There are over one hundred distinct varieties, ranging from pure white to lilac-purple, scarlet and pink, and when in full bloom the entire plant might be easily mistaken for a large bouquet, so literally covered is it with dazzling blossoms.    From Wordnik.com.  [Your Plants Plain and Practical Directions for the Treatment of Tender and Hardy Plants in the House and in the Garden] Reference

Along the banks of the stream tall lilac-purple, stock-like flowers rise proudly above the grasses.    From Wordnik.com.  [Wanderings by southern waters, eastern Aquitaine] Reference

The flowers are nearly 2in. across the ray, the florets being of a pleasing lilac-purple, and rather short, owing to the large size of the disk, which is often nearly an inch in diameter; this part of the flower is more than usually effective, as the disk florets become well developed in succession, when they have the appearance of being dusted with gold; the scales, which are set on the swollen stem, are of a substantial character; the numerous imbricate parts, which are covered with long downy hairs pointing downwards, give the body of the flower a somewhat bulky appearance.    From Wordnik.com.  [Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies.] Reference