Trees With Dark Purple Leaves

If you want to add drama and rich color to your garden, look no further than trees with dark purple leaves. This stunning deep purple foliage creates a powerful focal point and works beautifully with almost any other plant color.

These aren’t just seasonal performers. Many varieties keep their incredible hue from spring until the leaves drop in fall. They can act as a living sculpture in your landscape. Let’s look at how to choose and care for these remarkable plants.

You have many excellent options, from large shade trees to smaller ornamental specimens. The key is picking the right one for your space and climate. Here are some of the most reliable and beautiful choices.

Popular Purple-Leaf Tree Varieties

These trees are widely available and proven in many gardens. Their care requirements are generally straightforward, making them a great place to start.

Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera): A classic small tree, often one of the first to bloom in spring with pale pink flowers. Its leaves are a bronzy-purple that holds well. It’s fast-growing but relatively short-lived.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Many cultivars offer purple leaves. ‘Bloodgood’ is incredibly popular for its reliable, deep red-purple color that holds in sun. ‘Emperor I’ is another excellent sun-tolerant choice.
Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’): A majestic, large tree with smooth gray bark and broad, coppery-purple leaves. It needs plenty of room to reach its full, breathtaking potential.
Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’): Offers heart-shaped leaves that emerge a shimmering purple. In spring, it’s covered in tiny magenta flowers directly on its branches. The leaf color can fade to green in hot summers without adequate water.
Purple Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’): While often grown as a large shrub, it can be pruned into a small tree. The rounded, wine-colored leaves are followed by wispy, smoke-like pink flower plumes.

Choosing the Right Location

Sunlight is the most critical factor for maintaining that deep purple color. For most varieties, you’ll get the best leaf color in full sun. That means at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

In too much shade, purple leaves will often fade to a dull green or bronze. A few types, like some Japanese maples, prefer afternoon shade in very hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Always check the specific needs of your chosen tree.

Also consider the tree’s mature size. Make sure you plant it where it won’t interfere with power lines, buildings, or other trees in 10 or 20 years. It’s a common mistake to plant a small sapling too close to the house.

Soil and Planting Tips

Well-draining soil is essential for almost all these trees. They don’t like to have their roots sitting in soggy earth. Here’s a simple planting guide:

Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper.
Gently loosen the roots if the tree is pot-bound.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root flare is level with or slightly above the soil grade.
Backfill with the native soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
Water deeply to settle the soil. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Consistent watering, especially in the first two years and during droughts, is key. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root growth. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can actually encourage green growth at the expense of purple color. Pruning is usually done in late winter when the tree is dormant, mainly to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

That stunning deep purple foliage is a versatile design tool. Use it to create contrast, harmony, or a bold statement. Here are some effective ways to incorporate it.

Color Contrast: Pair purple trees with plants that have silver, gold, or bright green leaves. The contrast makes the purple really pop. Think of silver dusty miller or golden spirea at the base.
Color Echoing: For a more harmonious look, surround your tree with plants that have hints of purple, burgundy, or pink in their leaves or flowers. This creates a cohesive, layered color palette.
Focal Point: Use a single, specimen purple-leaf tree as the centerpiece of a garden bed or lawn. Its unique color will naturally draw the eye.
Backdrop: Plant a larger purple tree, like a copper beech, as a dark background. This makes brighter flowers in the foreground, like white hydrangeas or yellow daylilies, appear even more vibrant.

Common Pests and Problems

Most purple-leaf trees are fairly resilient. However, keep an eye out for a few common issues. Aphids might appear on new growth; a strong spray of water often dislodges them. Japanese beetles can skeletonize leaves on some trees like the Purple Leaf Plum.

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can be a problem in humid, crowded conditions. Ensuring good air circulation around your tree is the best prevention. If you see spots or mildew, remove affected leaves and consider an appropriate fungicide. Always identify the problem correctly before treating.

Seasonal Considerations

Your tree’s appearance will change through the seasons, and that’s part of its beauty. In spring, many burst with flowers before the leaves fully emerge. Summer is when the purple foliage is at its peak, providing cool, dark color.

In autumn, some varieties, like certain Japanese maples, may turn brilliant scarlet or orange before falling. Others, like the Purple Leaf Plum, may hold their color until a frost. In winter, appreciate the elegant silhouette and bark texture of your tree against the stark landscape.

FAQs About Purple-Leaf Trees

Why is my purple leaf tree turning green?
This is usually due to insufficient sunlight. As the canopy fills in or nearby trees grow, light levels can drop. Some varieties also naturally produce less pigment in very hot weather. Ensure it gets enough sun and avoid over-fertilizing.

Are there any fast-growing trees with dark purple leaves?
Yes, the Purple Leaf Plum and the Purple Smoke Tree are considered relatively fast growers. The Royal Purple Smoke Tree can add 1-2 feet per year under good conditions.

Can I grow a purple leaf tree in a container?
Absolutely. Dwarf Japanese maple cultivars are perfect for this. Use a large pot with excellent drainage and a quality potting mix. You’ll need to water more frequently and may need to repot every few years.

Do deer eat purple leaf trees?
Deer preferences vary, but many purple-leaf trees like Japanese Maple and Redbud are considered somewhat deer-resistant. However, no plant is completely deer-proof if they are hungry enough. Saplings are always more at risk and may need protection.

What is the best small purple tree for a patio?
A dwarf Japanese Maple, such as ‘Crimson Queen’ or ‘Tamukeyama’, is an outstanding choice. Their graceful form and deep color provide year-round interest in a compact space.

Adding a tree with dark purple leaves is a sure way to make your garden stand out. With the right selection and basic care, you can enjoy its stunning deep purple foliage for many years to come. It’s a simple change that has a major visual impact, providing structure and a sence of permanence to your outdoor space. Remember to plan for its mature size and give it the sunlight it craves for the best color. Your garden will thank you for the addition of such a beautiful and architectural element.