Low-growing, spreading vegetation with purplish foliage provides a vibrant alternative to traditional lawns or mulch. Examples include creeping thyme varieties, ajuga, and certain cultivars of vinca. These offer visual interest through their foliage color and often contribute delicate blooms.
Such vegetation offers significant advantages in landscaping. Dense growth suppresses weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and manual weeding. It also helps retain soil moisture, minimizing watering requirements. Historically, some low-growing, purple-hued plants held medicinal or culinary value, adding another layer of interest to their cultivation.