In the enchanting world of flora, few sights captivate the senses quite like the delicate beauty of trees adorned with purple blossoms. From the regal elegance of lavender to the deep richness of violet, these trees not only add a burst of color to the landscape but also evoke a sense of tranquility and wonder. If you’re looking to add purple to your landscape, you’ll find the flowering tree you’re looking for on this page.
In this botanical journey, we’ll explore the top 20 trees that grace the natural canvas with their stunning purple flowers. Each tree is a testament to the diverse and captivating tapestry of nature, offering not only aesthetic pleasure but also a glimpse into the fascinating world of these arboreal wonders.
Jacaranda Tree
The Jacaranda tree, known for its stunning display of violet-blue blossoms, is native to South America but has found a home in various parts of the world with a warm climate. Its fern-like foliage adds to its overall elegance, and when in full bloom, the tree creates a breathtaking purple carpet on the ground beneath it. Jacarandas are often planted for their ornamental beauty, making them a popular choice in parks and gardens.
- Scientific Name: Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Average Height: 25-50 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 9-11
Lilac Tree
Lilac trees are cherished for their fragrant and abundant clusters of small, tubular flowers that range in color from white and pink to lavender and deep purple. These deciduous trees are a classic choice for gardens and are often associated with springtime. Lilacs are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators, making them a delightful addition to any landscape.
- Scientific Name: Syringa
- Average Height: 8-15 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 3-7
Texas Mountain Laurel Tree
The Texas Mountain Laurel, native to the eastern United States, is an evergreen shrub that transforms into a small tree over time. Its glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round interest, while its clusters of delicate, cup-shaped flowers come in shades of white, pink, purple, and rose. This tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an important component in the ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various wildlife.
- Scientific Name: Kalmia latifolia
- Average Height: 5-15 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 4-9
Chaste tree
The Chaste Tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is a deciduous shrub that can also be pruned into a tree-like form. Known for its spikes of lavender-blue flowers, this tree is a favorite among gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant. The Chaste Tree attracts butterflies and other pollinators, contributing to a vibrant and ecologically friendly garden.
- Scientific Name: Vitex agnus-castus
- Average Height: 10-20 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 6-9
Purple Robe Locust
The Purple Robe Locust, or Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe,’ is a deciduous tree renowned for its cascading clusters of fragrant, purplish-pink flowers. This ornamental tree adds a touch of elegance to gardens and urban landscapes. Despite its delicate appearance, the Purple Robe Locust is a hardy tree, capable of thriving in various soil conditions.
- Scientific Name: Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’
- Average Height: 30-40 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 4-8
Purple Lily Magnolia Tree
The Purple Lily Magnolia, also known as Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra,’ is a deciduous tree celebrated for its striking tulip-shaped, purple-pink flowers that appear in early spring. This tree is a visual delight and is often chosen as a focal point in gardens. Its unique blossoms make it stand out among other magnolia varieties, and it brings a touch of charm to landscapes during the blooming season.
- Scientific Name: Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’
- Average Height: 10-15 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 4-8
Purple Wisteria Tree
A member of the pea family, the Purple Wisteria Tree is a climbing plant that can be trained into a tree form. It produces cascading clusters of fragrant, lavender to violet flowers in spring.
- Scientific Name: Wisteria floribunda
- Average Height: 25-30 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-9
Crape Myrtle Tree
Crape Myrtle trees, known for their vibrant and long-lasting summer blooms, come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, purple, and white. These deciduous trees are valued for their resistance to pests and diseases, as well as their attractive peeling bark. Crape Myrtles are commonly planted along streets, in parks, and as ornamental specimens in gardens.
- Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia
- Average Height: 6-25 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 7-9
Dwarf Korean lilac
As the name suggests, the Dwarf Korean Lilac is a compact version of the common lilac. This deciduous shrub/tree is valued for its fragrant, pale lavender flowers and manageable size, making it suitable for smaller gardens or as a border plant. The Dwarf Korean Lilac maintains the classic lilac charm in a more space-friendly package.
- Scientific Name: Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’
- Average Height: 4-7 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 3-7
True Blue Butterfly Bush
The True Blue Butterfly Bush, or Buddleja davidii ‘True Blue,’ is a deciduous shrub that attracts butterflies with its abundant clusters of true blue flowers. This ornamental plant is prized for its ability to create a haven for pollinators in the garden. It’s known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
- Scientific Name: Buddleja davidii ‘True Blue’
- Average Height: 4-6 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-9
Lavender Twist
Lavender Twist is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud, known for its weeping habit. It has heart-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, rosy-pink/purple flowers in spring, creating an elegant, cascading effect.
- Scientific Name: Weeping Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)
- Average Height: 5-10 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-8
Purple Orchid Tree
The Orchid Tree, or Bauhinia, is a tropical and subtropical flowering tree known for its orchid-like blossoms. With a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white, these showy flowers create a stunning visual display. The Orchid Tree is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds cultural significance in various regions where it is cultivated.
- Scientific Name: Bauhinia
- Average Height: 20-40 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 9-11
Eastern Redbud
The Eastern Redbud is a small tree appreciated for its stunning display of pink to purple flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It has heart-shaped leaves and a graceful, spreading form.
- Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis
- Average Height: 20-30 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 4-9
Desert Willow
The Desert Willow is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to the southwestern United States. It’s known for its willow-like leaves and tubular flowers, which come in various shades like pink, purple, or white. Despite its name, it’s not a true willow but is well-adapted to arid environments.
- Scientific Name: Chilopsis linearis
- Average Height: 15-30 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 7-9
Royal Empress Tree
Also known as the Princess Tree, the Royal Empress Tree is a fast-growing deciduous tree with large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant violet flowers. It’s valued for its rapid growth and ornamental qualities.
- Scientific Name: Paulownia tomentosa
- Average Height: 40-50 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-11
Hibiscus Tree
The Hibiscus Tree, or Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with large, showy flowers in various colors. It’s known for its late summer to fall bloom and is a popular choice for landscaping. This tree is relatively low-maintenance and versatile, thriving in various soil conditions.
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus syriacus
- Average Height: 8-12 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-9
Purple Leaf Plum Tree
The Purple Leaf Plum is a small deciduous tree with deep purple foliage and pink flowers in early spring. It adds a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. The blossoms appear in clusters and create a visually pleasing contrast against dark foliage. The tree may produce small, edible fruits that resemble cherries, but they are generally not as significant as the tree’s ornamental features. Some cultivars may have fruits that are more ornamental than others.
- Scientific Name: Prunus cerasifera
- Average Height: 15-25 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-8
Royal Purple Smoke Tree
The Royal Purple Smoke Tree is known for its deep purple foliage and the unique, airy appearance of its inflorescences, which resemble a cloud of smoke. It’s a deciduous shrub or small tree.
- Scientific Name: Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
- Average Height: 10-15 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-8
Silk Floss Tree
The Silk Floss Tree is a tropical tree with a distinctive trunk covered in large conical spines. It produces showy, pink to purple flowers and has palmate leaves. The trunk contains a cotton-like substance known as silk floss.
- Scientific Name: Ceiba speciosa
- Average Height: 30-50 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 9-11
Takasago Flowering Cherry
Many Japanese cherry trees produce pink or white flowers, but the Takasago Flowering Cherry produces flowers that range from pale pink to lavender. The tree blossoms in spring. It’s a deciduous tree with a graceful, spreading canopy.
- Scientific Name: Prunus serrulata ‘Takasago’
- Average Height: 15-25 feet
- Grow Zones: Zones 5-8
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