Adding a touch of purple to your landscape can create a stunning visual impact. In this guide, we explore some of the best purple-flowering trees that will transform your garden into a vibrant oasis.
1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is known for its striking display of pink to purple flowers that emerge in early spring. This small to medium-sized tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and is perfect for smaller gardens.
- Height: Up to 30 feet
- Flowering Season: Early spring
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
2. Jacob’s Ladder (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’)
A variation of the Eastern Redbud, the ‘Forest Pansy’ boasts beautiful heart-shaped leaves and striking purple flowers. Its foliage also turns to a vivid red in the fall, making it an excellent choice for year-round interest.
- Height: 20 to 30 feet
- Flowering Season: Early spring
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
3. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
The Purple Robe Locust is a fast-growing tree known for its fragrant clusters of purple flowers that bloom in late spring. This tree provides great shade and is highly resistant to drought.
- Height: 30 to 50 feet
- Flowering Season: Late spring
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
4. Chitalpa (× Chitalpa tashkentensis)
A hybrid between the Catalpa and the Chilopsis, Chitalpa trees are characterized by their beautiful purple blooms in the summer. They have a relatively low maintenance requirement and do well in urban settings.
- Height: 20 to 30 feet
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
5. Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Known for its large, lavender trumpet-shaped flowers, the Royal Empress Tree can be a stunning addition to any landscape. However, be mindful as it can grow quite fast and spread if not managed properly.
- Height: 30 to 50 feet
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9