Cardamine quinquefolia: Light purple flowers emerge very early in spring, with attractive deeply divided leaves. Foliage dies down in summer.

Lathyrus vernus (Spring pea): Two-tone purple and pink pea-like flowers in early spring. Thrives in shade, even quite dry shade. To 30cm. Hardy.

Primula denticulata (Drumstick primula): Round heads of purple, occasionally white flowers above a rosette of green leaves.

Pulmonaria 'Diana Clare' (Lungwort 'Diana Clare'): Long, slender silver foliage and purple flowers in spring. To 30cm Hardy.