If you’re looking for a stunning centerpiece for your garden, a purple flowering tree is a perfect choice. The vibrant springtime blossoms of these trees create a breathtaking display that signals the new season.
These trees come in many shapes and sizes, offering options for almost any landscape. Their flowers range from soft lavender to deep, royal violet. This guide will help you choose, plant, and care for the right purple bloomer for your space.
Purple Flowering Tree – Vibrant Springtime Blossoms
This category includes some of the most beloved ornamental trees. Their colorful flowers appear early, often before the leaves, providing a vital food source for pollinators. The sight of a fully bloomed tree is truly a highlight of the year.
Top Varieties for Your Garden
Not all purple flowering trees are the same. Some stay compact, while others grow quite tall. Consider your climate and available space when making your selection.
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): A native North American tree known for its clusters of tiny, pea-like magenta flowers that cling directly to its branches. Cultivars like ‘Forest Pansy’ add purple foliage.
- Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia): Famous for its incredible canopy of trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in warm, frost-free climates and can get quite large.
- Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera): Offers double value with coppery-purple leaves and light pink, almost white, flowers. It’s a smaller tree, great for limited areas.
- Lilac Tree (Syringa vulgaris): While often a shrub, it can be trained as a small tree. Its fragrant flower cones in shades of purple are a spring classic.
- Purple Robe Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Purple Robe’): A tough, fast-growing tree with long clusters of fragrant, deep purple flowers that resemble wisteria.
How to Plant Your Tree for Success
Proper planting gives your tree the best start. The steps are simple but crucial for long-term health. The best times to plant are early spring or early fall.
- Choose the Right Spot: Most of these trees need full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for the best flower production. Check the mature size to ensure it won’t crowd buildings or other plants.
- Dig the Perfect Hole: The hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper. Roughen the sides of the hole to help roots penetrate.
- Prepare the Tree: Gently remove the container. If the roots are circling, tease them apart. For balled-and-burlapped trees, remove any wire or synthetic burlap after placing it in the hole.
- Position and Backfill: Set the tree so the root flare (where trunk widens) is slightly above ground level. Backfill with the native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets.
- Water and Mulch: Water deeply to settle the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Common Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make errors. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
- Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of tree failure. The root flare must be visible.
- Over-amending the Soil: Adding too much compost to the planting hole can create a “pot effect,” where roots won’t venture into the native soil.
- Forgetting the Stake: Most young trees need staking for the first year to establish against wind. Use flexible ties and remove them after one growing season.
Essential Care and Maintenance
Once established, your tree won’t need constant attention. But a little care goes a long way in promoting those vibrant blooms.
Watering: Water regularly for the first two years. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent sprinkles. It encourages deep root growth. After establishment, most trees will only need water during prolonged droughts.
Fertilizing: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can support growth. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can lead to leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A soil test is always the best guide.
Pruning: Pruning is important for shape and health. The timing depends on the tree. Generally, prune spring-flowering trees right after they bloom to avoid cutting off next year’s flower buds. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches anytime.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for common issues. Early detection makes treatment easier.
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose often dislodges them.
- Powdery Mildew: A white fungal coating on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent it.
- Borer Insects: Look for small holes in the trunk. Keeping your tree healthy is the best defense, as stressed trees are more susceptible.
Design Ideas for Your Landscape
A purple flowering tree can serve many roles in your garden design. Think about how you want to use its beautiful color.
Use it as a stunning focal point in the front yard. Plant a smaller variety, like a Purple Leaf Plum, near a patio or seating area where you can enjoy its beauty up close. For a dramatic effect, line a driveway with Jacarandas or Purple Robe Locusts.
Consider companion plants that complement the purple blooms. Yellow flowers, like those from coreopsis or daffodils, create a vibrant contrast. Silver or gray foliage plants, such as lavender or dusty miller, can make the purple tones pop even more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest growing purple flowering tree?
The Purple Robe Locust is known for its rapid growth, often adding 2 feet or more per year once established.
Are there small purple blooming trees for limited space?
Yes! The Purple Leaf Plum and dwarf varieties of Redbud or Crape Myrtle (like the ‘Purple Magic’ series) are excellent for smaller gardens or large containers.
Why is my purple flowering tree not blooming?
Common reasons include insufficient sunlight, pruning at the wrong time (removing the flower buds), excessive nitrogen fertilizer, or the tree simply being too young. Some trees need a few years to mature before they flower reliably.
Can I grow a jacaranda in a cooler climate?
Jacarandas are tropical trees and are severely damaged by frost. In cooler zones (below 9 or 10), they are not suitable for year-round outdoor planting. They can sometimes be grown in large containers and brought indoors for winter, but this is challenging due to their eventual size.
How do I get more vibrant purple flowers?
Ensuring your tree gets full sun is the most important factor. Overall plant health—through proper watering, minimal stress, and appropriate fertilizing—also supports intense flower color. The specific hue is largely determined by the tree’s genetics.
Adding a purple flowering tree to your yard is a rewarding investment. With the right selection and care, you’ll enjoy its vibrant springtime blossoms for many years to come. The burst of color each spring is a joyful event that enhances your entire outdoor space.