Discover the Beauty of Purple Leaf Trees

Are you looking to add a touch of vibrancy to your garden? Look no further than purple leaf trees. These unique trees can bring a splash of purple to your landscape, creating a striking contrast against the sea of green. Join me on a journey to explore the world of purple leaf trees and discover which ones you can plant in your own garden.

Trees with a Purple Touch

Let’s start by exploring some of the most popular purple leaf trees. The Japanese maple, purple-leaf plum, redbud forest pansy, crabapples, purple-leaf European beech, black elderberry, purple-leaf sand cherry, crimson king maple, purple-leaf acacia, purple smoke tree, and copper beech are all stunning options that will captivate your senses and elevate the beauty of your garden.

Japanese Maples: A Symphony of Purple

The Japanese maple is a treasure trove of purple leaves. Varieties like Tamukeyama, Sherwood flame, Atropurpureum, Ever red, Garnet, and Burgundy lace offer a range of mesmerizing hues. These trees thrive in zones 4-8, growing to a height of 15-25 feet. They prefer well-draining soil and thrive in full or partial sunlight.

Purple-Leaf Plum: Edible Delights

If you’re seeking both beauty and a tasty treat, the purple-leaf plum tree is an excellent choice. With its pretty purple leaves and delightful light pink flowers, this tree is a winner. Varieties like Thundercloud, Vesuvius, Newport, Mt St Helens, Pissardii, and Pendula will add a touch of elegance to your garden. These small trees reach a height of 15-25 feet and thrive in zones 5-9.

Redbud Forest Pansy: Nature’s Art

The redbud forest pansy tree is a work of art in itself. Its heart-shaped purple leaves harmonize beautifully with the rosy-pink pea-like flowers. These shrubs grow 20-30 feet tall and thrive in full sun and partial shade. For the best results, plant them in zones 5-9.

Crabapples: A Colorful Symphony

Crabapple trees, known for their burst of color, are another great choice. Varieties like Royalty, Thunderchild, Profusion, Radiance, Purple prince, and Red baron will enchant with their deep purple leaves. These trees flourish in zones 3-9 and prefer well-draining soil and a sunny location.

Purple-Leaf European Beech: A Majestic Presence

The purple-leaf European beech is a majestic tree that stands tall at 40-50 feet. Its deep purple foliage adds a touch of grandeur, making a statement in any garden. Thriving in zones 4-7, this adaptable tree will flourish in various soil types, as long as it receives full sun and regular watering.

Elderberries: An Edible Delight

Elderberry shrubs offer both aesthetic appeal and culinary possibilities. With their purple leaves and versatile fruits, these shrubs are a delightful addition to your garden. Varieties like Black lace, Black beauty, Purpurea, and Thundercloud will not disappoint. Elderberries thrive in zones 3-8 and require well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight.

Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry: Wildlife Haven

The purple-leaf sand cherry is a charming shrub that attracts wildlife with its purple-red leaves and delectable fruits. These hardy shrubs, reaching 7-10 feet tall, are perfect for zones 2-8. Thriving in well-draining soil and full to partial sun, they will add a touch of magic to your garden.

Find Your Perfect Purple Leaf Tree

There are many more purple leaf trees and shrubs worth exploring. Varieties like smoke bush, copper beech, Schubert chokecherry, flowering plum tree, purple-leaved filbert, and crepe myrtle offer a wide array of choices to suit your taste and garden preferences. Each one brings its unique charm, adding depth and beauty to your outdoor space.

Exploring the Magic of Purple Leaves

You may wonder what makes some trees have purple leaves. The answer lies in anthocyanin, a purple-colored pigment that enhances the vibrant hues. While some trees naturally possess higher levels of anthocyanin, others may develop purple leaves due to stress or interrupted growth.

Final Thoughts

As I embarked on my quest to find the perfect purple leaf trees, my garden transformed into a majestic haven. Thundercloud and Vesuvius purple-leaf plums, redbud forest pansies, profusion and thunderchild crabapples, black lace elderberries, copper beech, and crimson king maple now grace my landscape. These resilient trees thrive in my USDA hardiness zone of 5, and I couldn’t be happier.

So, which purple-leaved tree or shrub will you choose for your garden? Embrace the beauty of nature and let the enchantment of purple leaves mesmerize you. Remember, Ames Farm Center offers an extensive selection of trees and shrubs to help you create the garden of your dreams.