How to Grow Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants
Wikimedia Commons
Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants
Multiple species (genus-specific varies)
Multiple types (ornamental shrubs, perennials, annuals, houseplants)Dark purple and burgundy foliage plants are ornamental plants prized for their dramatic, deep-colored leaves rather than flowers. These plants range from tender annuals to hardy perennials and shrubs, offering year-round visual interest through foliage color. They are excellent for creating contrast in gardens and adding depth to landscape designs.
When should you plant Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; hardy varieties thrive in zones 3-7, tender annuals in zones 9-11; most are adaptable to zones 5-9
Sign up free to see if Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants timeline →Growth Stages
Germination/Establishment
1-3 weeksSeedlings emerge with green or slightly tinted leaves; purple coloration develops gradually
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide 14-16 hours of light daily if growing indoors; maintain temperature between 65-75°F
Vegetative Growth
3-8 weeksPlant develops more foliage; purple/burgundy color intensifies with maturity; plant becomes bushier with increased light exposure
Increase light exposure to 6+ hours daily to deepen coloration; fertilize bi-weekly with balanced or slightly nitrogen-rich fertilizer; pinch back tips to encourage bushiness
Full Maturity
2-6 monthsPlant reaches full size with rich, deep purple or burgundy foliage; color is most vibrant; some may produce flowers (secondary feature)
Maintain consistent watering and light; deadhead flowers if foliage is the primary feature; fertilize monthly during growing season; provide cool nights if possible to enhance color
Dormancy (Hardy Varieties)
3-5 monthsDeciduous varieties lose foliage; perennials die back to roots; evergreen varieties retain foliage but growth slows dramatically
Reduce watering significantly; withhold fertilizer; protect tender varieties from frost; mulch perennials with 2-3 inches of organic material
Spring Emergence
2-4 weeksNew foliage emerges with fresh purple coloration; plant shows renewed vigor and growth
Remove winter mulch as soil warms; resume regular watering and fertilizing; new growth often appears lighter purple, deepening over time
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; spray with water; use neem oil or horticultural soap; improve air circulation
-
Isolate affected plants; spray with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation; apply horticultural soap
-
and
(outdoors)
Hand-pick; use beer traps; create copper barriers; apply diatomaceous earth
Uses
Ornamental Landscaping & Garden Design
HouseholdDark purple and burgundy foliage plants create dramatic focal points and color contrast in garden beds, borders, and containers. They provide visual depth and interest even when flowers are absent, serving as backbone plants in landscape design. [source]
Indoor Houseplants & Decorative Accents
HouseholdMany varieties (like purple Coleus and Oxalis) thrive indoors as houseplants, adding color to living spaces and offices. They tolerate lower light than flowering plants and maintain color year-round in controlled environments. [source]
Floral Arrangements & Cut Foliage
CraftPurple and burgundy foliage branches and stems are highly valued in floral design and arrangements, providing sophisticated color and texture. They complement both fresh and dried arrangements and last longer than flowers. [source]
Container Gardening & Patio Design
HouseholdThese plants excel in containers and hanging baskets, creating instant visual appeal on patios, balconies, and entryways. Mixed container plantings benefit from their stable color and structure throughout seasons. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Native Gardens
WildlifeMany native purple-foliage plants support pollinators and beneficial insects. Ornamental shrub varieties provide shelter and cover for birds and small mammals while adding landscape value. [source]
Harvest Tips
Foliage plants are not harvested but rather maintained for continuous aesthetic value. Pinch off new growth to encourage bushiness and fuller plants. Remove any faded, damaged, or diseased leaves promptly. For arrangements, cut stems in early morning; use sharp pruners and strip lower leaves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple coloration in plants is primarily caused by anthocyanin pigments, which also protect leaves from UV radiation and frost damage. This is why purple foliage often intensifies in cooler weather and with increased light exposure.
- 🌱 Many purple-foliage plants, like Coleus, were originally bred by Victorian gardeners specifically for their striking leaf colors and patterns, becoming status symbols in ornamental gardens.
- 🌱 Some dark-foliage plants like Purple Sweet Potato Vine and Iresine are actually grown as tender perennials and must be replanted yearly in cold climates, but can live for years in frost-free zones.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Dark Purple/Burgundy Foliage Plants timeline →