Trees with purple flowers are prized for their vibrant, eye-catching blooms that transform gardens into stunning displays. These deciduous or semi-evergreen trees, ranging from small to medium in size, produce clusters of purple, lavender, or magenta flowers, often in spring or summer. Their vivid colors make them ideal as focal points or accents in diverse landscapes.
The flowers, varying from trumpet-shaped to wisteria-like cascades, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, boosting garden ecosystems. Many species bloom before or with emerging foliage, creating a striking contrast against green or purple-tinged leaves. Some offer additional interest with ornamental bark or seed pods, enhancing year-round appeal.
These trees thrive in a range of climates, typically preferring full sun and well-drained soil. They adapt to various soil types, from sandy to loamy, and many are drought-tolerant once established. Proper siting ensures optimal flowering, with some species suited for small gardens and others for larger spaces.
Used in urban parks, residential yards, or xeriscape designs, these trees provide shade, privacy, or structural beauty. Their low-maintenance nature and pollinator support make them valuable for sustainable landscaping. Careful selection based on climate and space ensures long-lasting, vibrant contributions to any garden.
Trees With Purple Flowers
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
This small deciduous tree, growing 20–30 feet tall, produces clusters of vibrant purple-pink flowers in early spring before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. Native to eastern North America, it thrives in Zones 4–9 in full sun to partial shade. Ideal for lawns or woodland edges, its blooms attract bees, and cultivars like ‘Forest Pansy’ offer purple foliage for added interest.
Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis)
A compact tree or shrub, reaching 8–15 feet, it boasts dense, rosy-purple flowers in early spring, often directly on branches. Native to China and Japan, it’s hardy in Zones 6–9 and prefers full sun to partial shade. Perfect for small gardens or bonsai, cultivars like ‘Avondale’ enhance its vivid floral display.
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
Growing 15–25 feet tall, this Mediterranean native displays profuse purplish-rose flowers in spring before its rounded leaves appear. Hardy in Zones 6–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its elegant form suits urban gardens, and the edible flowers are used in Mediterranean cuisines, attracting pollinators.
Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
This semi-evergreen tree, reaching 25–50 feet, is renowned for its cascading clusters of lavender-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring to summer. Native to South America, it’s hardy in Zones 9–11 and thrives in full sun. Ideal for tropical or coastal gardens, its fern-like foliage and vibrant blooms make it a stunning focal point.
Purple Orchid Tree (Bauhinia purpurea)
Growing 20–35 feet tall, this deciduous tree produces large, orchid-like purple flowers in late summer to fall. Native to South Asia, it’s hardy in Zones 9–11 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its butterfly-shaped leaves and vibrant blooms make it a favorite for tropical gardens, attracting bees and butterflies.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
This versatile tree or large shrub, growing 15–30 feet, offers clusters of crinkled purple flowers in summer, with cultivars like ‘Muskogee’ or ‘Dynamite’ emphasizing purple hues. Hardy in Zones 7–9, it thrives in full sun and tolerates drought. Perfect for streets or patios, its exfoliating bark adds winter interest.
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
A small tree or shrub, reaching 10–20 feet, it produces spikes of lavender-purple flowers in summer. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s hardy in Zones 6–9 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its aromatic foliage and pollinator-friendly blooms make it ideal for borders or cottage gardens.
Princess Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Growing 30–50 feet tall, this deciduous tree bears large, fragrant, lavender-purple flower clusters in spring before its broad leaves emerge. Native to China, it’s hardy in Zones 5–8 but can be invasive in some areas. Best for large spaces, its fast growth and blooms suit parks, though it requires containment.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
This small tree, growing 15–30 feet, produces tubular, purple to lavender flowers from spring to fall. Native to the southwestern U.S., it’s hardy in Zones 7–11 and thrives in full sun and arid soils. Its willow-like leaves and pollinator-friendly blooms make it perfect for xeriscape gardens.
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
Reaching 10–25 feet, this evergreen tree bears fragrant, wisteria-like purple flower clusters in early spring. Native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, it’s hardy in Zones 7–10 and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its glossy foliage and drought tolerance suit desert landscapes, though seeds are toxic.
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
This small deciduous tree, growing 10–18 feet tall, produces clusters of magenta-purple flowers in early spring before its rounded leaves emerge. Native to the western U.S., it’s hardy in Zones 6–9 and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideal for xeriscape or small gardens, its drought tolerance and pollinator-friendly blooms make it a low-maintenance choice.
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana)
Reaching 20–30 feet, this deciduous tree bears large, cup-shaped purple-pink flowers in early spring, often before its broad leaves appear. Hardy in Zones 4–9, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Perfect for lawns or as a specimen, cultivars like ‘Alexandrina’ emphasize deeper purple hues.
Flowering Crabapple (Malus spp. ‘Purple Prince’)
This small tree, growing 15–20 feet, displays vibrant purple-red flowers in mid-spring, followed by small, purple fruits. Hardy in Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its purple-tinged foliage and compact form suit urban gardens or mixed borders, attracting birds and pollinators.
Empress Tree (Paulownia elongata)
A fast-growing deciduous tree, reaching 30–50 feet, it produces fragrant, lavender-purple flower clusters in spring. Native to China, it’s hardy in Zones 6–9 and prefers full sun. Less invasive than Paulownia tomentosa, it’s ideal for large spaces, though its rapid growth requires space and containment to prevent spreading.
Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’)
Growing 15–25 feet, this deciduous tree offers clusters of pale purple-pink flowers in early spring, complemented by deep purple foliage. Hardy in Zones 5–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for hedges or as a specimen, its colorful leaves and blooms add year-round interest, though fruit can be messy.
Eastern Wisteria Tree (Wisteria sinensis, trained as a tree)
When trained into a tree form, this deciduous vine reaches 10–25 feet, producing cascading, fragrant purple flower clusters in late spring. Native to China, it’s hardy in Zones 5–8 and prefers full sun. Ideal for patios or arbors, its vigorous growth requires sturdy support and regular pruning to maintain tree shape.
Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’)
This small tree or shrub, growing 10–15 feet, features airy, purple flower plumes in summer, paired with rich purple foliage. Hardy in Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Its smoke-like blooms and vibrant leaves make it a standout in borders or as a focal point.
Royal Empress (Paulownia fortunei)
Reaching 30–50 feet, this deciduous tree bears large, fragrant, violet-purple flower panicles in spring. Native to China, it’s hardy in Zones 6–10 and prefers full sun. Fast-growing and less invasive than P. tomentosa, it suits large landscapes, with its bold blooms attracting pollinators, though it needs space.
Purple Catalpa (Catalpa × erubescens ‘Purpurea’)
Growing 30–50 feet, this deciduous tree produces tubular, pale purple flowers in summer, with young purple foliage turning green. Hardy in Zones 5–9, it thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for parks or large yards, its showy blooms and heart-shaped leaves add drama.
Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda acutifolia)
A semi-evergreen tree, growing 25–50 feet, it displays clusters of lavender-purple flowers in spring to summer. Native to South America, it’s hardy in Zones 9–11 and loves full sun. Its fern-like foliage and vibrant blooms make it a tropical favorite for coastal or warm-climate gardens.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)
This small deciduous tree, growing 12–20 feet, produces fragrant, lavender-tinged flower clusters in late spring, though typically white. Native to eastern North America, it’s hardy in Zones 4–9 and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its delicate blooms suit woodland gardens, attracting pollinators.
Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’)
Growing 30–40 feet, this deciduous tree bears fragrant, wisteria-like purple flower clusters in late spring. Hardy in Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soils. Its fast growth and vibrant blooms make it ideal for streets or large yards, though it can be invasive in some areas.
Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
A small tree or shrub, growing 10–15 feet, it produces airy, purple-pink flower-like plumes in summer, complementing its deep purple foliage. Hardy in Zones 4–8, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for mixed borders, its vibrant color and smoke-like blooms add drama.
Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana)
This semi-evergreen tree, growing 20–40 feet, displays large, magenta-purple orchid-like flowers from fall to spring. A hybrid from South China, it’s hardy in Zones 9–11 and loves full sun. Perfect for tropical gardens, its heart-shaped leaves and long bloom season attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Why Choose Trees with Purple Flowers?
These trees offer a range of sizes, bloom seasons, and climate tolerances, from the compact Chinese Redbud to the towering Jacaranda. Their purple flowers create striking focal points, enhance pollinator habitats, and complement diverse garden styles, from desert to tropical. Check local regulations, as species like the Princess Tree may be invasive in some regions.
Tips for Growing Purple-Flowered Trees
- Light: Most require full sun; provide 6+ hours daily for best blooms.
- Soil: Use well-drained soil; amend with compost for nutrient needs.
- Watering: Water regularly during establishment; many are drought-tolerant once mature.
- Care: Prune after flowering to maintain shape, monitor for pests like aphids, and ensure proper spacing to prevent disease.