Discover 29 stunning purple flowering trees perfect for gardeners, landscapers, and nature lovers seeking vibrant color and unique foliage. This guide covers a diverse range of species, providing key identification tips and insights into each tree’s characteristics, growth habits, and ideal uses. Whether you’re looking to add shade, ornamental beauty, or seasonal interest, this list will help you recognize and select the best purple flowering trees for your space.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)
The Jacaranda is famous for its striking lavender-blue trumpet-shaped flowers that blanket the tree in spring and early summer. Native to South America, this deciduous tree thrives in warm climates and grows up to 50 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown. Its fern-like, delicate foliage adds texture even when not in bloom, making it a favorite for streetscapes and large gardens.
Paulownia tomentosa (Empress Tree)
Known for its rapid growth and large heart-shaped leaves, the Empress Tree produces clusters of pale purple, tubular flowers in early spring. Originating from China, its fragrant blooms attract pollinators and create a spectacular floral display. It’s often used for quick shade and erosion control but requires space due to its vigorous growth and invasive potential in some regions.
Chionanthus retusus (Chinese Fringe Tree)
This medium-sized tree features delicate, lilac-purple flowers that resemble fringed tassels, blooming in late spring. Native to East Asia, the Chinese Fringe Tree has glossy, dark green leaves that turn yellow in fall. Its ornamental appeal lies in the airy floral clusters and manageable size, suitable for small to medium gardens.
Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa Tree)
The Mimosa Tree is celebrated for its fluffy, powder-puff-like purple flowers that appear in summer. These fragrant blossoms attract bees and butterflies, and the tree’s fern-like leaves close at night, adding dynamic movement. It tolerates heat and drought, making it ideal for warm, dry climates, though it can be invasive in some areas.
Ombrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla)
While more commonly grown as a houseplant, mature Ombrella Trees produce clusters of small purple flowers on tall spikes. Native to Australia and New Guinea, its glossy, umbrella-shaped leaflets create a tropical look. Outdoor planting is suitable in frost-free zones, where the flowers add a subtle but exotic pop of color.
Jacaranda caerulea (Blue Jacaranda)
This relative of the more common Jacaranda mimosifolia offers similarly vibrant blue-lavender blooms but is noted for its slightly smaller size and more compact form. Native to the Caribbean, it is well-suited to coastal landscapes and urban plantings where salt tolerance is beneficial. Its delicate flowers and attractive seed pods add ornamental interest.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)
The Chaste Tree is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with spikes of fragrant violet-purple flowers blooming throughout summer. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Besides its ornamental value, it has historical medicinal uses and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Alba’ (White Jacaranda)
A rare albino cultivar of the Jacaranda, this tree produces white to pale lavender flowers, providing a unique twist on the classic jacaranda bloom. It shares the same fern-like foliage and growth habit but offers a lighter color palette for diverse garden designs. It’s prized for its rarity and elegant floral display.
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
Though best known for its pink flowers, some cultivars of Eastern Redbud produce purple blooms in early spring. This small deciduous tree is native to North America and features heart-shaped leaves and a graceful, spreading form. Its early blossoms appear before leaves, creating a vivid floral statement in temperate gardens.
Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)
Crape Myrtles are valued for their long-lasting summer flowers, which come in shades ranging from lavender to deep purple. This deciduous tree or large shrub has smooth, mottled bark and attractive fall foliage colors. It’s highly adaptable, heat-tolerant, and a favorite in southern landscapes for color and low maintenance.
Jacaranda copaia
Native to the Amazon rainforest, Jacaranda copaia is a smaller cousin of the common jacaranda, with pale purple, trumpet-shaped flowers. It grows well in tropical climates and is appreciated for its manageable size and delicate floral clusters. The tree’s lightweight wood is also used locally for crafts and construction.
Paulownia kawakamii (Kawakamii Paulownia)
This rare species of Paulownia produces large, light purple flowers in spring before the leaves fully emerge. Originating from Taiwan, it is admired for its ornamental flowers and rapid growth. The Kawakamii Paulownia is less invasive than other paulownias and is sometimes used in bonsai culture due to its striking form.
Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria – Tree Form)
While typically a vigorous vine, Wisteria can be trained into small tree forms that bloom with cascading clusters of violet-purple flowers in spring. Its sweet fragrance and dramatic flower bunches make it a garden showstopper. However, it requires strong support and regular pruning to maintain its tree shape.
Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur Coral Tree)
Native to South America, this small tree is known for its spiny branches and vibrant purple-red flowers that attract hummingbirds. The flowers bloom in late spring and summer, providing a tropical flair to gardens. It tolerates drought and poor soils, making it suitable for warm, dry regions.
Paulownia elongata
Paulownia elongata grows quickly and produces large lavender-purple flowers in spring. It’s often planted for timber and shade, with broad leaves that provide dense canopy cover. This species is favored in agroforestry and reforestation projects due to its rapid growth and soil-improving properties.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Bonsai’
A dwarf cultivar of the Jacaranda, this bonsai-style tree offers the same stunning purple flowers on a miniature scale. It’s perfect for patios, balconies, or small gardens where space is limited but floral impact is desired. Like its larger relatives, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Cladrastis kentukea (American Yellowwood) – Purple Flower Variant
Though typically known for white flowers, some cultivars and hybrids of Yellowwood display pale purple blooms. This medium-sized tree has smooth gray bark and pinnate leaves that turn yellow in fall. It’s prized for its fragrant flowers and elegant form, suitable for parks and large gardens.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Burgundy’
This cultivar features deeper purple to burgundy-hued flowers compared to the standard jacaranda. It provides a richer color contrast and is favored for formal gardens and landscape accents. It maintains the classic jacaranda’s fern-like foliage and spreading habit.
Melia azedarach (Chinaberry Tree)
While primarily known for lavender flowers, the Chinaberry Tree’s blooms can appear pale purple and are fragrant, attracting bees. Native to Asia and Australia, it is fast-growing and adapts to various soils. The tree produces toxic berries, so caution is advised if planting near children or pets.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Purple Queen’
A cultivar selected for its intense purple flower color and robust growth, the ‘Purple Queen’ jacaranda provides a vibrant floral display lasting several weeks. It is popular in urban landscaping for its shade and ornamental appeal. The tree prefers warm climates and well-drained soils.
Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) – Purple Flower Form
Though traditionally white-flowered, some hybrids exhibit pale purple blooms. Sourwood is a small to medium tree native to the eastern United States, known for brilliant red fall foliage. The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators, making it a valuable ecological addition to native landscapes.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Alba Rose’
This rare jacaranda cultivar produces soft pinkish-purple flowers, blending hues for a delicate appearance. It shares the fern-like leaves and graceful branching of the species. Ideal for collectors and gardeners seeking subtle color variation within jacarandas.
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis (Honey Locust) – Purple Flower Variant
Some varieties of Honey Locust display small purple-tinged flowers in late spring. This thornless cultivar is widely planted for shade and ornamental use due to its light, dappled canopy and adaptability to urban conditions. The tree’s seed pods are a food source for wildlife.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Blue Tower’
The ‘Blue Tower’ jacaranda is a columnar form, ideal for narrow spaces, with vibrant purple-blue flowers. It offers the same fern-like leaves and spectacular spring bloom in a more compact shape. This cultivar suits urban gardens and street tree planting where space is limited.
Paulownia tomentosa ‘Princess Tree’
This named variety of Empress Tree has larger, more intensely purple flowers and a more refined growth habit. It’s appreciated for its ornamental floral display and fast shading ability. However, like other paulownias, it can spread aggressively outside its native range.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Purple Haze’
Selected for its unusually deep purple flowers, ‘Purple Haze’ jacaranda adds dramatic color to landscapes. It maintains the species’ classic fern-like foliage and broad crown. This cultivar is popular among gardeners wanting a bold flowering tree with a tropical feel.
Vitex negundo (Five-leaved Chaste Tree)
Vitex negundo produces spikes of purple to lilac flowers and is native to Asia. It is a fast-growing shrub or small tree with aromatic leaves used in traditional medicine. Its flowers attract butterflies and bees, making it valuable for pollinator gardens.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Santa Barbara’
This jacaranda cultivar is known for its prolific blooming and slightly lighter purple flowers. It grows vigorously and is widely planted in coastal California landscapes. Its broad canopy provides excellent shade and seasonal interest.
Paulownia fortunei
Paulownia fortunei is a fast-growing tree producing large clusters of pale purple flowers. Native to China, it is used for timber and ornamental purposes. It tolerates a range of soils and is prized for its rapid canopy development and floral beauty.
Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Pacific Purple’
Developed for coastal tolerance, ‘Pacific Purple’ jacaranda offers intense purple flowers and resistance to salt spray. It is a medium-sized tree with the characteristic fern-like leaves and spectacular spring bloom. Ideal for seaside gardens and urban planting.
How to Choose
When selecting a purple flowering tree, consider your climate zone, space availability, and soil conditions first. Jacarandas and paulownias, for example, prefer warm, frost-free environments, while redbuds and sourwoods thrive in temperate zones. Assess growth rate and mature size to ensure the tree fits your landscape without overwhelming it. Flower color intensity, bloom time, and fragrance also matter for aesthetic preferences and attracting pollinators. Finally, research invasiveness and maintenance needs—some species like Paulownia and Mimosa can spread aggressively or require pruning to manage size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which purple flowering tree blooms earliest in spring?
Eastern Redbud and Paulownia species typically bloom very early, often before leaf emergence, providing a first splash of color.
Q: Are purple flowering trees suitable for small gardens?
Yes, varieties like Chinese Fringe Tree and dwarf Jacaranda cultivars are manageable for smaller spaces.
Q: Do purple flowering trees attract pollinators?
Many do; Mimosa, Jacaranda, and Vitex are especially known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: Are any purple flowering trees invasive?
Paulownia and Mimosa can be invasive in some regions, so check local guidelines before planting.
Q: Can purple flowering trees tolerate drought?
Species like Crape Myrtle, Mimosa, and Vitex are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for dry climates.
Q: How tall do purple flowering trees grow?
Sizes vary widely—from small trees like Redbud (15-30 feet) to large Jacarandas (up to 50 feet) and fast-growing Paulownias that can exceed 60 feet.
Final Thoughts
From the iconic Jacaranda to lesser-known species like Vitex and Paulownia variants, purple flowering trees offer remarkable diversity in form, flower shape, and growing conditions. Selecting the right tree involves balancing your climate, space, and aesthetic goals with practical considerations like maintenance and invasiveness. With the right choice, these trees can provide stunning seasonal color, shade, and ecological benefits for years to come.
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