26 Magnificent Trees With Purple Flowers: A Guide to the Best Ones

Last Updated on May 7, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Looking for a beautiful tree to plant in your garden? Check out the magnificent trees with purple flowers! These stunning plants add a splash of color to any landscape and are sure to turn heads.

In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best varieties of purple-flowering trees and provide tips on how to care for them. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our list today!

Related: 42+ Types Of Trees With Names, Facts, and Pictures (Tree Species A-Z)

1. Bloomerang® Lilac Tree (Syringa ‘SMSJBP7’ PP26549).

This lilac is a deciduous shrub that blooms in early to mid-spring, with a second flush of flowers in late summer. It grows to be about 15 feet tall and wide.

The Bloomerang® Lilac Tree is an easy to grow and low maintenance plant, perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of lilacs without all the work.

The Bloomerang® Lilac Tree is a great choice for gardeners who want to add some color to their landscape without having to deal with the hassle of constantly replanting.

This lilac is also resistant to powdery mildew, making it a good option for those who live in areas where this disease is common.

2. Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Catawba’).

The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree has dark green leaves that turn red, orange, and yellow in the fall.

The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree blooms pink flowers in the summer. The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is a native of China and Korea.

The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is an excellent tree for landscaping. The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is drought tolerant and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.

The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is also resistant to pests and diseases. The Catawba Crape Myrtle Tree is a low maintenance tree that does not require pruning.

Related: Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia, Crapemyrtle): Everything You Need To Know

3. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus).

The Chaste Tree is a small to medium sized deciduous shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. The leaves are opposite, compound, and have five to seven leaflets.

The flowers are small, white, and borne in terminal spikes. The fruit is a black drupe.

The Chaste Tree has been used medicinally since ancient times. The Greek physician Hippocrates (460-377 BC) recommended it for treating uterine disorders. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD) wrote that it was effective for treating snake bites and rabies.

The Chaste Tree is still used medicinally today. It is a common ingredient in herbal preparations for treating PMS and menopause. It is also used to treat acne and other skin conditions.

4. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis).

It is a deciduous tree that blooms profusely with long, pendulous, lavender to purple flowers. The Desert Willow is a desert tree that can reach a height of 20-30 feet and forms a vase-shaped crown.

It grows best in full sun and needs little water once established. The Desert Willow is an excellent choice for a fast-growing shade tree in the desert.

It is also a beautiful tree for specimen plantings and can be used as a windbreak or privacy screen. The Desert Willow is a native of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Related: 18+ Different Types Of Willow Trees With Pictures

5. Dogwood (Cornus Florida).

The flowers of this tree are beautiful and unique. The tree is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in many different colors.

The most popular color of dogwood is white, but there are also pink, purple, and red varieties. Dogwoods are one of the first trees to bloom in the spring and their flowers can last for up to six weeks.

Related: 17+ Different Types Of Dogwood Trees

6. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

The Eastern Redbud is a small deciduous tree that typically grows to 20-30 feet tall with a rounded crown and spreading branches. The leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped, and often purple in color.

The flowers are pink or white and occur in clusters at the tips of the branches in early spring. The fruit is a small, dark brown or black, leathery pod that matures in late summer.

Eastern Redbud is native to eastern North America and can be found in woodlands, on hillsides, and in hedgerows. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types but does best in well-drained soils.

Eastern Redbud can be planted in full sun to partial shade. It is a popular landscape tree and can be used as a specimen tree, in mass plantings, or as part of a naturalized area.

Related: 17+ Types Of RedBud Trees With Their Leaves and Flowers

7. Fragrant Lilac (Syringa vulgaris).

This is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 15-30’ tall with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula, but it has been widely cultivated and introduced throughout Europe and parts of Asia.

Lilac flowers are very fragrant and appear in dense clusters (panicles) in late spring. Each flower has four petals and is tubular-shaped with a long, protruding style. The flowers are typically lavender to white, but some cultivars feature pink or purple flowers.

Lilac foliage is opposite, ovate-lanceolate to oblong-ovate, and dark green. Leaves turn yellow in fall. Flowers give way to round, greenish-yellow fruits (drupes) in late summer that mature to brown. Each fruit contains a single seed.

8. Hibiscus Tree.

The Hibiscus tree is a beautiful, flowering tree that is native to the tropical regions of Asia. The tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and has large, dark green leaves.

The flowers of the Hibiscus tree are what make it so unique and beautiful. The flowers are large and have a deep purple color.

Related: 35+ Different Types of Hibiscus: A Comprehensive Guide (With Pictures)

9. Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia).

The Jacaranda tree is a beautiful, fast-growing tree that can reach up to 30 feet tall. The Jacaranda tree has long, slender leaves and stunning purple flowers.

The Jacaranda tree blooms from late spring to early summer, and the flowers are often used in floral arrangements.

The Jacaranda tree is native to South America, but it is widely planted in the southern United States. Jacaranda trees are drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types.

10. Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’).

This is a deciduous shrub that typically matures to 15-20’ tall with a spreading, multi-stemmed habit. It features ovate to obovate, dark green leaves.

The flowers are tubular, fragrant, and borne in showy panicles (to 12” long). The flowers are followed by dry, woody seed capsules.

This shrub is often used as a specimen or in mass plantings. It will tolerate full sun to part shade. Best flowering occurs in full sun.

The Korean lilac tree is native to Korea and northeast China. It was introduced into the United States in 1909.

Zones: The Korean lilac tree grows in zones three through eight.

Soil: The Korean lilac tree prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Water: Water the Korean lilac tree regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, this tree is quite drought tolerant.

Fertilizer: Fertilize the Korean lilac tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 12-12-12.

Pruning: Prune the Korean lilac tree in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems, as well as any weak or crossing stems. Also, thin out the shrub to create good air circulation.

11. Lavender Twist® Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’).

This deciduous shrub or small tree is covered in lavender-pink flowers in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green and turn yellow-gold in fall.

Lavender Twist® Redbud grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a low maintenance plant that is tolerant of urban conditions.

Lavender Twist® Redbud can be used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or in foundation plantings. It is also a good choice for planting under power lines.

12. Magnolia ’Royal Purple’ (Magnolia x soulangeana).

This is a hybrid between two species of flowering magnolia, and was introduced in 1963. It grows to be about 20 feet tall and wide, with deep purple flowers that bloom in early spring.

The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the plant is relatively disease-resistant.

13. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia).

Mountain Laurel is a flowering shrub that blooms in the spring and summer. The flowers are typically pink or white, but some varieties have purple flowers. Mountain Laurel is native to North America and can be found in the Appalachian Mountains.

Mountain Laurel is an evergreen shrub that grows to be about 15 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers. The flowers have a delicate, sweet fragrance.

Mountain Laurel is a popular landscaping plant because it is easy to care for and it is drought tolerant. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Mountain Laurel prefers acidic soil, but it will tolerate neutral or alkaline soils.

14. Muskogee Crape Myrtle Tree (Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Muskogee’).

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 20-30 feet tall and wide. It has glossy, dark green leaves that turn crimson in fall.

The Muskogee Crape Myrtle flowers are purple, lavender, or white and appear in summer. This tree is drought tolerant and does best in full sun.

It is hardy in USDA zones seven through nine. The Muskogee Crape Myrtle tree is an excellent choice for a specimen plant or for use in mass plantings.

It makes an ideal hedge, screen, or privacy fence. This tree is also commonly used as a street tree or in parking lots due to its tolerance of heat and pollution.

15. Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata).

The orchid tree is a species of flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of India, China, Nepal and Bhutan.

It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in warm climates, and has been introduced to California and Texas in the United States. The orchid tree grows up to 15 m (50 ft) tall, with reddish-brown to grey bark.

The leaves are imparipinnate and measure 20–40 cm (12 in) long and 15–25 cm (12 in) broad, with eight to ten pairs of oval to oblong, glossy dark green leaflets.

The flowers are large and showy, with five petals, and are born in racemes up to 30 cm (12 in) long from late winter to early summer. The fruit is an elongated pod up to 60 cm (24 in) long, containing several seeds.

Related: 31+ Different Types Of Orchids With Names and Pictures

16. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera).

This is a deciduous tree that grows to be about 15-25 feet tall. The leaves are purple and the flowers are white with a pinkish tinge. The fruit is a small, dark purple plum. This tree is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America.

This tree does best in full sun but can tolerate some shade. It prefers well-drained soil but can also tolerate clay or sand. This tree is drought tolerant once it is established.

The Purple Leaf Plum is a beautiful tree that would make a great addition to any landscape.

17. Purple Lily Magnolia (Magnolia liliflora).

This tree is native to China and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The flowers are a deep purple color and have a sweet fragrance. The tree blooms in late spring or early summer.

The Purple Lily Magnolia is a beautiful tree that will add color and beauty to your landscape. This tough tree is easy to care for and is relatively pest and disease free.

18. Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’).

This deciduous tree is covered in beautiful clusters of fragrant, deep purple flowers in early to mid-spring. Purple Robe Locust grows rapidly and can reach a height of 40 feet with a spread of 30 feet at maturity.

It does best in full sun and tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay. This tough tree is also quite drought tolerant once established. Purple Robe Locust is a great choice for a fast-growing shade tree or as part of a flowering privacy screen.

Related: 12 Different Types Of Locust Trees With Identification, Their Uses, and Pictures

19. Purple Wisteria Tree.

The Purple Wisteria Tree is a deciduous tree that is native to China. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and has a lifespan of around 100 years. The flowers of the tree are purple and have a sweet fragrance.

The tree blooms in the springtime and the flowers last for about two weeks. After the flowers fade, the tree produces seed pods that are about six inches long.

The tree is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping. Purple Wisteria trees are known to be hardy and easy to care for.

They are tolerant of most soil types and can tolerate drought conditions. The trees prefer full sun but can also grow in partial shade.

20. Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia Tomentosa).

The tree is native to central and western China but can now be found in other parts of the world. The tree grows quickly and can reach a height of up to 100 feet.

The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and purple flowers bloom in the springtime. The Royal Empress Tree is a beautiful sight when in full bloom and makes for a great addition to any landscape.

The tree is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The tree is drought-tolerant and does not require much water once established.

21. Royal Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’).

The name says it all with this stunning tree that’s covered in deep purple flowers from late spring to early summer.

A native of the Mediterranean, the Royal Purple Smoke Tree is a relative of the common smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria). It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and can reach a height of 20 feet with a spread of 15 feet.

The deep purple flowers of the Royal Purple Smoke Tree are followed by attractive, greenish-purple fruits that ripen in late summer and turn brown in fall. The fruits are popular with birds and other wildlife.

22. Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa).

This beautiful tree is native to South America, and its flowers are a striking purple color. The Silk Floss Tree is a member of the bombacaceae family, which also includes the kapok tree. These trees can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 30 meters in height.

The Silk Floss Tree’s trunk is covered in a thick layer of spines, which deter animals from climbing the tree. The tree’s flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, and its fruits are eaten by birds.

The Silk Floss Tree is an important source of food and shelter for many animals in the rainforest. The tree’s large leaves provide homes for ants, beetles, and other insects.

The Silk Floss Tree’s flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. The tree’s fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals.

23. Takasago Flowering Cherry.

A beautiful tree that produces purple flowers. The Takasago Flowering Cherry is a popular tree in Japan and can be found in many public parks and gardens. It is also the national flower of Japan.

The Takasago Flowering Cherry is a deciduous tree and can grow to a height of 20 meters (66 feet). The leaves are dark green and the flowers are a deep purple color. The Takasago Flowering Cherry blooms in late spring and early summer.

24. True Blue Butterfly Bush (Buddleia ‘Bostulu’).

This bush is covered in beautiful purple flowers that attract butterflies all summer long. The True Blue has a very long blooming season and is heat and drought tolerant once established.

This bush grows to be about six feet tall and four feet wide, making it a great addition to any garden.

25. Twilight Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Twilight’).

This deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows to 15-20’ tall with a vase-shaped habit. It features fragrant, deep lavender flowers that bloom in summer and persist into fall.

The leaves are oblong to ovate, medium green and turn yellow in fall. ‘Twilight’ is a superior cultivar that is noted for its large flowers, long blooming period and good fall color.

It was selected and introduced by the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.

26. Vitex Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus castus).

This species of tree is also known as the monk’s pepper tree and was introduced to England in 1548. The Vitex Chaste Tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.

The leaves are opposite, pinnate with five to seven ovate-oblong leaflets. The flowers are usually a lavender blue color and appear in clusters at the ends of the branches.

The Vitex Chaste Tree is a fast-growing tree that can tolerate drought and poor soils. It is also salt spray tolerant, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas.

This species of tree blooms from June to September and is a great addition to any garden.

Related: 38+ Trees With White Flowers (With Pictures)

Conclusion

So there you have it, a guide to the best trees with purple flowers. I hope this was helpful and that you’re able to find the perfect tree for your needs. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!