If you’re looking for a stunning way to make your spring garden pop, consider adding purple shrubs with pink flowers. These vibrant springtime garden accents create a beautiful and eye-catching contrast that is hard to beat.
They combine the calm, regal feel of purple foliage with the cheerful burst of pink blooms. This pairing works magic in any landscape. It adds depth, color, and season-long interest from the moment spring arrives.
This guide will help you choose the right shrubs, plant them correctly, and care for them. You’ll learn how to make these beautiful plants a central part of your garden’s spring show.
Purple Shrubs With Pink Flowers
This combination isn’t as common as you might think, which makes it so special. The purple comes from the leaves, not the flowers. These shrubs have foliage in shades of plum, burgundy, or deep purple. In spring, they are covered in bright pink blossoms.
The effect is truly dynamic. It’s a fantastic way to add a professional design touch to your own yard. Let’s look at some of the best shrubs that offer this spectacular show.
Top Picks for Your Garden
Here are some reliable and beautiful shrubs that feature purple leaves and pink flowers. Each has its own unique character and growing needs.
- Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena): This is a classic choice. Its foliage is a gorgeous reddish-purple all season long. In early spring, it covers itself in delicate, pale pink flowers. It’s a tough shrub that’s quite cold-hardy.
- Double Take Flowering Quince ‘Scarlet Storm’ (Chaenomeles speciosa): While known for scarlet blooms, some varieties, like ‘Pink Storm’, offer double pink flowers against dark, purplish-green new growth. It’s thornless and blooms profusely.
- Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria): While its smoke-like flowers are usually pinkish, varieties like ‘Royal Purple’ have deep purple leaves. The airy pink flower plumes in summer create a stunning “smoke” effect above the dark foliage.
- Certain Weigela Varieties (Weigela florida): Look for cultivars like ‘Wine & Roses’ or ‘Midnight Wine’. They have dark purple, almost chocolate-colored leaves. In late spring, they produce tons of trumpet-shaped pink flowers that hummingbirds love.
Planning Your Planting
Success starts with putting the right plant in the right place. A little planning goes a long way to ensure your shrubs thrive and look their best.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
Most purple-leaved shrubs need full sun to maintain their rich color. In too much shade, the leaves often fade to a greenish hue. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Also think about the background. Planting a purple shrub against a dark fence might hide its beauty. Instead, place it where it can stand out—against a light-colored wall, or with green shrubs or grasses behind it.
Understanding Soil and Spacing
Well-draining soil is crucial. These shrubs generally don’t like “wet feet.” You can improve your soil by mixing in compost before planting.
Always check the mature width of the shrub on its plant tag. Give it enough room to grow to its full size without crowding. This improves air circulation, which prevents disease, and shows off its natural shape.
A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these simple steps to give your new shrub a great start in your garden.
- Dig the Hole: Make it two to three times wider than the shrub’s root ball, but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.
- Prep the Plant: Gently remove the shrub from its container. If the roots are tightly wound, loosen them slightly with your fingers.
- Position and Backfill: Place the shrub in the hole. Fill in around it with the soil you removed, mixed with some compost. Gently tamp the soil down to remove air pockets.
- Water Deeply: Give your newly planted shrub a thorough, slow watering. This helps settle the soil around the roots.
- Add Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (like wood chips) around the base. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the main stem to prevent rot.
Caring for Your Purple and Pink Shrubs
Once established, these shrubs are relatively low-maintenance. But a little care ensures they remain healthy and vibrant for years.
Watering and Feeding
Water regularly during the first growing season. After that, most are drought-tolerant but will appreciate water during very dry spells. A deep watering once a week is better than frequent light sprinklings.
In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. A layer of fresh compost around the base each spring is often all they need. Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of weak growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning Tips
Pruning needs vary by plant. A good general rule is to prune right after the shrub finishes flowering. This is because many of these shrubs bloom on “old wood” (growth from the previous year).
If you prune in late fall or winter, you might accidentally cut off the flower buds. Always remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches first. Then, you can shape the plant as desired.
Design Ideas for Maximum Impact
These shrubs are versatile. You can use them in many ways to make your spring garden sing.
- Focal Point: Use a single, striking specimen as a centerpiece in a garden bed.
- Color Theming: Pair them with other pink and purple flowers, like tulips or alliums, for a monochromatic scheme.
- Complementary Colors: For real vibrancy, place them near shrubs or flowers in complementary colors. Yellow or orange spring flowers (like forsythia or certain azaleas) will make the purple and pink stand out dramatically.
- Foundation Planting: They work wonderfully along the foundation of your house, softening lines and adding curb appeal.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even the best gardens face a few challenges. Here’s how to handle issues with your purple shrubs.
Leaf Color Fading: If the leaves turn more green than purple, the plant likely needs more sun. Consider transplanting it to a sunnier location in the dormant season.
Poor Flowering: This can be caused by pruning at the wrong time, not enough sun, or to much nitrogen fertilizer. Review your care routine to identify the likely cause.
Pests: Aphids might sometimes appear on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose is often enough to dislodge them. For persistent problems, insecticidal soap is a good option.
FAQ
What are some purple flowering shrubs with pink flowers?
The key here is that the foliage is purple and the flowers are pink. Great examples are the Purple Leaf Sand Cherry and dark-leaved Weigela varieties like ‘Wine & Roses’.
Which purple shrubs bloom in spring?
Most of the shrubs mentioned, like the sand cherry and flowering quince, are spring bloomers. They are among the first to provide color after winter.
How do I care for a purple leaf sand cherry?
Plant it in full sun for best leaf color. Ensure the soil drains well. Prune it lightly, just after it finishes blooming, to maintain its shape and remove any dead wood.
Can I grow these in containers?
Yes, dwarf varieties like Weigela ‘Midnight Wine’ are excellent for large pots. Use high-quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage holes. Watering will be more frequent than for plants in the ground.
Adding purple shrubs with pink flowers to your garden is a surefire way to boost its spring beauty. With the right selection, placement, and simple care, these plants will give you a reliable and breathtaking display season after season. They fill the garden with a vibrant energy that welcomes the warmer months in style.