Purple: TX Fall Aster, Duranta, TX Moutain Laurel, Mona Lavender

Purple Blooming Texas Fall Aster

Texas Fall Aster, known scientifically as Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, is a hardy perennial that thrives in a variety of landscapes. This plant is well-suited to the Texas climate, flourishing in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering. Texas Fall Aster typically grows to about 2 to 3 feet in height and spreads equally wide, making it an excellent choice for borders and wildflower gardens. It is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to USDA zone 4.

In the fall, Texas Fall Aster bursts into a stunning display of daisy-like flowers, featuring lavender to deep purple petals with bright yellow centers. These blooms attract a host of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding vibrant life to the garden. When planted in mass, Texas Fall Aster creates a wave of bold, purple color. When these plants are in bloom, they catch the eye of just about every customer who comes through our doors, but even when not in bloom, you are treated to an evergreen compact perennial that adds interest in your gardens.

Purple Blooming Duranta

Duranta, scientifically known as Duranta erecta, is a versatile shrub or small tree, depending on its pruning and maintenance. As a perennial, it can reach heights of 6 to 18 feet with a similar spread. Duranta thrives in full sun and needs regular watering to maintain its lush, vibrant foliage. It is suited for warmer climates and is hardy to USDA zone 9, meaning it can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F. The plant may receive some cold damage if not protected when freezing temperatures are due to hang around, but they generally come bak from the roots if winter isn’t too extreme. If purchasing in fall, you may want to keep it in a pot so you can easily bring it inside for protection through its first winter and then plant it in spring danger of frost has passed.

The plant is renowned for its abundance of cascading clusters of small, tubular flowers, which range from vibrant purple to a pale violet. Duranta literally drips with blooms! These blossoms are followed by bright yellow-orange berries, adding an additional layer of color to the landscape. The flowers are fragrant and attract butterflies, making Duranta a popular choice for ornamental gardens.

Purple Blooming Texas Mountain Laurel

Texas Mountain Laurel, or Sophora secundiflora, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Texas and the southwestern United States. It grows slowly, reaching a mature height of 10 to 15 feet, with a spread of 8 to 10 feet. Texas Mountain Laurel is well adapted to full sun and dry conditions, requiring little water once established. It is cold hardy to USDA zone 7, tolerating temperatures as low as 5°F.

This native specimen does not need any fertilizer to encourage its incredible blooms. Texas Mountain Laurel is prized for its spectacular springtime clusters of purple flowers, which emit a delightful, fruity fragrance, that is akin to the scent of the beloved childhood drink, grape Kool-Aid. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract bees and other pollinators, making this shrub/tree a valuable addition to any garden setting. One of our earliest spring bloomers, Texas Mountain Laurel is a very low maintenance option for Texas gardeners.

Purple Blooming Mona Lavender

Mona Lavender, scientifically known as Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’, is a striking perennial plant that can be used in warm, partial shade gardens, but is most often used as a decorative houseplant or protected patio plant here in San Antonio. Indoors, it should be placed in an area with bright, indirect light. While Mona Lavender can tolerate temperatures down to about 30°F, it is happiest in temps ranging 60-80° F. It typically reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches, with a similar spread, making it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or as a groundcover in shade to partial shade areas. Mona Lavender requires regular watering to maintain its lush foliage.

The plant is admired for its rich, dark green leaves with purple undersides, which provide a stunning backdrop for its spikes of tubular lavender flowers. From summer to fall, you will enjoy the fullness of elegant lavender blooms against the contrast of deeply hued foliage, and the effect is truly stunning.