diff --git a/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go b/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
index ebe5c51d5..273f89535 100644
--- a/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
+++ b/backend/amazonclouddrive/amazonclouddrive.go
@@ -937,8 +937,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Hashes() hash.Set {
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // ------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/backend/azureblob/azureblob.go b/backend/azureblob/azureblob.go
index 6ed2a1e3e..cb54f94fd 100644
--- a/backend/azureblob/azureblob.go
+++ b/backend/azureblob/azureblob.go
@@ -967,8 +967,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Hashes() hash.Set {
 }
 
 // Purge deletes all the files and directories including the old versions.
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	dir := "" // forward compat!
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	container, directory := f.split(dir)
 	if container == "" || directory != "" {
 		// Delegate to caller if not root of a container
diff --git a/backend/b2/b2.go b/backend/b2/b2.go
index 8b06ff8ed..e40adc224 100644
--- a/backend/b2/b2.go
+++ b/backend/b2/b2.go
@@ -1143,7 +1143,8 @@ func (f *Fs) deleteByID(ctx context.Context, ID, Name string) error {
 // if oldOnly is true then it deletes only non current files.
 //
 // Implemented here so we can make sure we delete old versions.
-func (f *Fs) purge(ctx context.Context, bucket, directory string, oldOnly bool) error {
+func (f *Fs) purge(ctx context.Context, dir string, oldOnly bool) error {
+	bucket, directory := f.split(dir)
 	if bucket == "" {
 		return errors.New("can't purge from root")
 	}
@@ -1218,19 +1219,19 @@ func (f *Fs) purge(ctx context.Context, bucket, directory string, oldOnly bool)
 	wg.Wait()
 
 	if !oldOnly {
-		checkErr(f.Rmdir(ctx, ""))
+		checkErr(f.Rmdir(ctx, dir))
 	}
 	return errReturn
 }
 
 // Purge deletes all the files and directories including the old versions.
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purge(ctx, f.rootBucket, f.rootDirectory, false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purge(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // CleanUp deletes all the hidden files.
 func (f *Fs) CleanUp(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purge(ctx, f.rootBucket, f.rootDirectory, true)
+	return f.purge(ctx, "", true)
 }
 
 // copy does a server side copy from dstObj <- srcObj
diff --git a/backend/box/box.go b/backend/box/box.go
index 25b8d3ba8..9903b4c30 100644
--- a/backend/box/box.go
+++ b/backend/box/box.go
@@ -862,8 +862,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // move a file or folder
diff --git a/backend/cache/cache.go b/backend/cache/cache.go
index d06e757ca..01140c358 100644
--- a/backend/cache/cache.go
+++ b/backend/cache/cache.go
@@ -1702,17 +1702,20 @@ func (f *Fs) Hashes() hash.Set {
 	return f.Fs.Hashes()
 }
 
-// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	fs.Infof(f, "purging cache")
-	f.cache.Purge()
+// Purge all files in the directory
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	if dir == "" {
+		// FIXME this isn't quite right as it should purge the dir prefix
+		fs.Infof(f, "purging cache")
+		f.cache.Purge()
+	}
 
 	do := f.Fs.Features().Purge
 	if do == nil {
-		return nil
+		return fs.ErrorCantPurge
 	}
 
-	err := do(ctx)
+	err := do(ctx, dir)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
diff --git a/backend/cache/cache_internal_test.go b/backend/cache/cache_internal_test.go
index be2cbfcba..becbfd92b 100644
--- a/backend/cache/cache_internal_test.go
+++ b/backend/cache/cache_internal_test.go
@@ -946,7 +946,7 @@ func (r *run) newCacheFs(t *testing.T, remote, id string, needRemote, purge bool
 	}
 
 	if purge {
-		_ = f.Features().Purge(context.Background())
+		_ = f.Features().Purge(context.Background(), "")
 		require.NoError(t, err)
 	}
 	err = f.Mkdir(context.Background(), "")
@@ -955,7 +955,7 @@ func (r *run) newCacheFs(t *testing.T, remote, id string, needRemote, purge bool
 }
 
 func (r *run) cleanupFs(t *testing.T, f fs.Fs, b *cache.Persistent) {
-	err := f.Features().Purge(context.Background())
+	err := f.Features().Purge(context.Background(), "")
 	require.NoError(t, err)
 	cfs, err := r.getCacheFs(f)
 	require.NoError(t, err)
diff --git a/backend/chunker/chunker.go b/backend/chunker/chunker.go
index 42c9cf5b4..74bebacef 100644
--- a/backend/chunker/chunker.go
+++ b/backend/chunker/chunker.go
@@ -1333,7 +1333,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return f.base.Rmdir(ctx, dir)
 }
 
-// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+// Purge all files in the directory
 //
 // Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 // quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
@@ -1344,12 +1344,12 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 // As a result it removes not only composite chunker files with their
 // active chunks but also all hidden temporary chunks in the directory.
 //
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	do := f.base.Features().Purge
 	if do == nil {
 		return fs.ErrorCantPurge
 	}
-	return do(ctx)
+	return do(ctx, dir)
 }
 
 // Remove an object (chunks and metadata, if any)
diff --git a/backend/crypt/crypt.go b/backend/crypt/crypt.go
index 41c3a1925..831af4261 100644
--- a/backend/crypt/crypt.go
+++ b/backend/crypt/crypt.go
@@ -427,18 +427,18 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return f.Fs.Rmdir(ctx, f.cipher.EncryptDirName(dir))
 }
 
-// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+// Purge all files in the directory specified
 //
 // Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 // quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
 //
 // Return an error if it doesn't exist
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	do := f.Fs.Features().Purge
 	if do == nil {
 		return fs.ErrorCantPurge
 	}
-	return do(ctx)
+	return do(ctx, dir)
 }
 
 // Copy src to this remote using server side copy operations.
diff --git a/backend/drive/drive.go b/backend/drive/drive.go
index bcc2d8d18..2ef55f0fe 100755
--- a/backend/drive/drive.go
+++ b/backend/drive/drive.go
@@ -2208,10 +2208,9 @@ func (f *Fs) delete(ctx context.Context, id string, useTrash bool) error {
 	})
 }
 
-// Rmdir deletes a directory
-//
-// Returns an error if it isn't empty
-func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+// purgeCheck removes the dir directory, if check is set then it
+// refuses to do so if it has anything in
+func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 	root := path.Join(f.root, dir)
 	dc := f.dirCache
 	directoryID, err := dc.FindDir(ctx, dir, false)
@@ -2224,20 +2223,22 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 		return f.delete(ctx, shortcutID, f.opt.UseTrash)
 	}
 	var trashedFiles = false
-	found, err := f.list(ctx, []string{directoryID}, "", false, false, true, func(item *drive.File) bool {
-		if !item.Trashed {
-			fs.Debugf(dir, "Rmdir: contains file: %q", item.Name)
-			return true
+	if check {
+		found, err := f.list(ctx, []string{directoryID}, "", false, false, true, func(item *drive.File) bool {
+			if !item.Trashed {
+				fs.Debugf(dir, "Rmdir: contains file: %q", item.Name)
+				return true
+			}
+			fs.Debugf(dir, "Rmdir: contains trashed file: %q", item.Name)
+			trashedFiles = true
+			return false
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if found {
+			return errors.Errorf("directory not empty")
 		}
-		fs.Debugf(dir, "Rmdir: contains trashed file: %q", item.Name)
-		trashedFiles = true
-		return false
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if found {
-		return errors.Errorf("directory not empty")
 	}
 	if root != "" {
 		// trash the directory if it had trashed files
@@ -2247,6 +2248,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 		if err != nil {
 			return err
 		}
+	} else if check {
+		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
 	}
 	f.dirCache.FlushDir(dir)
 	if err != nil {
@@ -2255,6 +2258,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
+// Rmdir deletes a directory
+//
+// Returns an error if it isn't empty
+func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, true)
+}
+
 // Precision of the object storage system
 func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return time.Millisecond
@@ -2348,23 +2358,11 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	if f.root == "" {
-		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
-	}
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	if f.opt.TrashedOnly {
 		return errors.New("Can't purge with --drive-trashed-only. Use delete if you want to selectively delete files")
 	}
-	rootID, err := f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	err = f.delete(ctx, shortcutID(rootID), f.opt.UseTrash)
-	f.dirCache.ResetRoot()
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return nil
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // CleanUp empties the trash
diff --git a/backend/dropbox/dropbox.go b/backend/dropbox/dropbox.go
index 02c7af30c..ad740bf2f 100755
--- a/backend/dropbox/dropbox.go
+++ b/backend/dropbox/dropbox.go
@@ -611,10 +611,9 @@ func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return err
 }
 
-// Rmdir deletes the container
-//
-// Returns an error if it isn't empty
-func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+// purgeCheck removes the root directory, if check is set then it
+// refuses to do so if it has anything in
+func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) (err error) {
 	root := path.Join(f.slashRoot, dir)
 
 	// can't remove root
@@ -622,31 +621,33 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 		return errors.New("can't remove root directory")
 	}
 
-	// check directory exists
-	_, err := f.getDirMetadata(root)
-	if err != nil {
-		return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
-	}
+	if check {
+		// check directory exists
+		_, err = f.getDirMetadata(root)
+		if err != nil {
+			return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
+		}
 
-	root = f.opt.Enc.FromStandardPath(root)
-	// check directory empty
-	arg := files.ListFolderArg{
-		Path:      root,
-		Recursive: false,
-	}
-	if root == "/" {
-		arg.Path = "" // Specify root folder as empty string
-	}
-	var res *files.ListFolderResult
-	err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
-		res, err = f.srv.ListFolder(&arg)
-		return shouldRetry(err)
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
-	}
-	if len(res.Entries) != 0 {
-		return errors.New("directory not empty")
+		root = f.opt.Enc.FromStandardPath(root)
+		// check directory empty
+		arg := files.ListFolderArg{
+			Path:      root,
+			Recursive: false,
+		}
+		if root == "/" {
+			arg.Path = "" // Specify root folder as empty string
+		}
+		var res *files.ListFolderResult
+		err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
+			res, err = f.srv.ListFolder(&arg)
+			return shouldRetry(err)
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
+		}
+		if len(res.Entries) != 0 {
+			return errors.New("directory not empty")
+		}
 	}
 
 	// remove it
@@ -657,6 +658,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return err
 }
 
+// Rmdir deletes the container
+//
+// Returns an error if it isn't empty
+func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, true)
+}
+
 // Precision returns the precision
 func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return time.Second
@@ -719,15 +727,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
-	// Let dropbox delete the filesystem tree
-	err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
-		_, err = f.srv.DeleteV2(&files.DeleteArg{
-			Path: f.opt.Enc.FromStandardPath(f.slashRoot),
-		})
-		return shouldRetry(err)
-	})
-	return err
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // Move src to this remote using server side move operations.
diff --git a/backend/jottacloud/jottacloud.go b/backend/jottacloud/jottacloud.go
index 9c7958858..10eb955e4 100644
--- a/backend/jottacloud/jottacloud.go
+++ b/backend/jottacloud/jottacloud.go
@@ -1070,8 +1070,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 }
 
 // Purge deletes all the files and the container
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // copyOrMoves copies or moves directories or files depending on the method parameter
diff --git a/backend/local/local.go b/backend/local/local.go
index 85210ddbb..90aad3c96 100644
--- a/backend/local/local.go
+++ b/backend/local/local.go
@@ -616,20 +616,21 @@ func (f *Fs) readPrecision() (precision time.Duration) {
 	return
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and directories
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	fi, err := f.lstat(f.root)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	dir = f.localPath(dir)
+	fi, err := f.lstat(dir)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 	if !fi.Mode().IsDir() {
-		return errors.Errorf("can't purge non directory: %q", f.root)
+		return errors.Errorf("can't purge non directory: %q", dir)
 	}
-	return os.RemoveAll(f.root)
+	return os.RemoveAll(dir)
 }
 
 // Move src to this remote using server side move operations.
diff --git a/backend/mailru/mailru.go b/backend/mailru/mailru.go
index b1a61b76e..316e39558 100644
--- a/backend/mailru/mailru.go
+++ b/backend/mailru/mailru.go
@@ -1162,12 +1162,12 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return f.purgeWithCheck(ctx, dir, true, "rmdir")
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the root directory
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of deleting
 // all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	// fs.Debugf(f, ">>> Purge")
-	return f.purgeWithCheck(ctx, "", false, "purge")
+	return f.purgeWithCheck(ctx, dir, false, "purge")
 }
 
 // purgeWithCheck() removes the root directory.
diff --git a/backend/mega/mega.go b/backend/mega/mega.go
index efb23ff9d..bcd007aa2 100644
--- a/backend/mega/mega.go
+++ b/backend/mega/mega.go
@@ -669,13 +669,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return fs.ModTimeNotSupported
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck("", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(dir, false)
 }
 
 // move a file or folder (srcFs, srcRemote, info) to (f, dstRemote)
diff --git a/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go b/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
index a41766bfe..ea4007b79 100755
--- a/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
+++ b/backend/onedrive/onedrive.go
@@ -1073,13 +1073,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 	return dstObj, nil
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // Move src to this remote using server side move operations.
diff --git a/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go b/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
index 35f01b8be..7ba80a00f 100644
--- a/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
+++ b/backend/opendrive/opendrive.go
@@ -506,13 +506,13 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 	return nil
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // Return an Object from a path
diff --git a/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go b/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
index 465b35ea6..b020c1144 100644
--- a/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
+++ b/backend/pcloud/pcloud.go
@@ -671,13 +671,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 	return dstObj, nil
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // CleanUp empties the trash
diff --git a/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go b/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
index 1d9b580e2..3fb0270cd 100644
--- a/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
+++ b/backend/premiumizeme/premiumizeme.go
@@ -609,13 +609,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return fs.ModTimeNotSupported
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // move a file or folder
diff --git a/backend/putio/fs.go b/backend/putio/fs.go
index 42b751ccc..c6f3c0e9e 100644
--- a/backend/putio/fs.go
+++ b/backend/putio/fs.go
@@ -458,10 +458,9 @@ func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
 	return err
 }
 
-// Rmdir deletes the container
-//
-// Returns an error if it isn't empty
-func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
+// purgeCheck removes the root directory, if check is set then it
+// refuses to do so if it has anything in
+func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) (err error) {
 	// defer log.Trace(f, "dir=%v", dir)("err=%v", &err)
 
 	root := strings.Trim(path.Join(f.root, dir), "/")
@@ -478,18 +477,20 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
 	}
 	dirID := atoi(directoryID)
 
-	// check directory empty
-	var children []putio.File
-	err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
-		// fs.Debugf(f, "listing files: %d", dirID)
-		children, _, err = f.client.Files.List(ctx, dirID)
-		return shouldRetry(err)
-	})
-	if err != nil {
-		return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
-	}
-	if len(children) != 0 {
-		return errors.New("directory not empty")
+	if check {
+		// check directory empty
+		var children []putio.File
+		err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
+			// fs.Debugf(f, "listing files: %d", dirID)
+			children, _, err = f.client.Files.List(ctx, dirID)
+			return shouldRetry(err)
+		})
+		if err != nil {
+			return errors.Wrap(err, "Rmdir")
+		}
+		if len(children) != 0 {
+			return errors.New("directory not empty")
+		}
 	}
 
 	// remove it
@@ -502,35 +503,26 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
 	return err
 }
 
+// Rmdir deletes the container
+//
+// Returns an error if it isn't empty
+func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, true)
+}
+
 // Precision returns the precision
 func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return time.Second
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) (err error) {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) (err error) {
 	// defer log.Trace(f, "")("err=%v", &err)
-
-	if f.root == "" {
-		return errors.New("can't purge root directory")
-	}
-	rootIDs, err := f.dirCache.RootID(ctx, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	rootID := atoi(rootIDs)
-	// Let putio delete the filesystem tree
-	err = f.pacer.Call(func() (bool, error) {
-		// fs.Debugf(f, "deleting file: %d", rootID)
-		err = f.client.Files.Delete(ctx, rootID)
-		return shouldRetry(err)
-	})
-	f.dirCache.ResetRoot()
-	return err
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // Copy src to this remote using server side copy operations.
diff --git a/backend/seafile/seafile.go b/backend/seafile/seafile.go
index 544e72a4e..7eb36080d 100644
--- a/backend/seafile/seafile.go
+++ b/backend/seafile/seafile.go
@@ -584,29 +584,38 @@ func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return nil
 }
 
-// Rmdir removes the directory or library if empty
-//
-// Return an error if it doesn't exist or isn't empty
-func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+// purgeCheck removes the root directory, if check is set then it
+// refuses to do so if it has anything in
+func (f *Fs) purgeCheck(ctx context.Context, dir string, check bool) error {
 	libraryName, dirPath := f.splitPath(dir)
 	libraryID, err := f.getLibraryID(ctx, libraryName)
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
 
-	directoryEntries, err := f.getDirectoryEntries(ctx, libraryID, dirPath, false)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if len(directoryEntries) > 0 {
-		return fs.ErrorDirectoryNotEmpty
+	if check {
+		directoryEntries, err := f.getDirectoryEntries(ctx, libraryID, dirPath, false)
+		if err != nil {
+			return err
+		}
+		if len(directoryEntries) > 0 {
+			return fs.ErrorDirectoryNotEmpty
+		}
 	}
+
 	if dirPath == "" || dirPath == "/" {
 		return f.deleteLibrary(ctx, libraryID)
 	}
 	return f.deleteDir(ctx, libraryID, dirPath)
 }
 
+// Rmdir removes the directory or library if empty
+//
+// Return an error if it doesn't exist or isn't empty
+func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, true)
+}
+
 // ==================== Optional Interface fs.ListRer ====================
 
 // ListR lists the objects and directories of the Fs starting
@@ -893,33 +902,14 @@ func (f *Fs) DirMove(ctx context.Context, src fs.Fs, srcRemote, dstRemote string
 
 // ==================== Optional Interface fs.Purger ====================
 
-// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+// Purge all files in the directory
 //
 // Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 // quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
 //
 // Return an error if it doesn't exist
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	if f.libraryName == "" {
-		return errors.New("Cannot delete from the root of the server. Please select a library")
-	}
-	libraryID, err := f.getLibraryID(ctx, f.libraryName)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	if f.rootDirectory == "" {
-		// Delete library
-		err = f.deleteLibrary(ctx, libraryID)
-		if err != nil {
-			return err
-		}
-		return nil
-	}
-	err = f.deleteDir(ctx, libraryID, f.rootDirectory)
-	if err != nil {
-		return err
-	}
-	return nil
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // ==================== Optional Interface fs.CleanUpper ====================
diff --git a/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go b/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
index 7741f34eb..ee392f490 100644
--- a/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
+++ b/backend/sharefile/sharefile.go
@@ -853,8 +853,8 @@ func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // updateItem patches a file or folder
diff --git a/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go b/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
index 235c381c1..b4a71553e 100644
--- a/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
+++ b/backend/sugarsync/sugarsync.go
@@ -895,12 +895,12 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 	return dstObj, nil
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	// Caution: Deleting a folder may orphan objects. It's important
 	// to remove the contents of the folder before you delete the
 	// folder. That's because removing a folder using DELETE does not
@@ -920,7 +920,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
 	if f.opt.HardDelete {
 		return fs.ErrorCantPurge
 	}
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // moveFile moves a file server side
diff --git a/backend/swift/swift.go b/backend/swift/swift.go
index 127ea0402..761b8f9c8 100644
--- a/backend/swift/swift.go
+++ b/backend/swift/swift.go
@@ -840,17 +840,21 @@ func (f *Fs) Precision() time.Duration {
 	return time.Nanosecond
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and directories
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Implemented here so we can make sure we delete directory markers
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	container, directory := f.split(dir)
+	if container == "" {
+		return fs.ErrorListBucketRequired
+	}
 	// Delete all the files including the directory markers
 	toBeDeleted := make(chan fs.Object, fs.Config.Transfers)
 	delErr := make(chan error, 1)
 	go func() {
 		delErr <- operations.DeleteFiles(ctx, toBeDeleted)
 	}()
-	err := f.list(f.rootContainer, f.rootDirectory, f.rootDirectory, f.rootContainer == "", true, true, func(entry fs.DirEntry) error {
+	err := f.list(container, directory, f.rootDirectory, false, true, true, func(entry fs.DirEntry) error {
 		if o, ok := entry.(*Object); ok {
 			toBeDeleted <- o
 		}
@@ -864,7 +868,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
 	if err != nil {
 		return err
 	}
-	return f.Rmdir(ctx, "")
+	return f.Rmdir(ctx, dir)
 }
 
 // Copy src to this remote using server side copy operations.
diff --git a/backend/union/union.go b/backend/union/union.go
index 3ce07d756..a803a7e51 100644
--- a/backend/union/union.go
+++ b/backend/union/union.go
@@ -162,13 +162,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Mkdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return errs.Err()
 }
 
-// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+// Purge all files in the directory
 //
 // Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 // quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
 //
 // Return an error if it doesn't exist
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	for _, r := range f.upstreams {
 		if r.Features().Purge == nil {
 			return fs.ErrorCantPurge
@@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
 	}
 	errs := Errors(make([]error, len(upstreams)))
 	multithread(len(upstreams), func(i int) {
-		err := upstreams[i].Features().Purge(ctx)
+		err := upstreams[i].Features().Purge(ctx, dir)
 		errs[i] = errors.Wrap(err, upstreams[i].Name())
 	})
 	return errs.Err()
diff --git a/backend/webdav/webdav.go b/backend/webdav/webdav.go
index 8ac1a47fb..ebbf2befe 100644
--- a/backend/webdav/webdav.go
+++ b/backend/webdav/webdav.go
@@ -899,13 +899,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Copy(ctx context.Context, src fs.Object, remote string) (fs.Object,
 	return f.copyOrMove(ctx, src, remote, "COPY")
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // Move src to this remote using server side move operations.
diff --git a/backend/yandex/yandex.go b/backend/yandex/yandex.go
index 570f3891d..04d97f975 100644
--- a/backend/yandex/yandex.go
+++ b/backend/yandex/yandex.go
@@ -637,13 +637,13 @@ func (f *Fs) Rmdir(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
 	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, true)
 }
 
-// Purge deletes all the files and the container
+// Purge deletes all the files in the directory
 //
 // Optional interface: Only implement this if you have a way of
 // deleting all the files quicker than just running Remove() on the
 // result of List()
-func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context) error {
-	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, "", false)
+func (f *Fs) Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error {
+	return f.purgeCheck(ctx, dir, false)
 }
 
 // copyOrMoves copies or moves directories or files depending on the method parameter
diff --git a/fs/fs.go b/fs/fs.go
index 0348f1296..c564ec809 100644
--- a/fs/fs.go
+++ b/fs/fs.go
@@ -518,13 +518,13 @@ type Features struct {
 	SlowModTime             bool // if calling ModTime() generally takes an extra transaction
 	SlowHash                bool // if calling Hash() generally takes an extra transaction
 
-	// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+	// Purge all files in the directory specified
 	//
 	// Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 	// quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
 	//
 	// Return an error if it doesn't exist
-	Purge func(ctx context.Context) error
+	Purge func(ctx context.Context, dir string) error
 
 	// Copy src to this remote using server side copy operations.
 	//
@@ -883,13 +883,13 @@ func (ft *Features) WrapsFs(f Fs, w Fs) *Features {
 
 // Purger is an optional interfaces for Fs
 type Purger interface {
-	// Purge all files in the root and the root directory
+	// Purge all files in the directory specified
 	//
 	// Implement this if you have a way of deleting all the files
 	// quicker than just running Remove() on the result of List()
 	//
 	// Return an error if it doesn't exist
-	Purge(ctx context.Context) error
+	Purge(ctx context.Context, dir string) error
 }
 
 // Copier is an optional interface for Fs
diff --git a/fs/fs_test.go b/fs/fs_test.go
index d9e2788e6..981b74d0c 100644
--- a/fs/fs_test.go
+++ b/fs/fs_test.go
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ func TestFeaturesList(t *testing.T) {
 func TestFeaturesEnabled(t *testing.T) {
 	ft := new(Features)
 	ft.CaseInsensitive = true
-	ft.Purge = func(ctx context.Context) error { return nil }
+	ft.Purge = func(ctx context.Context, dir string) error { return nil }
 	enabled := ft.Enabled()
 
 	flag, ok := enabled["CaseInsensitive"]
diff --git a/fs/operations/operations.go b/fs/operations/operations.go
index 2d3a65108..915a15c4f 100644
--- a/fs/operations/operations.go
+++ b/fs/operations/operations.go
@@ -921,20 +921,16 @@ func Rmdir(ctx context.Context, f fs.Fs, dir string) error {
 }
 
 // Purge removes a directory and all of its contents
-func Purge(ctx context.Context, f fs.Fs, dir string) error {
+func Purge(ctx context.Context, f fs.Fs, dir string) (err error) {
 	doFallbackPurge := true
-	var err error
-	if dir == "" {
-		// FIXME change the Purge interface so it takes a dir - see #1891
-		if doPurge := f.Features().Purge; doPurge != nil {
-			doFallbackPurge = false
-			if SkipDestructive(ctx, fs.LogDirName(f, dir), "purge directory") {
-				return nil
-			}
-			err = doPurge(ctx)
-			if err == fs.ErrorCantPurge {
-				doFallbackPurge = true
-			}
+	if doPurge := f.Features().Purge; doPurge != nil {
+		doFallbackPurge = false
+		if SkipDestructive(ctx, fs.LogDirName(f, dir), "purge directory") {
+			return nil
+		}
+		err = doPurge(ctx, dir)
+		if err == fs.ErrorCantPurge {
+			doFallbackPurge = true
 		}
 	}
 	if doFallbackPurge {
diff --git a/fstest/fstest.go b/fstest/fstest.go
index b253abefe..8b30c3c96 100644
--- a/fstest/fstest.go
+++ b/fstest/fstest.go
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ func Purge(f fs.Fs) {
 	if doPurge := f.Features().Purge; doPurge != nil {
 		doFallbackPurge = false
 		fs.Debugf(f, "Purge remote")
-		err = doPurge(ctx)
+		err = doPurge(ctx, "")
 		if err == fs.ErrorCantPurge {
 			doFallbackPurge = true
 		}
diff --git a/fstest/fstests/fstests.go b/fstest/fstests/fstests.go
index 5e2de4eca..857686853 100644
--- a/fstest/fstests/fstests.go
+++ b/fstest/fstests/fstests.go
@@ -974,6 +974,43 @@ func Run(t *testing.T, opt *Opt) {
 				assert.NotNil(t, err)
 			})
 
+			// TestFsPurge tests Purge
+			t.Run("FsPurge", func(t *testing.T) {
+				skipIfNotOk(t)
+
+				// Check have Purge
+				doPurge := remote.Features().Purge
+				if doPurge == nil {
+					t.Skip("FS has no Purge interface")
+				}
+
+				// put up a file to purge
+				fileToPurge := fstest.Item{
+					ModTime: fstest.Time("2001-02-03T04:05:06.499999999Z"),
+					Path:    "dirToPurge/fileToPurge.txt",
+				}
+				_, _ = testPut(ctx, t, remote, &fileToPurge)
+
+				fstest.CheckListingWithPrecision(t, remote, []fstest.Item{file1, file2, fileToPurge}, []string{
+					"dirToPurge",
+					"hello? sausage",
+					"hello? sausage/êé",
+					"hello? sausage/êé/Hello, 世界",
+					"hello? sausage/êé/Hello, 世界/ \" ' @ < > & ? + ≠",
+				}, fs.GetModifyWindow(remote))
+
+				// Now purge it
+				err = operations.Purge(ctx, remote, "dirToPurge")
+				require.NoError(t, err)
+
+				fstest.CheckListingWithPrecision(t, remote, []fstest.Item{file1, file2}, []string{
+					"hello? sausage",
+					"hello? sausage/êé",
+					"hello? sausage/êé/Hello, 世界",
+					"hello? sausage/êé/Hello, 世界/ \" ' @ < > & ? + ≠",
+				}, fs.GetModifyWindow(remote))
+			})
+
 			// TestFsCopy tests Copy
 			t.Run("FsCopy", func(t *testing.T) {
 				skipIfNotOk(t)