These Arizona bushes might not look appealing at first glance, but when they bloom with purple flowers – they are a sight to behold!
Arizona’s landscape ranges from deserts to tall mountains and is home to several bushes that thrive in these unique climatic conditions that range from USDA Zones 5-10.
Arizona State Flower and How to Grow It
Bushes with Purple Flowers in Arizona
1. Purple Prairie Clover
Botanical Name: Dalea purpurea
Dalea belongs to the legume family and has small purple flowers. It is a great choice for landscapes as the plant can grow up to 3-4 feet.
2. Penstemon
Botanical Name: Arizona Penstemon
Penstemon is native to north-central Arizona and produces blue or purple blooms from spring to fall.
3. Texas Sage
Botanical Name: Leucophyllum frutescens
This one is a popular shrub in Arizona appreciated for its drought tolerance and clusters of purple flowers. It can reach up to 6 feet over time.
4. Desert Lavender
Botanical Name: Hyptis emoryi
Desert Lavender is native to Arizona and can withstand dry conditions with ease. Its light purple blooms attract butterflies and bees like magnets!
5. Chaparral Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia clevelandii
The purple flowers of these bushes have a quirky shape and carry a faint, sweet fragrance. It grows best in full sun.
6. Deep Blue Arizona Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia arizonica ‘Deep Blue’
The plant showcases nearly purple-blue blooms all summer. If you want a long-living specimen for container that is easy to care for, go for this one!
7. Verbena
Botanical Name: Verbena officinalis
Native to the Sonoran desert region of Arizona, Common verbena produces pink-purple flowers from spring through fall. Good sunlight and regular watering is all it needs to bloom the best.
8. Butterfly Bush
Botanical Name: Buddleja davidii
Although not native, Butterfly Bush is common in Arizona. Its cone-shaped purple flowers bloom best in full sun and also attract butterflies.
9. Desert Ruellia
Botanical Name: Ruellia peninsularis
This fuss-free shrub with light-green foliage is easy to maintain and blooms purple flowers throughout the year – prolific blossoms occur in spring.
10. Bull Thistle
Botanical Name: Cirsium vulgare
Also known as Spear Thistle, it is famous for its purple wildflowers in Arizona. You can find it in open areas, thriving well in a wide range of conditions.
11. Mexican Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia leucantha
Mexican sage grows big purple blooms in summer and fall. This shrub is not too fussy about the growing medium and will survive in almost every soil type.
