Iris, Lilac, Violet (three pretty purple flowers)

England has many lovely flowers, and three of the most stunning are all purple.

Purple orchids are also stunning, though like many flowers, toxic to pets. Read more on pet-friendly gardens.

Irises (toxic to pets) are named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, bloom in many colours including purple (not red) and have unique three ‘standards’ and three ‘drooping falls’. With Egyptian roots, they are the official state flower of Tennessee.

Bearded irises have fuzzy caterpillar-like strips on the lower petals, which attract pollinators. The dried ‘orris root’ is sometimes used in perfumes.

Lilacs are hardy perennials from the olive family, which only bloom for a few weeks each spring, but can live for 100 years. Able to survive low temperatures, they are also in many colours, not just purple. They are loved by bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Violets have a unique scent, and feature two types of flowers, including small closed ones for self-pollination. Ants help to spread their seeds, due to being attracted to their nutrition. This is the official flower of several US states (Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin).