By Heather Rosenberg · Houseplant Expert & My Plant Factor Contributor
Plants with purple and yellow flowers are some of the most stunning blooms in garden landscapes. The combination of deep purple and vivid yellow colors stands out against green foliage. Plants with regal purple hues and vibrant yellow colors turn your garden into a living masterpiece. Some of the best plants with purple flowers are New England asters, dwarf irises, petunias, and pansies.
Table of Contents
- Exploring the World of Purple and Yellow Flowers
- Why Purple and Yellow Look So Good Together
- What Are Popular Plants With Yellow and Purple Flowers
- Identifying Plants With Purple and Yellow Flowers
- The Best Purple and Yellow Flowers For Container Gardens & Small Spaces
- Purple and Yellow Flowers For Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
- Plants With Purple and Yellow Flowers For Wild, Naturalized, or Meadow Gardens
- Purple and Yellow Flowers For Bold Color and Seasonal Drama
- Are Purple and Yellow Flowers Safe for Cats?
- Indoor Purple and Yellow Flowers for Homes
- Purple and Yellow Flowers for Bouquets
- Why Bees and Pollinators Can’t Resist Purple and Yellow Flowers
- Ensuring Proper Soil Conditions for Healthy Plant Growth
- Providing Adequate Sunlight and Watering for Vibrant Blooms
- Tips for Planting Purple and Yellow Flowers in Window Boxes and Rock Gardens
- Ideas for Planting Purple and Yellow Flowers in Yards
- Plants with Purple and Yellow Flowers: FAQs
This article is a guide to identifying plants with yellow and purple flowers and showcases the top ten. Pictures and descriptions of the colorful purple plants will help you choose the best ones for your garden landscape.
| Flower | Best For | Cat-Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pansy | Garden beds, pots | ✔ Yes | Easy spring color; edible blooms |
| Viola | Containers, edging | ✔ Yes | Compact, long blooming |
| Tulip | Bouquets, borders | ✖ No | Striking but toxic to cats |
| Iris | Garden borders | ✖ No | Bold, two-tone petals |
| Daylily | Garden beds | ✖ No | Hardy, large blooms |
| Freesia | Bouquets | ✔ Yes | Fragrant, long vase life |
| African Violet | Indoor pots | ✔ Yes | Compact, pet-safe houseplant |
| Orchid (Phalaenopsis hybrids) | Indoor, bouquets | ✖ No | Exotic but toxic |
| Crocus | Early spring garden | ✖ No | Cheerful color, toxic to cats |
| Salvia + Daffodils combo | Garden design | ✖/✔ Mixed | Great contrast, but daffodils toxic |
Ready your gardening gloves and notebooks to embark on a botanical journey through beds of dwarf irises and fields of New England asters. You will learn how to distinguish between the soft petals of purple cloud asters and the intricate trumpet-shaped blossoms of morning glory.
Exploring the World of Purple and Yellow Flowers
Plants with blooms in shades of purple and yellow add a vibrant splash of color to your garden. These showy flowers are a feast for the eyes. Also, they attract beneficial pollinators with their variety of colors and fragrances. Their showy blooms are suitable for cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, borders, beds, and foundation planting.
Indoors, purple and yellow flowers need bright, indirect light and well-draining soil mixes to stay healthy. African violets, orchids, and dwarf irises all bring that pop of color to windowsills and tabletops. Their vivid tones—violet to lilac, lemon to gold—don’t just brighten rooms, they also make striking cut stems for small bouquets.
Why Purple and Yellow Look So Good Together
Ever wonder why purple and yellow flower combos feel *so* satisfying? It’s not just your imagination—it’s color theory at work. These two hues sit opposite each other on the color wheel, making them complementary colors. That means they create high contrast and visual harmony when paired.
Purple brings calm, mystery, and depth. Yellow delivers energy, light, and joy. When combined in a flower bed, flower bouquet, or part of an indoor plant collection, they create a bold, balanced effect that draws the eye and delights the senses.
Nature knows what it’s doing. This combo shows up again and again in wildflowers, cottage gardens, and pollinator favorites. It grabs attention without clashing—and that’s part of the magic.
What Are Popular Plants With Yellow and Purple Flowers
Behind every vibrant petal is a splash of plant chemistry doing its thing. Purple and yellow flowers get their color from special pigments—and each one serves a purpose beyond looking pretty.
Purple tones come from pigments called anthocyanins. According to science, the purple color helps protect flowers from UV damage and may even ward off pests. Yellow flowers, on the other hand, are packed with carotenoids—the same family of pigments that make carrots orange. Scientists have discovered that the showy yellows act like nature’s highlighter—perfect for pollinator gardens.
Here’s the cool part: some flowers use both. A dainty violet might have yellow stripes (called nectar guides) that act like landing strips for bees. Those visual clues help direct pollinators to the sweet spot—and that’s how the plant ensures its next generation.
Identifying Plants With Purple and Yellow Flowers
The most popular plants with varied color patterns of purple and yellow are asters, pansies, and petunias. However, tall plants with deep purple shades, like coneflowers, morning glory, and bittersweet nightshade, can add visual height, color, and texture to residential gardens. Also, low-growing plants, like crocuses and bluebells, have miniature, bell-shaped flowers in a range of colors.
Related reading: Plants with purple and pink blossoms.
Identifying Plants With Purple and Yellow Flowers
To identify plants with purple and yellow flowers, look for vibrant blooms in purple and bright yellow shades. Pay attention to the shape and size of the flowers. Some are bell or funnel-shaped, whereas others have saucer-like yellow and purple blossoms. Also, examine the leaf shape, growth habit, and plant size.
The Best Purple and Yellow Flowers For Container Gardens & Small Spaces
Tight on space? These purple and yellow beauties don’t mind. They thrive in containers, spill from window boxes, and bring serious color without demanding real estate. Your balcony just got bold.
Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata)
Dwarf iris is a small but striking spring-blooming bulb with stunning purple-yellow flowers. The flowers of the dwarf iris come in purple, blue, and white shades with yellow markings. These petite flowers typically bloom in late winter to early spring, injecting color to gardens after the winter months.
The dwarf iris is excellent for rock gardens, border fronts, or containers. Its low-growing nature boasts a brilliant color palette, with petals sporting a ribbed texture that emulates a quaint elegance. Moreover, their sweet, fragrant flowers emit an aroma as pleasing to the senses as their appearance. They add vibrancy to gardens as they awake from winter’s slumber.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
- Size (Height and Width): 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Some beautiful varieties of dwarf irises are perennial flowers with purple and white petals.
Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla)
Pasque flowers are early spring bloomers with delicate bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, blue, and yellow. These perennial flowers are native to North America and have six pointed purple petals surrounding a yellow center. The flowers grow singly on fuzzy stems up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall.
The flowers have a charming, slightly wild look and are attractive to bees and pollinators. They are well-suited for rock gardens, alpine gardens, or perennial borders. Thriving in full sun, they are resistant to dry soil and insect pests.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall, 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Above-average soil moisture
- Bloom Time: Early spring
Purple and Yellow Horned Violets (Viola cornuta)
Purple and yellow violets (pansies) are popular annual flowers known for their cheerful and colorful blooms. These flowers have five overlapping petals—typically dark purple shades on the upper petals and bright yellow on the lower ones. The flowers are identified by their distinctive “face” in the center.
Yellow and purple violets add a charming touch to garden beds, containers, ground cover, or hanging baskets.
Pansies are relatively low-maintenance, and deadheading can promote continuous blooming throughout the season. They begin blooming in spring and continue through fall. Horned violets come in various colors, but purple and yellow varieties are particularly striking when planted together, creating a vibrant display in the garden.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 6 to 12 inches tall and wide (15 to 23 cm)
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile, rich soil
- Bloom Time: Spring, fall, and sometimes winter in milder climates
Purple violets can also grow as beautiful purple houseplants.
Pickwick Crocus (Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’)
Pickwick crocus—or Dutch crocus—is a popular bulbous perennial with purple and white striped petals and yellow-orange centers. The cup-shaped striped flowers measure up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and bloom for three weeks in spring. The purple flowers look beautiful alongside the grass-like foliage.
Purple and yellow crocuses are easy to grow and are perfect purple plants for planting in rock gardens, borders, along walkways, under trees, in front of shrubs, or naturalized areas. Crocuses prefer well-drained soil and should be planted in full sun to partial shade. You can plant pickwick crocus bulbs in the fall for spring blooms.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 4 to 6 inches tall (10 to 15 cm) and 3 inches wide (7.6 cm)
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: Early spring
Purple and Yellow Flowers For Pollinator-Friendly Gardens
Want to be the favorite stop on a bee’s daily commute? These flowers are nectar-packed and pollinator-approved. Bright yellows scream “come here,” while purples offer the landing pad. Nature’s got style.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
New England aster is a native perennial flower with beautiful purple and yellow or pink and purple daisy-like blooms. The flowers have a yellow center surrounded by slender, lineal petals. They bloom in late summer to early autumn, providing a burst of color in gardens when many other plants start to fade.
Purple and yellow asters are an excellent choice for pollinator gardens as the nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. They are attractive flowers for cottage gardens, border plantings, and edgings.
This hardy plant tolerates a wide range of soil types and can performs well in full sun to partial shade. It is also deer-resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens in rural areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 1 to 5 feet (0.3 to 1.5 m) tall and up to 3 feet (0.9 m) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall.
New York Aster (Aster novi-belgii)
New York aster is a beautiful perennial flower with stunning pale purple and yellow ray flowers. The daisy-like flowers have a deep yellow center with lighter purple petals, creating a cloud-like effect. These flowers bloom for four weeks in late summer to early fall and are a great nectar source for late-season bees and butterflies.
This aster is a great choice for borders, containers, or shaded cutting gardens. Additionally, the showy purple flowers are attractive in cut flower arrangements. It tolerates salt, poor soil, partial shade, and drought.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 2 feet (0.6 m) tall and 1.5 feet (0.45 m) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained soil and avoid soggy soil
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Plants With Purple and Yellow Flowers For Wild, Naturalized, or Meadow Gardens
Let it grow a little wild. These blooms don’t want to be fussed over—they thrive in meadow-style gardens where imperfect is perfect. Think butterflies, morning dew, and soft chaos.
Strict Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium montanum)
Strict blue-eyed grass is a charming perennial wildflower that produces delicate bluish-purple star-shaped flowers with yellow centers. The dainty flowers bloom in clusters on slender stems surrounded by clumping grass-like foliage. The purple and yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
Strict blue-eyed grass is perfect for adding a pop of color to rock gardens, borders, or naturalized areas. Incorporating these dainty plants allows you to create vibrant ground cover. This low-maintenance plant is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
- Size (Height and Width): 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6m) tall and 1 foot (30 cm) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Blue Flag (Iris virginica)
Blue flag is a stunning perennial flower with showy blue-violet flowers blooming in late spring to early summer. The flowers have six petals in a classic iris shape and measure around 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across. Blue flag is a favorite among gardeners for its beautiful and vibrant blooms.
The yellow and purple petals of Blue Flag are a great choice for rain gardens or near ponds and water features. The purple and yellow plant is also adaptable to various soil types.
Its vivid blue-purple blooms offer a serene splash of color that is as attractive to garden admirers as it is to local butterflies. Landscape uses for Iris virginica include water gardens, rain gardens, naturalized areas, and preventing erosion.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
- Size (Height and Width): Up to 3 feet (1 m) tall and 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 m) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist to wet, well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
Bittersweet nightshade is a vining perennial plant with purple star-shaped flowers and bright yellow stamens. The yellow and purple flowers bloom in early summer and measure 0.75 inches (2 cm) in diameter. These are followed by the vibrant red berries in the fall. This nightshade plant has ovate leaves 4 inches (10 cm) long.
The berries of the bittersweet nightshade are toxic to humans and animals if ingested. So, caution is necessary when handling this plant. Despite its poisonous nature, bittersweet nightshade is ideal for coastal areas, climbing over a trellis, or hiding an unsightly fence. The purple flowers attract bees and butterflies.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
- Size (Height and Width): 2 to 10 feet (0.6 to 3 m) tall and up to 8 feet (2.4 m) wide
- Light Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, fertile soil
- Bloom Time: Early summer
Purple and Yellow Flowers For Bold Color and Seasonal Drama
Looking for a “stop-you-in-your-tracks” kind of garden moment? These color bombshells know how to make an entrance—and they’re not shy about stealing the spotlight.
Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor)
Morning glory is a fast-growing annual vine known for its beautiful trumpet-shaped blue-purple and yellow flowers. Opening in the morning, the stunning flowers reveal vibrant blue petals with yellow throats up to 5 inches (13 cm) across. The vine has heart-shaped leaves and has a climbing habit.
Morning glory is easy to grow and perfect for adding vertical interest to gardens, trellises, fences, or arbors. Thanks to its rapid growth, it’s a beautiful annual that looks spectacular as ground cover, hanging baskets, or containers.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 12
- Size (Height and Width): 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 m) tall
- Light Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained soil in sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
Are Purple and Yellow Flowers Safe for Cats?
Not all blooms are created equal when it comes to curious paws. Some purple-and-yellow flowers are harmless, while others are surprisingly toxic. Tulips, irises, and orchids can upset a cat’s stomach or worse if nibbled. Safer picks include African violets, freesias, and violas.
If you’re building a pet-friendly garden, tuck the toxic varieties in raised beds or keep them out of reach indoors. For bouquets, choose cat-safe stems or display arrangements in spaces your pets can’t access.
✔ Cat-safe: African violets, violas, freesias
✖ Toxic: Tulips, irises, orchids, daylilies
Want the full breakdown? See my Cat Plants guide and detailed posts on toxic plants for cats.
Indoor Purple and Yellow Flowers for Homes
Most purple and yellow blooms are happiest outdoors, but a few can brighten your home, too. African violets are the easiest entry point—compact, cheerful, and surprisingly forgiving on a windowsill. Miniature orchids also deliver striking purple-yellow tones, especially in Phalaenopsis hybrids.
Potted irises bring seasonal bursts of color indoors. Look for dwarf varieties in containers; their two-tone petals feel like a mini meadow right on your table. Just note: some indoor options, like orchids and irises, are toxic to cats. Safer choices include African violets and certain yellow kalanchoes.
✔ Cat-safe: African violet
✖ Toxic: Orchids, irises
For more details on pet safety, see my Cat Plants guide or browse Purple Houseplants for indoor inspiration.
Purple and Yellow Flowers for Bouquets
Bouquets pop when purple and yellow share the same vase. Tulips are the classic spring choice—their clean lines and contrasting colors feel joyful and modern. Irises and freesias pair beautifully, too: irises give height and structure, while freesias bring fragrance and long vase life.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) is another florist favorite. Its speckled petals blend purples and yellows in one stem, making arrangements look lush without extra filler.
Pro tip: stick to three flower types max for a balanced arrangement. Too many colors can muddy the effect. Want cat-safe options? Go for freesias and alstroemeria. Tulips and irises, while stunning, are toxic to pets.
✔ Cat-safe: Freesias, alstroemeria
✖ Toxic: Tulips, irises
You can also check out our shop for cat-safe bouquet picks to find options that keep your flowers and furry friends happy.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Purple and Yellow Flower Plants
To cultivate a garden bustling with the vibrant hues of purple and yellow flowering plants, it’s essential to engage in regular care and maintenance. From the tranquil shades of purple alliums to the sunny facade of yellow mulleins, these plants can form a striking contrast in any landscape.
To care for purple and yellow flowers in the garden, regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth. Plant in well-drained soil and water consistently. Provide adequate sunlight for optimal growth. Incorporate purple foliage for contrast and texture. Follow planting tips for window boxes, rock gardens, and yards to create a harmonious display.
Why Bees and Pollinators Can’t Resist Purple and Yellow Flowers
I’ve watched it happen too many times to count—plant something purple and yellow, and the bees show up like you just opened a brunch buffet. These colors aren’t just gorgeous to us—they’re practically neon signs for pollinators.
Bees, for example, don’t see red well, but they *love* blue, purple, and anything with UV contrast. Purple petals often have built-in “nectar guides”—little UV patterns invisible to us but crystal clear to a bee. Yellow? That’s their go-to signal. Bright, bold, and loaded with pollen. Put them together and you’ve got a garden that hums—literally.
If you’re hoping to support local pollinators (and trust me, your tomatoes will thank you), plant combinations like asters, violets, or crocus in these shades. You’ll feed the bees and brighten your space at the same time. Win-win.
Trusted Sources for the Plant Nerds Out There:
- USDA Forest Service – What is Pollination?
- Royal Society of Biology – How Bees See Flowers
- Frontiers – Major Flower Pigments Originate Different Colour Signals to Pollinators
Ensuring Proper Soil Conditions for Healthy Plant Growth
Most plants with purple and yellow flowers thrive in moist but well-draining loamy soils. Ensure the potting mix or garden soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter and receives adequate sunlight. Regularly monitor moisture levels to prevent overwatering or underwatering, which can impact the health and blooming of these vibrant plants.
Providing Adequate Sunlight and Watering for Vibrant Blooms
Delivering the right mix of sunlight and water to your flowering plants keeps purple and yellow vibrancy in your flowering landscaping plants. Most plants with purple and yellow flowers thrive in full sun or partial shade. However, you must check individual plant varieties for light exposure levels and USDA Hardiness Zones.
Tips for Planting Purple and Yellow Flowers in Window Boxes and Rock Gardens
Crafting the perfect window box with purple and yellow flowers improves the aesthetics of your home, balcony, or patio. The best plants with yellow and purple flowers for window boxes are violets and petunias. You can enjoy a mound of vibrant colors, creating a striking contrast with dark green foliage.
Here are some tips on planting purple and yellow flowers in window boxes:
- Choose plants with purple and yellow color combinations that perform well in full sun or partial shade, depending on the location of your window box.
- Ensure excellent drainage by adding a layer of small rocks, pebbles, or gravel at the bottom of the window box before adding soil.
- Use a high-quality potting specifically designed for container gardening to provide ample nutrients for your plants.
- Consider the size and height of each plant to create a visually appealing arrangement in the window box.
- Group plants with similar water and sunlight requirements together to make watering and maintenance easier.
- Regularly deadhead spent purple blooms to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance in the window box.
- Water regularly, but ensure to overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Check the soil’s moisture level regularly by sticking your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle.
- Fertilize purple and yellow plants throughout the growing season with a balanced organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
- Rotate your window box periodically to ensure all sides of the plants receive adequate sunlight for even growth.
Ideas for Planting Purple and Yellow Flowers in Yards
Do you want to fill a front yard or backyard with stunning purple and yellow flowering plants? Here are some helpful tips:
- Consider Climate and Soil Conditions:
- Select purple and yellow plants that thrive in your specific climate zone.
- Ensure the soil in your yard is suitable for the chosen plants, considering factors like pH and drainage.
- Color Harmony:
- Choose a variety of plants with purple and yellow flowers to create a visually appealing and balanced garden.
- Seasonal Blooms:
- Opt for plants that bloom at different times throughout the year to maintain color in your yard across seasons.
- Height and Size Variations:
- Plan for a mix of tall, medium, and low-growing plants to create depth and interest in your garden.
- Complementary Foliage:
- Consider plants with exciting foliage in addition to colorful flowers to enhance overall aesthetics.
Growing Plants
- Proper Sunlight Exposure:
- Understand the sunlight requirements of each plant and position them accordingly for optimal growth.
- Watering Schedule:
- Establish a consistent watering schedule, considering the specific needs of each plant. Overwatering and underwatering can both be detrimental.
- Mulching:
- Apply a layer of mulch around the purple plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilization:
- Use appropriate fertilizers to provide essential nutrients, but be cautious not to over-fertilize, as it can harm plants.
- Pruning and Deadheading:
- Regularly prune plants to encourage healthy growth and remove dead or spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
- Pest and Disease Management:
- Regularly monitor purple and yellow plants for pests and diseases and act promptly to prevent the spread of any issues.
- Grouping Plants:
- Grow plants with similar water and sunlight requirements together to simplify maintenance and create visually cohesive clusters.
- Support for Tall Plants:
- Provide stakes or support for taller plants to prevent bending or breakage, especially during windy conditions.
- Seasonal Maintenance:
- Conduct seasonal maintenance tasks such as cleaning debris, dividing overcrowded plants, and refreshing mulch.
Plants with Purple and Yellow Flowers: FAQs
What are the most popular purple and yellow garden flowers?
Pansies, violas, irises, tulips, and daylilies are the most popular purple and yellow flowers for gardens. They’re colorful, hardy, and widely available each season.
Which purple and yellow flowers can grow indoors?
African violets, mini orchids, and dwarf irises adapt well indoors. African violets are cat-safe, while orchids and irises are toxic to pets.
Are purple and yellow flowers safe for cats?
Some are safe, like African violets and freesias. Others—orchids, tulips, and irises—are toxic to cats. Always check plant safety before bringing blooms home.
Which purple and yellow flowers work best in bouquets?
Tulips, irises, freesias, and alstroemeria are florist favorites. For cat-safe bouquets, choose freesias or alstroemeria, and avoid tulips or irises.
Can I grow purple and yellow flowers in pots?
Yes. Pansies, violas, dwarf irises, and mini orchids thrive in containers. Just be mindful of pet safety if cats share your space.
