37 Unique Purple Succulents That Add Color to Any Garden

Succulents have captivated gardeners with their diverse shapes, low maintenance, and dazzling hues. Among them, purple succulents stand out for their vibrant colors and ability to turn an ordinary collection into a striking statement. This comprehensive guide explores 37 stunning purple succulent varieties perfect for indoor arrangements or garden landscapes. Learn about their care needs, color-changing characteristics, and how to showcase them for maximum impact.

Why Choose Purple Succulents?

Purple succulents are not only rare and beautiful, but also symbolize creativity, abundance, and luxury. Their unique coloration is mainly due to anthocyanins, pigments produced in response to sunlight. These pigments help give many succulents their deep purple, lavender, and reddish-purple tones that intensify with sun exposure. Adding purple succulents can:

• Provide striking contrast to green and blue succulent varieties
• Add depth and visual interest to garden beds or containers
• Thrive indoors on sunny windowsills or outdoors in full/partial sun
• Offer easy-care options for beginners and experienced gardeners

Understanding Purple Succulent Colors

Many succulents develop their richest purple shades when exposed to abundant sunlight, cooler temperatures, or drought conditions. This is a natural adaptation called ‘stress coloring,’ which results in vivid purples, reds, or blues due to the build-up of anthocyanins. Some species, however, maintain a purple hue year-round regardless of stress.

Tip: If your purple succulent fades to green, try increasing sunlight exposure while avoiding overwatering for more vibrant color.

Top 37 Purple Succulent Varieties

The world of purple succulents offers endless options, from classic rosette shapes to trailing vines and upright columns. Here are 37 gorgeous varieties, organized by genus, with quick facts to help you choose the right one for your space.

Echeveria Varieties

• Echeveria ‘Afterglow’: Large lavender rosettes with pink margins; thrives in full sun for deepest color. Grows up to 12 inches wide and tolerates heat and drought.
  Zones: 9-12
• Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’: Famous for silvery purple rosettes, dusted with pruinose for a pearly finish. Pink and yellow flowers appear in summer.
  Zones: 10-11
• Echeveria ‘Violet Queen’: Pointed pastel purple leaves form tight rosettes. Turns more purple in full sun.
  Zones: 9-11
• Echeveria ‘Black Prince’: Starts green and matures to a dark, almost eggplant purple. Compact rosettes; great in arrangements.
  Zones: 9-11
• Echeveria ‘Neon Breakers’: Neon violet foliage with bright pink ruffled edges.
  Zones: 9-11
• Echeveria ‘Purpusorum’: Olive green leaves with maroon-purple mottling and deep purple undersides.
  Zones: 9-11
• Echeveria ‘Sahara’: Soft lavender rosettes with a powdery finish, blush pink in bright light.
  Zones: 9-11

Graptopetalum and Graptoveria

• Graptopetalum paraguayense ‘Ghost Plant’: Pastel purple rosettes with silver undertone, grows long stems that spill over containers.
  Zones: 9-11
• Graptoveria ‘Debbie’: Lavender-pink rosettes, especially bright in full sun.
  Zones: 9-11
• Graptoveria ‘Opalina’: Light blue-lavender leaves, blushing purple at the tips with sun.
  Zones: 9-11
• Graptopetalum superbum: Chubby, powdery purple leaves forming neat rosettes.
  Zones: 9-11

Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

• Sempervivum ‘Pacific Devil’s Food’: Deep chocolate-purple rosettes, color intensifies in cool weather.
  Zones: 4-9
• Sempervivum ‘Purple Beauty’: Tight clusters of purple and green rosettes.
  Zones: 4-9
• Sempervivum ‘Oddity’: Uniquely tubular leaves rimmed in purple.
  Zones: 5-9
• Sempervivum ‘Royal Ruby’: Ruby to dark purple hues; good cold tolerance.
  Zones: 4-11

Aeonium Varieties

• Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ (Black Rose): Dark purple to near-black, glossy rosettes atop tall stems.
  Zones: 9-11
• Aeonium ‘Velour’: Velvety deep plum foliage with green centers.
  Zones: 10-11
• Aeonium ‘Cyclops’: Large rosettes with reddish-purple leaves fading to green at the center.
  Zones: 9-11

Kalanchoe and Related Genera

• Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi ‘Lavender Scallops’: Grey-purple scalloped leaves, sometimes edged in pink.
  Zones: 9-11
• Kalanchoe humilis: Marbled purple spots on gray-green leaves.
  Zones: 10-11
• Kalanchoe marmorata: Flat, paddle-like leaves speckled with burgundy-purple.
  Zones: 10-12

Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)

• Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’: Bright purple, sword-shaped foliage that deepens in sunlight.
  Zones: 8-11
• Tradescantia spathacea ‘Sitara’s Gold’: Striking purple and gold variegation.
  Zones: 9-12

Crassula and Other Succulents

• Crassula atropurpurea: Upright succulent with eggplant-purple leaves in bright light.
  Zones: 9-11
• Crassula pellucida ‘Variegata’: Small, heart-shaped leaves splashed with lavender and pink.
  Zones: 10-11
• Anacampseros rufescens: Diminutive succulent with olive green leaves that blush deep magenta-purple.
  Zones: 9-11
• Purple Beauty Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi): Carpet-forming succulent covered with neon purple flowers in summer.
  Zones: 6-10

Other Noteworthy Purple Succulents

• Oscularia deltoides: Triangle-shaped leaves, lavender-tinged, with purple stems.
  Zones: 9-11
• Senecio jacobsenii (Trailing Jade): Trailing stems with green leaves that develop a purple flush in sunlight.
  Zones: 9-11
• Senecio crassissimus (Lavender Steps): Upright, thick leaves edged in deep purple.
  Zones: 10-11
• Othonna capensis (Ruby Necklace): String of bead-like purple and green leaves; striking in hanging baskets.
  Zones: 9-11
• Kalanchoe tomentosa ‘Chocolate Soldier’: Fuzzy green leaves with chocolate-purple edges.
  Zones: 9-11

Choosing the Right Purple Succulent for Your Space

When selecting purple succulents, consider:

• Sunlight: Most varieties develop their best color in full sun, but some prefer filtered light.
• Climate: Check the USDA hardiness zone for each variety to ensure winter survival outdoors.
• Size: From compact rosettes to sprawling groundcovers or trailing types, select what fits your space.
• Texture: Mix fuzzy, smooth, ruffled, and spiky forms for added visual interest.

Planting and Care Tips for Purple Succulents

Most purple succulents are quite hardy but need specific care to look their best. Follow these essential tips:

• Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix to prevent root rot.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the main risk for succulent health.
• Sunlight: Provide at least 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Gradually acclimate to full sun to avoid leaf scorch.
• Feeding: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season; avoid over-fertilization which can dull leaf color.
• Pests: Watch for mealybugs or aphids, especially indoors. Treat promptly to prevent spread.

Design Ideas: Showcasing Purple Succulents

• Mixed Containers: Group purple varieties with green, blue, or silver succulents for a high-contrast effect.
• Rock Gardens: Use groundcovers like Ice Plant or trailing varieties to fill crevices with color.
• Terrariums: Pair petite purple succulents like Anacampseros with stones and pebbles for a miniature landscape.
• Living Walls: Create vertical gardens with a tapestry of color using rosette-forming succulents.
• Hanging Baskets: Show off trailing purple varieties like Othonna capensis or Tradescantia for dramatic cascades.

Table: Quick Guide to Favorite Purple Succulents

Common Questions about Purple Succulents

Q: Why is my purple succulent turning green?

A: Most often, a purple succulent fades to green due to insufficient sunlight. Gradually move the plant to a sunnier spot and limit overwatering to restore its color.

Q: Are purple succulents safe for pets?

A: Many popular varieties (such as Echeveria and Sempervivum) are non-toxic, but always verify with specific species. Some Kalanchoe and Tradescantia can be toxic if ingested by pets.

Q: How often should I water my purple succulents?

A: Only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.

Q: Can purple succulents grow indoors?

A: Absolutely. Place them near a bright, south- or west-facing window, or supplement with grow lights if natural light is limited.

Q: Do purple succulents bloom?

A: Many do, producing pink, yellow, or red flowers in spring or summer. The blossoms add another layer of color and can attract pollinators to your garden.

Conclusion: Add a Pop of Purple to Your Garden

With their vibrant hues and diverse forms, purple succulents are a standout addition to any garden or indoor space. From the majestic rosettes of Echeveria to the trailing tendrils of Tradescantia, there’s a purple succulent for every taste and arrangement. Remember to provide ample sunlight, avoid overwatering, and mix varieties for the most eye-catching displays. Whether you’re creating a dedicated purple collection or sprinkling accents throughout your landscape, these unique plants are sure to brighten your botanical world.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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