From romantic roses to elegant alliums, there’s a beautiful purple bloom for every occasion.
When it comes to flower arranging, using a mix of colours will always be the most effective way to make an impact. Of course, there are all the shades of the rainbow to choose from, but purple will always stand out for all the right reasons. Not only is it elegant, it’s also mysterious and charming – and who doesn’t want to be all of those things?
Whether you’re partial to a pretty soft lavender or you’re more of an alluring deep violet kind of person, purple stems will always add a touch of sophistication to any arrangement, and no matter whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sending love, or just want to brighten somebody’s day, we think purple stems will always be effortlessly chic.
That’s exactly why we wanted to shine a light on the best purple flowers for bouquets. From forever favourites like roses and hydrangeas, through to more unique stems like vanda orchids and alliums, this article will help you discover the ideal blooms to elevate your next floral gift.
Why choose purple flowers?
First and foremost, purple is one of the most versatile colours, in turn making purple flowers one of the most versatile choices. It’s a hue that can sit on both the warm and cool end of the scale, depending which shade you choose, and it pairs well with lots of other colours.
So if you’re looking for a soft and romantic bouquet, opt for something that includes lisanthus or lavender, or if you want to go bold and striking, choose hydrangeas and dahlias, or simply explore our purple flower collection to discover unique options, no matter the season or occasion.
Purple Roses
No round-up of purple flowers would be complete without a mention of the iconic rose. Of course, it’s already common knowledge that red roses represent love, but did you know that elegant purple roses tend to be associated with mystery and royalty?
We often include a mix of lilac and lavender roses in our luxury arrangements. Not only are they versatile shades that work as a focal point in both classic and modern designs, but we also love them because they pair perfectly with white, soft pinks and soft greens to create a refined finish – something that’s both eye-catching and beautiful.
Hydrangeas
It might just be us, but we’ll truly never get bored of seeing hydrangeas taking centre stage in a bouquet. With large, cloud-like heads – which are made up of lots of smaller blooms – purple hydrangeas are loved for their pretty colour gradients, which often range from pastel purples right through to bold violets.
Due to their size, they’re often used as a base flower (which is a flower that helps to form the beginnings of a bouquet, helping with its overall structure). Hydrangeas bring depth to any arrangement, and often stand for both gratitude and deep emotion, making them an ideal choice for weddings as well as sympathy flowers.
Lisianthus
You’d be forgiven for mistaking lisanthus for roses – both flowers share a soft, romantic quality that make them a firm favourite for many. Available in delicate shades of pale purple and lavender, their fluttery, ruffled petals add gentle movement and texture, and they symbolise appreciation and charisma. They also have an impressive lifespan in a vase, which makes them a thoughtful and long-lasting choice for those moments when you want to say ‘thank you’, or when you’re helping to celebrate a meaningful milestone in somebody’s life. Consider them a quiet yet impactful addition.
Freesia
A true symbol of friendship, freesias have a sweet, sweet smell and grow in clusters, often bringing a spring-like feel to a bouquet. We always recommend mixing purple freesia in one of two ways: either with other pastel shades, or using them as a stark – but beautiful – contrast against classic cream and white flowers.
Whichever way you choose, just know that freesias hold significant meaning in Victorian flower language, where they were used to convey secret messages, particularly trust, throughout that era.
Chrysanthemums
Often called ‘mums’ for short, chrysanthemums come in a range of shades and they sit amongst the most versatile types of cut flowers. However, purple chrysanthemums come in various forms, from tighter shapes to full, spider-like blooms which add a vibrant pop of colour and texture to a bouquet.
In floral lore, purple chrysanthemums in particular are thought to offer well wishes and admiration, making them a great choice for that ‘just because’ bunch of flowers you’ve been meaning to send to your best friend.
Lavender
A true classic, lavender in all its forms brings both fragrance and finesse. Whether it’s fresh or dried, it has a romantic quality that works well in both hand-tied bouquets or in more rustic, freestyle bunches.
As well as being loved for its calming, relaxation properties, lavender is also associated with purity and devotion, which is why it’s a flower you’ll often find in wedding bouquets. It pairs well with roses, eucalyptus and lisianthus.
Alliums
Bold and striking, alliums are round, globe-like flowers that add structure – just like hydrangeas – and they both mix well together in contemporary arrangements, working to create an impressive focal point while symbolising unity and prosperity.
Not only are alliums unique to look at – each one is made up of lots of tiny flowers – but they’re also known for their longevity, with some varieties lasting up to two weeks in a vase.
Vanda Orchids
Regal, dramatic and luxurious in the best way, vanda orchids will always be the centre of attention in any bouquet when they’re in season. They have a vibrant purple colouring and each petal has its own individual pattern, making them a truly unique choice.
We think they pair well with velvety, romantic roses and burgundy carnations to create a spectacular avant-garde arrangement that symbolises strength, beauty and love.
Dahlias
Another seasonal flower that comes in a variety of purple shades, dahlias have intricate petal arrangements and will always add a splash of colour and texture to a bouquet.
Often associated with dignity and grace, they’re a popular choice for a more formal or meaningful gift, symbolising elegance, kindness and inner strength. They also provide structural support thanks to their strong stems.
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