For [Ni(en)³]²⁺ which is purple, the crystal field splitting energy is greater than the complex ion, [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ which is green in color.
When a Lewis base id attached to the metal ion by covalent bond, then the complex ion is formed and when these complex ions are present with other ions of opposite charge or neutral charge, they will make complex compounds.