Tony O’Neill, gardener and author of the popular “Composting Masterclass” and “Your First Vegetable Garden,” combines lifelong passion and expert knowledge to simplify the art of gardening. His mission? Helping you cultivate a thriving garden.
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Trees are generally long-term investments, requiring considerable forethought as they’ll be around for many years, creating their own ecosystem, adding shade, creating a windbreak, or simply adding beauty and stature.
Purple was a costly hue in antiquity, with a pound of Tyrian purple dye said to cost anything up to $7,000 in today’s value. Purple flowering trees can be an exquisite addition to any garden, evoking a sense of tranquility and beauty in addition to their practical use.
Table of Contents
- 1. Chastetree (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
- 2. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
- 3. Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis)
- 4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- 5. Fragrant Lilac Tree (Syringa vulgaris)
- 6. Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
- 7. Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa pubescens)
- 8. Orchid Tree (Bauhinia Variegata)
- 9. Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
- 10 Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
- 11. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
- 12. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
- 13. Royal Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)
- 14. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangiana)
- 15 Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora Secundiflora)
- In Closing
Because every desire has a fulfillment burden, especially for long-term decisions, making an informed decision is prudent.
To help you make a choice that suits your needs, I’m sharing 15 different purple flower trees, with the pros and cons of each one.
I hope that helps you choose well. Please note they’re listed alphabetically – not by my preference,
1. Chastetree (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
Chastetree is notable for its spectacular summer display of fragrant, upward-pointing, terminal panicles of lavender blossoms that are highly alluring to butterflies and bees. It can be cultivated as a large, deciduous, multistemmed shrub or a compact, 10 to 15 feet tall tree.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 7b – 11 |
| Flower Color: | Lavender |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Flowering Time: | Late winter to early summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade |
| Soil: | Sand; loam; clay; acidic; alkaline; well-drained |
| Height: | 10 to 15 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 20 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | An invasive, non-native tree |
| Uses: | Specimen; container or planter; trained as a standard; deck or patio |
2. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
The individual blooms have a crepe-paper-like texture, with ruffles and crinkles. Most tree shapes are vase-shaped, upright-spreading, or upright-spreading while ascending.
Although several miniature varieties are available, most tree types reach 20 to 25 feet. The tall-growing varieties are excellent for planting as street trees because of their erect, vase-shaped crowns.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 7 – 9a |
| Flower Color: | Lavender; pink; purple; red; white |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Flowering Time: | Spring and Summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun |
| Soil: | Sand; loam; clay; slightly alkaline; acidic; well-drained |
| Height: | 10 to 30 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 25 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Potentially |
| Uses: | Near a deck or patio; trainable as a standard; shade tree |
3. Desert Willow (Chilopsis Linearis)
The smooth, willow-like leaves and lovely blossoms of this native North American tree are well recognized in hot, arid locations where they provide a pleasant reprieve. Desert willow has rather loose, open branches and grows to a maximum height and width of 30 feet. Despite being deciduous, the long, narrow leaves are 5 to 12 inches long and do not significantly change color in the fall.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 7b – 11 |
| Flower Color: | Lavender and white, cream, gray, or pink. |
| Flower Characteristic: | Showy |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun |
| Soil: | Clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; well-drained |
| Height: | 20 to 30 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 25 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Weedy native |
| Uses: | Container or planter to cover a deck or patio |
4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Eastern Redbud, the official tree of Oklahoma, grows moderately too quickly when young, reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet. Rare thirty-year-old examples can grow to 35 feet and resemble a spherical vase.
This is an excellent, appealing tree for understory or specimen planting due to its yellow (but rather varied and unreliable) fall color and tolerance to partial shade.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4b – 9a |
| Flower Color: | Light pink to dark magenta |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Flowering Time: | Early spring, before new growth |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade |
| Soil: | clay; sand; loam; alkaline; acidic; occasionally wet; well-drained |
| Height: | 20 to 30 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 25 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Potentially |
| Uses: | Near a deck or patio as a shade tree |
5. Fragrant Lilac Tree (Syringa vulgaris)
The common lilac is one of the most popular and frequently spotted flowering shrubs in the Midwest. Older stems are gray, whereas younger stems are brownish-gray with elevated lenticels.
May sees the blooming of the well-known and highly scented purple blooms. The enormous conical to narrow-pyramidal panicles, which are 6 to 8 inches long, bear tubular blooms with four lobes.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 3 – 7 |
| Cultivar Recommendation: | Syringa vulgaris ‘Ludwig Spaeth’ is a 10 to 12 feet high cultivar with an upright habit and reddish-purple flowers. |
| Flowering Time: | Spring-flowering shrub |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun |
| Soil: | Moist, organic-rich, well-drained soils |
| Height: | 8 to 15 feet |
| Spread: | 6 to 12 feet |
| Pruning: | Prune dead flowers |
| Invasive Assessment: | Unlikely |
| Uses: | Borders, hedges, or screens |
6. Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
Jacarandas are excellent for cooling patios because of their gentle, dappled shade. Still, you should avoid planting them close to swimming pools because of the frequent leaf and flower shedding.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 9b – 11 |
| Flower Color: | Lavender to violet purple |
| Flower Characteristic: | very showy; lightly fragrant |
| Flowering Time: | Spring and Summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun |
| Soil: | Sand; loam; clay; slightly alkaline; acidic; well-drained |
| Height: | 25 to 40 feet |
| Spread: | 45 to 60 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Not considered a problem species |
| Uses: | Tree lawn > 6 ft wide; shade; specimen |
7. Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa pubescens)
The spreading lilac Syringa meyeri has reddish-purple buds opening to delicate, fragrant lilac flowers. It is broader than tall, begins to bloom early, and blooms lavishly in the middle of the season, usually around mid-May. It can be used to create a low hedge by planting it in clusters or as a shrub border.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 3b – 7a |
| Flower Color: | Fragrant violet-purple flowers are densely packed on a 4″ panicle. Blooms in May. |
| Flower Characteristic: | Showy |
| Flowering Time: | Spring |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil: | Moist, well-drained, and slightly alkaline |
| Height: | 4 to 8 feet |
| Spread: | 6 to 10 feet |
| Uses: | Patio, walkways, hedges |
8. Orchid Tree (Bauhinia Variegata)
Orchid trees need full sun and well-drained soil to develop, trees are exceptionally resistant to drought, and dry soils are ideal for flowering. Young orchid trees may require occasional trimming to help them maintain a consistent shape.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4b – 9a |
| Flower Color: | Purplish to white |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy, fragrant, and orchid-like |
| Flowering Time: | Late winter to early summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil: | Clay; sand; loam; acidic; slightly alkaline; well-drained |
| Height: | 20 to 40 feet |
| Spread: | 25 to 35 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | In the South, it’s not recommended; it may be recommended in Central US but must be managed to prevent escape; in the North, there are no restrictions (yet) |
| Uses: | Tree lawn 4–6 feet wide |
9. Persian Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
It is an Asian native brought to the United States in 1745, also known as the mimosa. Its fragrant and eye-catching blossoms led to its cultivation as an ornamental tree.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 6b – 9a |
| Flower Color: | Pink |
| Flower Characteristic: | Showy, fragrant, and long-blooming (May – Jul) |
| Flowering Time: | Spring and summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil: | Well-drained loam |
| Height: | 20 to 40 feet |
| Spread: | 20 to 50 feet |
| Maintenance: | High |
| Invasive Assessment: | In some states |
| Uses: | Tree lawn 4–6 feet wide |
10 Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Flowers are produced before the development of leaves, making them stand out beautifully, especially against an evergreen backdrop.
Princess-Tree can grow quickly and, in an open setting, with an equal spread, grow to a height of 50 feet. The majority of trees are 30–40 feet tall and wide.
It has naturalized in many areas of the South and does best in deep, damp, but well-drained soil.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 5b – 9b |
| Flower Color: | Lavender |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil: | Sand; loam; clay; acidic; slightly alkaline; occasionally wet; well-drained |
| Height: | 40 to 50 feet |
| Spread: | 40 to 50 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Invasive non-native |
| Uses: | Urban tolerant |
11. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
A short-lived ornamental tree planted for its lovely purple foliage is the purple leaf plum. It is a shrubby, twiggy tree with spreading branches that can be trained like vases and dense foliage.
The crown is spherical. Although it can tolerate various soil types, it requires full light. Use as a screen or hedge, plant as a specimen, in a border, or in small groups.
This little flowering tree is an excellent addition to a Japanese garden or a cottage garden.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 5b – 8a |
| Flower Color: | Pink – leaves purple |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun (>6 hours a day) |
| Soil: | Not very fussy but needs good drainage |
| Height: | 15 to 25 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 20 feet |
| Pruning: | Needed for a strong structure |
| Invasive Assessment: | Invasive non-native |
| Uses: | For smaller spaces |
12. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
This black locust cultivar likely reaches a height of 40 feet and a spread of 20 to 35 feet. A lawn can grow beneath the tree due to its upright, rounded growth and short, erratic limbs, which create a tighter canopy than the species and cast light shade.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4a – 8b |
| Flower Color: | Lavender |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun (>6 hours a day) to partial shade |
| Soil: | Not very fussy but needs good drainage |
| Height: | 30 to 50 feet |
| Spread: | 20 to 35 feet |
| Invasive Assessment: | Native |
| Uses: | Shade Tree |
13. Royal Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)
The prize-winning “Royal Purple” smoke tree is a substantial shrub or small tree with stunning purple foliage and a compact growth habit.
The colors and texture create the appearance of smoke.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4a – 8b |
| Flower Color: | Purple/Lavender |
| Flower Characteristic: | Showy, long-blooming |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun (>6 hours a day) |
| Soil: | Well-draining loam |
| Height: | 10 to 15 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 20 feet |
| Uses: | Lawn, patio, hedge |
14. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangiana)
A deciduous tree cultivated from a hybrid cross between M. denudata and M. liliflora. It is upright, pyramidal to rounded, and can reach 35 feet.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 4a – 9a |
| Flower Color: | Purple/Lavender |
| Flower Characteristic: | Showy and fragrant |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun (>6 hours a day) to partial shade (2 to 6 hours) |
| Soil: | Drains well, organic, loam |
| Height: | 15 to 35 feet |
| Spread: | 15 to 25 feet |
| Uses: | Lawn, patio, recreational shade. |
15 Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora Secundiflora)
A small native evergreen to North America, the Texas mountain laurel grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a spread of 10 feet but can grow as tall as 50 feet in its natural environment.
Its thin, upright profile and dense foliage can be pruned into a tree shape.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone: | 7b – 10a |
| Flower Color: | Purple |
| Flower Characteristic: | Very showy |
| Flowering Time: | Late spring to early summer |
| Light Requirement: | Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade |
| Soil: | Clay; sand; loam; alkaline; well-drained |
| Height: | 15 to 20 feet |
| Spread: | 10 to 12 feet |
| Pruning: | Not much required |
| Invasive Assessment: | Low invasive potential |
| Uses: | Container or planter; hedge; deck or patio; screen; reclamation. |
In Closing
There are hundreds of tree choices for landscaping your yard. When it comes to trees with purple flowers, there are only so many – I’ve shared 15.
Purple is an excellent choice to create a space of tranquility and beauty. Now it’s up to you to choose the right purple flowering tree for your purposes.
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