Purple Annual Plants

Petunia

• Petunias have a long bloom period and are easy to grow, plus they come in a variety of shapes and colors, which is why they are one of the most popular flowering annuals, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Use purple petunias in containers, including hanging baskets and window boxes. Petunias make effective borders or edging plants, especially wave petunias, which flower non-stop from spring until the first fall frost.

Impatiens

• Impatiens add color to the shade garden. Use them to create a border, in containers or as a low-growing ground cover plant. They do not tolerate frost and must receive adequate moisture to put on their best show. Gardeners looking for something different who still want impatiens should choose impatiens balsamina, which grows 2 1/2 feet tall. Plant impatiens outdoors in rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter after all danger of frost has passed in your area, recommends Iowa State University.

Zinnia

• Purple zinnias are usually sown from seed instead of being purchased as plants. Look at the seed packets in a garden center or check out the zinnia seed available in a seed catalog. Plant zinnia close together to encourage long stems if you intend to grow them as cutting flowers. Pinch the tips of zinnia that are not being cut back to encourage the plant to bush and create more flowers. Zinnias come in a variety of heights from a mere 8 inches tall to over 4 feet tall, according to the University of Illinois.

Verbena

• Both annual and perennial verbena are available, so read the tag carefully when selecting purple annual plants to be sure you get the type you want. These long-blooming plants are extremely heat and drought tolerant, according to Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Plant in full sun and keep newly planted verbena moist for the first few weeks until they are established. An occasional trimming will help keep the plants in bounds and encourage a new flush of blooms.