temperate regions of the United States, requiring ample room and disliking transplanting.
Purple Hazelnut
Purple hazelnut, particularly the cultivar ‘Red Majestic,’ is a variegated form of a shrub native to Europe, displaying deep purple, twisted, contorted branches and matching purple leaves. A mature shrub typically reaches 8 to 10 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape specimen shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Barberry ‘Rose Glow’
Purple barberry ‘Rose Glow’ is a cultivar of a shrub native to Japan, displaying deep purple leaves splashed with pink and cream variegation on new growth. A mature shrub typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States, though its parent species is invasive in several states.
Purple New Zealand Flax
Purple New Zealand flax, particularly the cultivar ‘Platt’s Black,’ is native to New Zealand, displaying stiff, sword-shaped leaves in deep near-black purple. A mature clump can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, forming a bold, architectural accent.
It grows as a landscape accent plant in mild coastal climates and as a container specimen elsewhere.
Purple Ajuga ‘Catlin’s Giant’
Purple Ajuga ‘Catlin’s Giant’ is a cultivar of a groundcover native to Europe, displaying notably larger bronze-purple leaves than standard ajuga varieties. A mature planting spreads via runners, with individual leaves reaching several inches long.
It grows as a groundcover throughout temperate regions of the United States, tolerating both sun and shade.
Purple Sedum
Purple sedum, particularly the cultivar ‘Purple Emperor,’ is a color form of a succulent perennial native to Asia, displaying fleshy, deep purple leaves topped with pink-red flower clusters in late summer. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall.
It grows as a garden perennial throughout temperate regions of the United States, tolerating drought well once established.
Purple Loropetalum
Purple loropetalum, in its standard burgundy form, is native to China and Japan, displaying deep maroon-purple leaves year-round in mild climates. A mature shrub typically reaches 10 to 15 feet tall if left unpruned.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout the southeastern United States.
Smokebush ‘Grace’
Smokebush ‘Grace’ is a hybrid cultivar of a shrub native to Europe and Asia, displaying large, rounded purple leaves that turn brilliant red in fall. A mature shrub can reach 15 to 20 feet tall, among the largest and most vigorous smokebush hybrids available.
It grows as a landscape shrub or small tree throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Ornamental Cabbage
Purple ornamental cabbage, derived from a species native to coastal Europe, displays a solid rosette of deep purple leaves rather than the bicolor pattern of some other ornamental cabbage types. A mature plant typically reaches 8 to 15 inches across, with coloring intensifying after cold exposure.
It grows as a cool-season ornamental throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Elderberry ‘Black Beauty’
Purple elderberry ‘Black Beauty’ is a cultivar of a shrub native to Europe, displaying broad, deep purple leaflets considerably larger than the finely cut foliage of related cultivars like Black Lace. A mature shrub typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Cordyline ‘Red Star’
Purple Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is a cultivar native to New Zealand, displaying narrow, arching, deep burgundy-purple leaves radiating from a central point. A mature plant typically reaches 3 to 6 feet tall.
It grows as a landscape accent plant in mild climates and as a container specimen elsewhere throughout the United States.
Purple Basil ‘Purple Ruffles’
Purple basil ‘Purple Ruffles’ is a cultivar of a culinary herb native to tropical Asia, displaying deeply ruffled, fringed leaves in rich purple. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall, fully edible and commonly used in pesto and as a garnish.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Elephant Ear ‘Purple Cloud’
Purple elephant ear ‘Purple Cloud’ is a Colocasia cultivar derived from species native to Southeast Asia, displaying large, ruffled, deep purple leaves distinct from the smoother-edged Black Magic cultivar. A mature plant can reach 3 to 5 feet tall.
It grows as a warm-season garden accent throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Copper Plant
Purple copper plant, a color form of Acalypha wilkesiana native to Fiji and neighboring islands, displays broad, heart-shaped leaves in deep purple-bronze tones. A mature shrub typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, requiring full sun for its most saturated color.
It grows as a landscape shrub throughout South Florida and other frost-free regions.
Purple Oxalis ‘Molten Lava’
Purple Oxalis ‘Molten Lava’ is a cultivar related to species native to South America, displaying deep purple-black leaflets with a fiery orange-red center marking. A mature plant typically stays under a foot tall, spreading via small underground bulbs.
It grows as a houseplant and warm-climate garden groundcover throughout the United States.
Purple Basil ‘Osmin’
Purple basil ‘Osmin’ is a cultivar of a culinary herb native to tropical Asia, considered among the darkest and smallest-leaved of the purple basil varieties. A mature plant typically reaches 1.5 to 2 feet tall, fully edible with a flavor similar to other purple basil types.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Majesty Millet
Purple Majesty millet is a cultivar of a grain crop native to Africa, displaying broad, strap-like leaves in deep purple-burgundy. A mature plant can reach 3 to 5 feet tall, topped with a dense, dark seed head favored by birds.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Purple Basil ‘Red Rubin’
Purple basil ‘Red Rubin’ is a cultivar of a culinary herb native to tropical Asia, displaying broad, glossy leaves in deep reddish-purple. A mature plant typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall, fully edible with a flavor similar to sweet basil.
It grows as a garden annual throughout temperate regions of the United States.
Further References
- A Passion for Purple Foliage Plants — Iowa State University Extension — Covers a wide range of purple-leaved trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs, and vegetables, including Japanese maple, coral bells, coleus, Persian shield, and purple sweet potato vine.
- Purple Plants — University of Florida IFAS Extension — Features purple foliage plants such as Persian shield, purple fountain grass, ornamental kale, and other plants with distinctive purple coloration.
- Plant Purple for Pop! — Missouri Botanical Garden — Provides a useful selection of purple and dark-foliage plants, including elephant ears, sweet potato vine, and other ornamental foliage plants.
- Foliage — University of Illinois Extension — Explains the use of purple, bronze, red, and black foliage in landscape design and provides examples of plants grown primarily for colorful leaves.
- Purple Waffle Plant — North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Provides identification and growing information for the purple waffle plant, including its distinctive shiny purple, textured leaves.