Plants that bloom in October in Zone 9 with purple flowers

Bougainvillea

Explosive cascades of papery magenta, hot pink, or coral bracts that smother walls, fences, and pergolas with nonstop color from spring through fall in zones 9 to 11.

Butterfly Bush

Long, arching flower wands that butterflies absolutely lose their minds over.

Calibrachoa

Mini petunias that bloom nonstop in hanging baskets. Dozens of color options and no deadheading needed.

Chrysanthemum

The fall icon. Mounds of color when everything else is fading.

Dahlia

Endless forms from dinner-plate to pompom. The obsession of flower farmers.

Encore Autumn Azalea

Spring blooms plus a full fall encore. Multiple color options in the Encore series.

Impatiens

The shade annual champion. Flowers prolifically where nothing else will.

Lantana

Multi-colored flower clusters that bloom relentlessly in brutal heat.

Morning Glory

Fast-climbing vine with trumpets that open fresh every morning.

Petunia

Cascading color for containers and beds. Blooms nonstop until frost.

Rose of Sharon

A cold-hardy hibiscus shrub (Hibiscus syriacus) with big tropical-looking blooms in lavender, pink, blue, white, or wine, opening late summer when most flowering shrubs are done.

Sweet Alyssum

Honey-scented carpet of tiny flowers. The best living edging plant.

Tall Verbena

Wiry stems topped with purple clusters that butterflies can't resist. See-through plant for layering.

Zinnia

Easy-grow annual with electric colors. Cut-and-come-again champion.