The plant with the purple foliage may be Lysimachia ciliata atropurpurea.

We can probably tell you the genus, possibly the species or hybrid, with a good photo. The best angle is not straight above or directly at the side, but halfway in between. Feel along the edges of the leaves. Do you feel spines? If not, it is probably a Guzmania or Vriesea or possibly a Tillandsia. Send the photo and tell us about the spines - I'll give it my best shot!

with the blinding glare off the scale.. its hard to focus on whatever it is ... ken

I have this Asian jasmine and I hate it! It looks like yours is in a contained area, which might be better than mine. Previous owner planted it as a groundcover here and it is unmanageable. It goes up adjacent hydrangeas and into hedges. It grows so fast. I trim and it grows more and more. As soon as I can get rid of it (if even that is possible??) I am going to plant something else there. Hard to see exactly, but looks like it is growing up your tree already. watch that....