To select colored rice varieties with good ornamental value, strong resistance, high yield, and stable characteristics, and are suitable for “rice planting” in Dongguan and even South China region, 14 colored rice varieties with purple leaves were introduced to carry out the early and late planting trials. The agronomic traits such as leaf color, plant height, lodging resistance and yield were investigated and recorded during the whole growth period. These data were used for the comparative analysis between early and late planting of the same variety or among different varieties. The results showed that there were significant differences in leaf color, growth period, plant height, and yield between early and late planting period of the same variety. There were also significant differences in leaf color and agronomic traits among 14 colored rice varieties. According to the analysis of various characters, the colored rice varieties suitable for early and late planting were selected. The most recommended varieties for early production are 'Shengzi', 'Huazi','Youzi' and 'Ziyehongmi', followed by 'Hangzi', 'Jianzi No.2', 'Aizi' and 'Yingzi'. The most recommended varieties for late production are 'Shengzi', 'Huazi', and 'Youzi', followed by 'Jianzi No.2', 'Aizi', 'Yingzi', 'Ziyehongmi', 'Jiangzi No.1', 'Jiangzi No.2', and 'Zihong No.1'. The color of 'Yingzi' is the most beautiful, but due to its problems such as relatively short plants and low yields, the variety only can be planted small scale for the beauty of "paddy field paintings". The results can be used to guide the variety selection for "paddy field paintings", and promote the construction of beautiful countryside and grain harvest, and the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area cities.