It’s a well known fact that the color of the flowers in a garden sets the mood of the scene. The color purple embraces many shades each of which can express a different mood. All the way from pure sophistication to a romantic feel and even whimsy, purple shades fill the bill as Lorie West explains in her article which I found over on the Birds and Blooms website.

Whenever I?m planning a garden, no matter what mood I?m trying to create, I always include some plants with purple blooms.Purple seems to symbolize so many things that I find it the most versatile color of all. Let?s say I?m shooting for sophistication: Rich, dark plum and mulberry shades give me that feeling of refinement and luxury. Maybe I?m in the mood to plant a romantic garden: Light lavenders and mauves lend a flirty air. And when it comes to pure fun, any jaunty mix in the lilac-violet-amethyst family adds instant whimsy. Are you starting to feel inspired? Let?s get some purple on with this month?s Top 10.

• Ball Horticultural Co.

  Verbena

  Verbena, zones 9 to 11, annual elsewhere
  You can expect summer-long color from these beautiful blooms. These full-sun plants sport attractive clusters of flowers and grow to about 18 inches high. Keep the soil moist but well drained; dry conditions can hinder flowering.
  Top picks: Both V. bonariensis and the Imagination cultivar blossom in joyous shades that run between magenta and violet.

• RDA-GID

  Lavender

  Lavandula, Zones 5 to 10
  Lavender?s not just beautiful; its powerful scent does wonders to alleviate stress. The silvery-gray plant grows from 1 to 4 feet tall in full sun and boasts graceful spires of tiny flowers.
  Top picks: For particularly showy purple blooms, choose Hidcote Superior, Sarah or Munstead.

• Perennialresource.com

  Clematis

  Clematis spp., Zones 3 to 9
  You say ?CLEM-uh-tiss,? I say ?cluh-MAT-iss?: However you pronounce it, this is one dazzling plant. Some grow up to 30 feet tall, it provides more flowers in less space than almost anything you?ll find. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and watch it thrive.
  Top picks: The classic Jackmanii springs to mind instantly, but Arabella is all that plus multitones of blue and mauve.