There’s something magical about a flowering tree with purple flowers — it’s as if nature herself decided to dress in royal colors. Purple blooms stand for grace, creativity, and mystery, making them the perfect statement for any garden or park.
From tropical jacarandas painting entire streets violet to delicate lilacs perfuming spring air, these purple-flowering trees turn any landscape into a fairytale scene. Whether you live in a warm climate or a cool one, there’s a purple tree for you.
Below are 17 of the most stunning flowering trees with purple flowers from around the world — each with its own charm, fragrance, and color palette.
17 flowering tree with purple flowers for Stunning Gardens
1. Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
Native to South America, especially Brazil and Argentina, the Jacaranda Tree is famous for painting entire streets in soft lavender-blue each spring. Reaching up to 50 feet tall, this flowering beauty thrives in warm climates (USDA zones 9–11) with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil.
In late spring to early summer, its trumpet-shaped flowers appear in massive clusters, creating a dreamy violet canopy that gently carpets the ground below. The Jacaranda prefers full sun and moderate watering, making it a relatively easy tree to grow for gardeners in subtropical or Mediterranean regions.
Aside from its visual charm, the fern-like leaves give it a delicate texture even when not in bloom. For those who want a flowering tree with purple flowers that feels both exotic and nostalgic, Jacaranda is pure magic — elegant, fast-growing, and unforgettable.
2. Princess Flower Tree (Tibouchina urvilleana)
Native to Brazil, the Princess Flower Tree is a tropical showstopper famous for its rich, velvety purple blooms that appear nearly all year in warm climates. Growing up to 15 feet tall, it’s ideal for small gardens or as a centerpiece in subtropical landscapes.
This stunning tree loves full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Its large, fuzzy leaves have a silvery underside that glimmers in the light, creating contrast even when not flowering.
It’s relatively easy to care for, requiring only light pruning to keep its shape. The Princess Flower Tree flourishes in USDA Zones 9–11, bringing a burst of royal purple to tropical gardens.
When in full bloom, it looks like a living bouquet — bold, regal, and unforgettable, the very definition of a flowering tree with purple flowers.
3. Violet Chime Tree (Iochroma cyaneum)
Native to the Andes Mountains of South America, the Violet Chime Tree is a hidden gem among purple-flowering trees. It grows up to 10–15 feet tall and produces clusters of deep violet, tubular flowers that hang gracefully from its branches almost all year long in warm climates.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and mild temperatures. The blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees — turning your garden into a lively, colorful sanctuary.
Easy to maintain, it needs only light pruning and regular watering during dry seasons. With its rich purple tones and delicate bell-shaped blossoms, the Violet Chime Tree adds a touch of mystery and tropical luxury to any yard — a true embodiment of flowering tree with purple flowers at its best.
4. Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Tree (Brunfelsia australis)
Native to Brazil and Paraguay, the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Tree is a charming ornamental that truly lives up to its poetic name. Its flowers open a deep violet-purple, fade to lavender, and finally turn white over three days—giving the illusion of three colors at once.
This small flowering tree grows about 10–12 feet tall and thrives in warm, subtropical climates with partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. It blooms heavily in spring and summer, filling the air with a soft, sweet fragrance.
Despite its exotic look, it’s low-maintenance and adapts well to garden landscapes or pots. The vivid purple tones in its early blooms make it a must-have for anyone seeking a truly magical flowering tree with purple flowers.
5. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia, the Chaste Tree is a fragrant, multi-trunked tree that reaches 10–20 feet tall. Blooming in summer, it’s covered in long spikes of lavender to deep purple flowers.
It loves full sun and well-drained soil, thriving in dry, warm climates where other trees might struggle. The silvery-green leaves add a cool contrast against the vibrant blooms.
This tree attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, turning your yard into a lively pollinator hub. With its drought resistance and relaxed beauty, the Chaste Tree is perfect for anyone wanting a Mediterranean touch in their landscape.
6. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Originating from Western Asia, the Purple Leaf Plum is prized for both its flowers and foliage. Growing up to 20 feet tall, it bursts into pinkish-purple blossoms in early spring, even before the leaves appear.
Its foliage stays a deep burgundy-purple all season, adding dramatic contrast to green surroundings. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferring moderate watering.
While it doesn’t produce edible fruit, its beauty makes up for it. The Purple Leaf Plum is ideal for small yards or urban gardens, offering color from spring to fall. Easy to grow and highly ornamental, it’s a staple among purple-flowering trees.
7. Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Native to China, the Royal Empress Tree is a fast-growing marvel that can reach up to 50 feet tall within a few years. In spring, it explodes with large, bell-shaped lavender blossoms that release a soft vanilla scent.
It prefers full sun, moist soil, and grows best in temperate climates. Known for its enormous heart-shaped leaves and quick growth, it’s often used for shade or reforestation.
Despite its size, the Empress Tree is easy to care for and adds a regal, fairy-tale feel to any property. Just give it space — it grows quickly and generously rewards you with blooms and shade.
8. Lilac Tree (Syringa vulgaris)
Native to Eastern Europe, the Lilac Tree is the embodiment of spring nostalgia. Growing up to 15 feet tall, it fills the air with an unmistakable, sweet fragrance in mid to late spring.
Its flower clusters range from pale lilac to rich violet, depending on the variety. Lilacs thrive in cool climates with full sun and well-drained soil. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and known to live for decades.
When in bloom, the scent alone can stop you in your tracks. If you want a flowering tree with purple flowersthat smells like spring itself, the lilac is an unbeatable choice.
9. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, the Desert Willow is a graceful small tree that reaches 15–25 feet tall. From summer through fall, it displays trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of lavender and purple.
Perfect for arid climates, this tree thrives in full sun and sandy soil with almost no watering once established. Despite its name, it’s not a true willow but has slender, willow-like leaves that dance in the wind.
Its drought tolerance and long blooming season make it ideal for xeriscaping. Desert Willow adds both resilience and color to dry landscapes — a symbol of beauty thriving in harsh places.
10. Lavender Tree (Heteropyxis natalensis)
Native to Southern Africa, the Lavender Tree stands about 20 feet tall and enchants with soft lilac blossoms and aromatic leaves. Blooming from late summer into fall, it prefers warm climates and well-drained soil.
Its glossy leaves release a lavender-like scent when crushed, giving gardens a refreshing aroma. This tree grows slowly but steadily, enjoying full sun or partial shade.
Perfect for subtropical landscapes, it’s both ornamental and fragrant, bringing calmness wherever it grows. The Lavender Tree proves that beauty doesn’t need to shout — it simply smells like peace.
11. Wisteria Tree (Wisteria floribunda)
Originally from Japan, Wisteria is usually a vine but can be trained into a small tree up to 15 feet tall. In spring, cascading clusters of violet and lavender flowers hang like waterfalls, creating one of nature’s most romantic sights.
It loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Though it needs structural support and regular pruning, the reward is breathtaking.
Each bloom carries a subtle, sweet fragrance, and when shaped as a tree, it becomes a living sculpture — ideal for patios or entryways. Wisteria trees are elegance and poetry combined.
12. Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
Native to Texas and northern Mexico, this evergreen tree reaches 15–25 feet tall. In early spring, it produces dense clusters of grape-scented purple flowers that perfume the air.
It thrives in dry, rocky soil and full sun, requiring minimal water once mature. The glossy dark-green leaves offer a lovely contrast to the violet blooms.
This hardy tree is perfect for desert and Mediterranean gardens. With its intoxicating scent and compact form, the Texas Mountain Laurel is proof that resilience and beauty can grow side by side.
13. Pride of Bolivia (Tipuana tipu, purple hybrid)
Native to South America, the Pride of Bolivia is usually known for its golden blooms — but hybrid varieties now feature soft purple hues. Growing up to 60 feet tall, it offers quick shade and ornamental value in tropical and subtropical regions.
Blooming in late spring to summer, it thrives in full sunlight and adapts to various soil types. The tree grows rapidly and resists drought once established.
With its wide, spreading canopy and unique violet flowers, this rare hybrid adds exotic flair and instant grandeur to any large landscape.
14. Purple Glory Tree (Tibouchina granulosa)
Native to Brazil, this tropical gem reaches 15–30 feet tall and blooms nearly year-round in warm climates. Its large, velvety purple petals stand out vividly against its dark green leaves.
The tree loves full sun, humidity, and well-drained soil. It’s a favorite for tropical and coastal gardens, requiring moderate watering.
When in full bloom, it looks almost electric — a burst of color that brightens any space. Easy to grow and deeply ornamental, the Purple Glory Tree truly lives up to its name.
15. Jacaranda ‘Bonsai Blue’
A dwarf version of the grand Jacaranda, ‘Bonsai Blue’ hails from Australia and grows only 8–10 feet tall. Perfect for small gardens or patios, it blooms with deep violet-blue flowers in late spring to early summer.
This compact tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil, thriving best in warm, frost-free climates. Despite its size, it delivers the same dreamlike beauty as the classic Jacaranda.
‘Bonsai Blue’ is a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly option that brings the same royal purple charm — just in miniature form.
16. Purple Magnolia (Magnolia liliflora)
Native to China and Japan, this small ornamental tree reaches 10–15 feet tall and blooms in early spring before its leaves unfold. Its tulip-shaped flowers glow in soft purple and magenta tones.
The Purple Magnolia loves full to partial sun and rich, moist soil. It’s hardy yet elegant, adding fragrance and color to gardens when little else is flowering.
Each blossom lasts only a short while, but its beauty is unforgettable — a sign that spring has truly arrived.
17. Japanese Wisteria Tree (Wisteria floribunda ‘Macrobotrys’)
A spectacular relative of the standard Wisteria, this Japanese variety grows up to 30 feet and produces extra-long flower clusters — some over 3 feet long. Blooming in late spring, its deep violet blossoms drip gracefully from sturdy branches.
It thrives in full sun and moist, fertile soil, needing strong support or pruning to maintain shape. The fragrance is sweet and intoxicating, filling the air during bloom season.
The Japanese Wisteria Tree brings a fairytale quality to gardens — cascading, fragrant, and impossibly romantic.
🌿 Final Thoughts
From the tropical streets of Bangkok to the gardens of California, these flowering tree with purple flowers add elegance and color wherever they grow. Whether you prefer the towering Jacaranda, the compact Bonsai Blue, or the romantic Wisteria, each offers a unique touch of magic — turning ordinary spaces into living art.
Plant one, care for it, and let purple take over your world.