4 Magnificent Trees with Purple Flowers Every Gardener Should Consider
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These trees with purple flowers are breathtaking when in full bloom and should be considered by every gardener for their garden.
When considering planting a tree in your garden, the usual thoughts that spring to mind are the tree’s width, height, and whether it is evergreen or deciduous. It is only after these considerations do your thoughts turn to whether or not you would like any colour on your tree.
We often think of pink blossoms or white jasmine flowers on trees, but there is something special about trees with purple flowers.
When in full bloom, trees with purple flowers are breathtaking. Purple is not a common natural colour, making them seem even more splendid to view.
Not to mention, pollinators are attracted to the colour purple, so by planting trees with purple flowers, you will attract more pollinators to your garden which all of your other plants will benefit from.
Take a look at some of the most spectacular trees with purple flowers you should consider planting in your garden.
4 Must-Have Trees with Purple Flowers
Chaste Tree
If you are looking for an easy-to-maintain tree that requires very little maintenance, then a Chaste tree would be ideal.
Chaste trees are loved by many gardeners for their long blooming period. Their clustered purple flowers bloom from early summer right the way through to September. With deadheading, many flowers will bloom more than once too throughout the season.
Each cluster of flowers grows upwards in long, thin cones, similar to buddleia flowers. They are surrounded by wide, palm-shaped deep green leaves offering a visually appealing colour contrast.
Chaste trees grow relatively quickly and can reach 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Although, due to its quick growth, it can easily become invasive so most gardeners will prune it back each season to contain it.
These trees are best planted in well-drained soil. They grow well when positioned in an area of full sunlight and will have a more successful bloom with increased sunlight.
| USDA Zones: | 6-9 |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-drained, fertile soil |
| Tolerates: | Drought, deer, heat |
Jacaranda Tree
Jacaranda trees are spectacular with long branches full of delicate flower clusters. The flowers are often found in lilac, an almost blue tone which blooms in spring and early autumn.
Unlike Chaste trees, Jacaranda requires a bit more care and seasonal maintenance. They are very frost sensitive due to originating in tropical countries such as Bolivia, so they do not do well if left outdoors in the winter.
Fortunately, there is a dwarf form of Jacaranda tree known as “Bonsai Blue” which grows well in a pot that makes transiting indoors much easier during the winter months.
Traditional Jacaranda trees can grow up to 15 meters tall, whereas “Bonsai Blue” only grows to 1.5 meters, making it much more manageable and easier to maintain.
Dwarf Jacaranda trees need potting in a pot at least twice the size of its original pot. This will allow space for the roots to spread healthily. Jacarandas do not require too much watering and are best only watered to dampen the soil and prevent it from fully drying out.
They also require repotting every year which is an ideal time to check your Jacaranda tree’s health and prune as necessary.
| USDA Zones: | 9-11 |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Tolerates: | Drought, some urban pollution |
Magnolia Royal Purple
Magnolia trees are well known and with good reason. Branches are filled with a beautiful display of large, delicate petalled flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple.
For a tree with purple flowers, magnolia royal purple makes a star choice. The purple fades on the inside giving each petal a two-toned appearance with each flower opening up to 8 inches wide. Flowers bloom in early spring, offering essential food early in the year for pollinators.
Magnolia trees do take their time to grow, taking anywhere up to 20 years to reach their peak. This needs to be taken into account as to where you position your magnolia tree.
They are best planted where they have lots of space to grow fully, keep in mind they can grow up to 8 meters tall. As they are quite delicate, consider planting them in an area that is sheltered from the wind, but gains partial to full sunlight.
Finally, ensure not to over-prune your magnolia tree. They are very sensitive and too much pruning can cause them to stop growing. Focus on pruning them after they have flowered, and only prune branches that are damaged or diseased.
| USDA Zones: | 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil Needs: | Moist, well-drained, acidic soil |
| Tolerates: | Some drought |
Purple Wisteria Tree
Last but not least, probably one of the most renowned trees with purple flowers is Wisteria. Though they only have a short blooming period throughout either in Spring or Summer depending upon the variety, Wisteria trees are magnificent and relatively easy to grow.
Purple Wisteria trees offer lilac flowers which grow in clusters that drape downwards from vines. They can reach up to 33 feet in height and spread almost double that in width.
Unlike our other purple trees, Wisteria trees can be grown as a tree or, along a wall as a climber.
When planting wisteria trees, select a location that receives full sunlight. They bloom much better when the tree has access to the sun, but they do require some shelter. It is also best to plant them in well-drained soil.
Wisteria trees do require some general care and support as they grow such as a trellis, or tree stakes. This will help your Wisteria to grow in the direction of your choice whilst giving it time to strengthen its trunk.
Unlike our other trees listed here, Wisteria trees can dry out quickly so will require regular watering.
Don’t expect them to bloom within the first year. Wisteria takes time to develop and you are most likely to see your first of many Wisteria blooms from the 3rd or 4th growing year.
| USDA Zones: | 5-9 |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun |
| Soil Needs: | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Tolerates: | Deer |
Selecting one of these four trees with purple flowers will create a garden to be proud of. Each tree offers a stunning display of purple flowers whilst also benefiting local pollinators.
If you haven’t already, consider adding a purple tree to your garden and watch in awe as the blooms become larger and increasingly more beautiful each year.
