Trees With Purple Flowers In Texas

If you’re looking for trees with purple flowers in Texas, you’re in luck. The state’s climate is perfect for several stunning species that put on a vibrant springtime show, painting our landscapes with beautiful hues.

From the iconic to the understated, these trees bring more than just color. They provide shade, attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and become a focal point in any garden. Let’s look at the best options for your yard.

This list covers the most reliable and beautiful purple-flowering trees for Texas gardens. Consider your specific region, soil, and space when choosing.

1. Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

An absolute superstar for Central and West Texas. This native evergreen is tough as nails, thriving in heat, drought, and poor soil. Its best feature are the pendulous clusters of fragrant purple flowers that appear in early spring. They smell like grape soda!

Bloom Time: Late February to April.
Size: Slow-growing to 15-25 feet tall and wide.
Key Care Tip: Needs excellent drainage. Very low water once established.
Note: All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are poisonous if ingested.

2. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Don’t let the name fool you—this is not a true willow. It’s another fantastic native tree known for its graceful, willow-like leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. Blooms range from deep purple to lavender and even white, often with lovely striping inside.

Bloom Time: Long bloomer from May through September.
Size: Fast-growing to 15-30 feet tall.
Key Care Tip: Thrives in hot, dry conditions. Prune in winter to maintain shape.
Bonus: It attracts hummingbirds and is very deer-resistant.

3. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids)

A Southern classic, crape myrtles are a staple for good reason. They offer spectacular clusters of crinkled flowers all summer long. While they come in many colors, the purple varieties like ‘Purple Magic,’ ‘Early Bird,’ and ‘Twilight’ are exceptional.

Bloom Time:

Size: Varies by cultivar from dwarf shrubs to trees over 30 feet.
Key Care Tip: Needs full sun for best flowering. Avoid “crape murder”—prune gently in late winter only to shape or remove dead wood.

4. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’)

The Texas native variety, often called the ‘Oklahoma’ Redbud, is superior for our state. It boasts glossy, heart-shaped leaves and a profusion of small, magenta-purple flowers that cling directly to the branches in early spring before the leaves emerge.

Bloom Time: March to April.
Size: 15-25 feet tall with a similar spread.
Key Care Tip: More drought and heat tolerant than the standard species. Plant in well-drained soil.

5. Vitex or Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

This small tree or large shrub is a butterfly magnet. It produces long, finger-like spikes of lavender-purple flowers throughout the summer. It’s incredibly heat-tolerant and blooms on new growth, so it’s a great choice for hot areas.

Bloom Time: Repeated flushes from June to September.
Size: Typically 10-15 feet tall and wide.
Key Care Tip: Can be cut back hard in late winter to encourage fresh growth and more blooms.

6. ‘Ace of Hearts’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

A compact cultivar of the Eastern Redbud, perfect for smaller spaces. It has the same charming purple-pink spring flowers but on a smaller frame and with beautiful heart-shaped leaves. It’s more adaptable than some other trees.

Bloom Time: Early spring.
Size: Grows to about 12 feet tall.
Key Care Tip: Provides nice dappled shade once leaves fill in.

7. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

A showstopper for the warmest parts of Texas (like the Rio Grande Valley and protected spots in South Texas). It’s covered in breathtaking, bell-shaped lavender-blue flowers in late spring. It’s not reliably cold-hardy north of Zone 9.

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
Size: Can reach 25-40 feet in Texas.
Key Care Tip: Needs full sun and protection from harsh winter winds. It’s worth the extra care if you’re in it’s range.

How to Choose and Plant Your Tree

Picking the right tree is the first step. Planting it correctly ensures it thrives for decades.

Choosing the Right Spot

Consider these factors before you buy:

Sunlight: Almost all flowering trees need full sun (6+ hours daily) to bloom their best.
Space: Check the mature width. Don’t plant to close to your house, fences, or power lines.
Soil and Drainage: Texas soil varies from sandy to heavy clay. Most trees need well-drained soil. You can improve drainage by amending the planting hole with compost.
Water Access: Consider how you’ll water the tree during its first few critical years.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Dig the Hole: Make it 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball itself. Planting to deep is a common mistake.
Handle the Roots: Gently loosen any circling roots on container-grown trees. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire or synthetic burlap after placing in the hole.
Position the Tree: Set the tree in the hole so the root flare (where the trunk widens) is slightly above ground level.
Backfill: Use the native soil mixed with some compost. Gently tamp it down to remove air pockets as you fill.
Water Deeply: Create a soil berm around the edge to form a watering basin. Soak the entire root zone thoroughly.
Mulch: Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch (like wood chips) around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

Caring for Your Purple Flowering Trees

Proper aftercare is simple but essential.

Watering Schedule

First Year: Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall and heat. The goal is to encourage deep root growth.
Established Trees: Most natives are very drought-tolerant. They may need deep watering only during extended dry spells.

Pruning Basics

Prune for health and shape, not just because you think you should.

The best time to prune spring bloomers is right after they finish flowering.
For summer bloomers like Crape Myrtle and Vitex, prune in late winter before new growth starts.
Always remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches first.

Fertilizing

Less is often more. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can be beneficial, especially for younger trees. Mature, healthy natives often need little to no fertilizer.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even tough Texas trees can face issues.

Poor Flowering: Usually caused by to much shade, over-fertilizing (which promotes leaves, not flowers), or improper pruning.
Leaf Spot or Powdery Mildew: Common in humid areas or with poor air circulation. Choose resistant cultivars (like many new Crape Myrtles) and avoid overhead watering.
Stress from Drought or Heat: Mulch is your best friend here. It conserves soil moisture and keeps roots cooler.

FAQ

What is the fastest growing purple flowering tree for Texas?
The Desert Willow is known for its relatively fast growth rate and beautiful purple blooms.

Which purple flowering tree smells the best?
The Texas Mountain Laurel is famous for its sweet, grape-like fragrance that fills the air in spring.

Are there small purple flowering trees for a patio or small yard?
Yes! The ‘Ace of Hearts’ Redbud and dwarf varieties of Crape Myrtle (like ‘Purple Magic’ dwarf) are perfect for limited spaces.

When should I plant a flowering tree in Texas?
Fall is ideal, giving the tree time to establish roots before the summer heat. Early spring is the second-best option.

What tree has purple flowers in Texas that’s good for wildlife?
The Eastern Redbud and Vitex are excellent for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.

Adding one of these spectacular trees with purple flowers in Texas to your property is a rewarding investment. With the right selection and simple care, you’ll enjoy it’s vibrant springtime blooms and unique character for many years to come. Your local nursery can provide specific advice for your area, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions.