Top picks: The classic Jackmanii springs to mind instantly, but Arabella is all that plus multitones of blue and mauve. Psst—we found even more purple perennials to plant for beauty each year.

We asked plant people throughout Lancaster County what plant made them excited about gardening and growing last year.

such anthocyanins (pigments that cause plant tissues to appear red, blue or purple), or the lack or low amount of these pigments as in white or pale flowers," Arnold said. So where can you find ...