A tree adorned with purple flowers creates a stunning focal point in any landscape, offering vibrant seasonal color. Choosing the right tree with purple flowers can completely change the feel of your garden, providing a majestic burst of color that returns year after year. This guide will help you select, plant, and care for these beautiful specimens.
Tree With Purple Flowers
Many gardeners dream of adding a dramatic purple bloomer to their space. The good news is there are many excellent options, each with its own unique character, size, and flowering time. From small ornamental trees perfect for patios to larger shade trees, you can find a variety that fits your specific climate and design goals.
Understanding the basic types available is the first step. Some flower in early spring, while others bloom in summer. Their purple hues can range from soft lavender to deep, royal violet. Let’s look at some of the most popular and reliable choices.
Popular Varieties Of Purple Flowering Trees
Several tree species are famous for their purple floral displays. These varieties are widely available at nurseries and have proven their garden worthiness across many regions.
Jacaranda Mimosifolia
The Jacaranda is iconic for its breathtaking canopy of lavender-blue flowers. It creates a truly spectacular show in late spring to early summer. This tree is best suited for warm, frost-free climates.
- Flower Color: Lavender-blue to purple.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Mature Size: 25-50 feet tall and wide.
- Key Feature: Fern-like, delicate foliage that provides dappled shade.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is a native North American tree that thrives in many areas. It produces clusters of small, pea-like purple-pink flowers directly on its branches and even trunk in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
- Flower Color: Rosy-purple to pink.
- Bloom Time: Early spring.
- Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide.
- Key Feature: Very cold hardy and adaptable to various soils.
Purple Robe Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’)
This tough, fast-growing tree is known for its long, hanging clusters of fragrant, deep purple flowers. It’s exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and can handle poor soil conditions where other trees might struggle.
- Flower Color: Deep violet-purple.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
- Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide.
- Key Feature: Thorny branches and excellent urban tolerance.
Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
Also known as the Lilac Chaste Tree, this small tree or large shrub produces long, spiky clusters of fragrant purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees all summer long. It’s heat and drought tolerant.
- Flower Color: Lavender, lilac, to deep purple.
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.
- Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall and wide.
- Key Feature: Long blooming season and aromatic gray-green leaves.
Choosing The Right Tree For Your Climate
Not every purple flowering tree will grow well in your area. Your local climate, specifically your USDA Hardiness Zone, is the most important factor in your trees long-term success. A tree that thrives in Florida will likely not survive a Minnesota winter.
Always check the hardiness zone range for any tree before you purchase it. You can find your zone by searching online with your zip code. This simple step prevents disappointment and ensures your investment grows healthy.
- Warm Climates (Zones 9-11): Jacaranda, Royal Empress Paulownia, and Orchid Tree (Bauhinia) are excellent choices here. They need long, warm seasons to flourish and will not tolerate hard frosts.
- Temperate Climates (Zones 5-8): This is a versatile range. Eastern Redbud, Purple Robe Locust, Chaste Tree, and Japanese Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata) all perform well. Some varieties, like the Redbud, are particularly cold hardy.
- Colder Climates (Zones 4-5): Options are more limited but exist. The Eastern Redbud has cultivars hardy to Zone 4. The Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) offers purple foliage and white flowers that turn to dark fruit. Manchurian Lilac (Syringa pubescens) is a very hardy, large shrub that can be trained as a small tree.
Site Selection And Planting Steps
Once you’ve chosen your tree, giving it the best start is crucial. Proper planting sets the foundation for years of healthy growth and abundant flowers.
Finding The Perfect Spot
Consider these factors when choosing a location in your yard:
- Sunlight: Almost all flowering trees need full sun to bloom their best. This means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Without enough sun, flower production will be sparse.
- Space: Look up the tree’s mature width. Plant it far enough from buildings, power lines, and other trees so it has room to grow to its full size without constant pruning. This is a common mistake that leads to problems later.
- Soil and Drainage: Check your soil drainage. Most trees dislike “wet feet.” Dig a hole about 12 inches deep and fill it with water. If it drains within an hour, drainage is good. If it sits for hours, you may need to choose a different spot or plant on a raised mound.
How To Plant Your Tree
Follow these steps for a successful planting process. The best time to plant is during dormancy, in early spring or fall.
- Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the tree’s root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. The flare where the roots meet the trunk should be slightly above the surrounding soil level.
- Prepare the Root Ball: Gently remove the tree from its container. If the roots are circling tightly, use your fingers or a tool to loosen them slightly. This encourages them to grow outward into the native soil.
- Position the Tree: Place the tree in the center of the hole. Ensure it is standing straight. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the ground.
- Backfill the Hole: Use the soil you originally dug out to fill the hole back in. As you fill, gently tamp the soil down to remove large air pockets. Avoid packing it to tightly.
- Water Deeply: Create a shallow berm of soil around the planting hole to form a water basin. Water the tree slowly and thoroughly, saturating the entire root zone. This helps settle the soil.
- Apply Mulch: Spread 2-3 inches of organic mulch, like wood chips, around the base of the tree. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent rot.
Essential Care And Maintenance
Caring for your tree with purple flowers is straightforward. Consistent attention, especially in the first few years, ensures it becomes a strong, established part of your garden.
Watering Schedule
Newly planted trees need regular watering. For the first two growing seasons, water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature. The goal is to keep the root ball moist but not soggy. After establishment, most trees are quite drought-tolerant and will only need watering during extended dry periods.
A deep, slow watering is much better than frequent shallow sprinkling. It encourages the roots to grow deep into the ground, making the tree more stable and resilient.
Fertilizing For Best Blooms
Fertilizer provides the nutrients needed for strong growth and prolific flowering. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs.
- When to Fertilize: Apply fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth begins. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can promote tender new growth that may be damaged by frost.
- How to Apply: Follow the instructions on the product label. Typically, you will sprinkle the granules on the soil surface under the tree’s canopy, starting a foot from the trunk and going out to the drip line (where the branches end). Water it in well.
Pruning And Shaping
Pruning helps maintain the tree’s shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage better air circulation. The timing of pruning is critical for flowering trees.
- Know Your Bloom Time: Trees that bloom in early spring (like Redbuds) form their flower buds the previous year. Prune these immediately after they finish flowering. Trees that bloom in summer (like Chaste Tree or Crape Myrtle) flower on new growth. Prune these in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Use Clean Tools: Always use sharp, clean pruning shears or saws. This makes clean cuts that heal quickly and prevents the spread of disease.
- Basic Pruning Steps: First, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Next, remove any crossing or rubbing branches. Finally, you can lightly shape the tree to your desired form, but avoid over-pruning, which can reduce flowering.
Common Pests And Problems
Even healthy trees can sometimes encounter issues. Early identification is key to managing pests and diseases effectively.
Fungal Diseases
Fungal issues like powdery mildew or leaf spot can affect foliage, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation.
- Identification: Powdery mildew looks like white powder on leaves. Leaf spot causes dark or discolored spots on foliage.
- Prevention: Ensure proper spacing for air flow, water at the base of the tree (not on the leaves), and rake up fallen leaves in autumn.
- Treatment: For severe cases, a fungicide may be necessary. Consult your local garden center for a product suitable for your specific tree.
Insect Pests
Aphids, scale, and borers are common insects that may bother flowering trees.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from new growth. They can be sprayed off with a strong stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap.
- Scale: Scale insects look like small, immobile bumps on branches. Horticultural oil applied in dormant season can help control them.
- Borers: These are more serious pests that tunnel into trunks and branches. Keeping your tree healthy and unstressed is the best defense. Look for small holes and sawdust-like frass as signs of borer activity.
Design Ideas For Your Landscape
A tree with purple flowers is a natural focal point. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your garden design to maximize its visual impact.
As A Specimen Tree
Plant a single, striking tree in a prominent location where it can be admired from your house or patio. A Jacaranda or a mature Redbud makes an incredible standalone statement. Surround its base with a simple mulch bed or low-growing ground cover to highlight its form.
In A Mixed Border
Incorporate a smaller purple flowering tree, like a Chaste Tree, into a perennial or shrub border. Pair it with plants that complement or contrast its purple blooms.
- Complementary Colors: Plant with flowers in similar hues, like lavender, pink, or blue. Russian Sage or Catmint work beautifully.
- Contrasting Colors: Pair purple with yellow or orange for a vibrant look. Coreopsis or Black-Eyed Susans create a stunning effect.
- Foliage Contrast: Use plants with silver (like Artemisia) or chartreuse foliage (like Spirea ‘Lemon Princess’) to make the purple flowers pop even more.
For Seasonal Interest
Choose companion plants that extend the visual interest beyond the tree’s flowering period. Spring bulbs like daffodils can bloom under an early-flowering Redbud. Or, plant summer-blooming perennials around a Chaste Tree to keep the area colorful after its main show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fastest Growing Tree With Purple Flowers?
The Royal Empress Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world, capable of growing 10-15 feet in a single season and producing clusters of lavender flowers. The Purple Robe Locust is also a very fast grower in suitable climates.
Are There Any Small Purple Flowering Trees For Limited Space?
Yes, several varieties are perfect for smaller yards or patios. The Chaste Tree (Vitex) can be kept to 10-15 feet. Some cultivars of Eastern Redbud, like ‘Lavender Twist’ or ‘Ruby Falls’, are compact and weeping. Dwarf varieties of Crape Myrtle also offer purple blooms on a small frame.
How Do I Get My Purple Flowering Tree To Bloom More?
Ensure it gets full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily. Proper fertilization in early spring with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer (the middle number on the bag) can promote blooming. Avoid over-pruning, and make sure to prune at the correct time for your specific tree type.
What Tree Has Purple Flowers In The Spring?
The Eastern Redbud is a classic spring-blooming tree with purple-pink flowers. The Jacaranda typically blooms in late spring. Some varieties of Magnolia, like ‘Jane’ or ‘Ann’, have tulip-shaped flowers in deep purple hues in early spring.
Is There A Purple Flowering Tree That Is Deer Resistant?
Deer resistance can vary by region, but trees like the Chaste Tree (Vitex), Purple Robe Locust, and Japanese Lilac Tree are generally considered less palatable to deer due to their aromatic foliage or tough texture. No tree is completely deer-proof if food is scarce, however.