What Is a Climbing Plant With Violet Flowers?

Purple morning glories are favorite climbing plants.

There are numerous perennials and annuals that climb or twine and have violet or purple flowers. For the gardener, the most important selection criteria are the size of the plant, planting location, and climate.

Wisteria

If you have a sunny site, sturdy supports, and lots of space, nothing beats wisteria. Various species and cultivars bear flowers in all shades of purple. Popular species include Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Wisteria floribunda. In spring, the plants bear long, hanging clusters of fragrant, pea-like flowers.

Annuals and Perennials

Old-fashioned morning glories come in shades of purple, and will climb just about anything. Spring-blooming, violet sweet pea varieties are fragrant and top out at very manageable heights. The queen of perennial climbers is clematis, and the best-known purple variety is Jackmanii.

Shade

It is difficult to find purple-flowered climbers for shade, however some clematis thrive in light shade. Though not technically climbers, some species of Aconitum or monkshood grow up to 6 feet tall, have purple or blue-purple flowers, and can be trained to a support.

References

• "The Shadier Garden"; Harriet L. Cramer; 1997