A tree with purple leaves offers a striking contrast to the typical green landscape. This unusual coloration provides year-round interest or a spectacular seasonal show. The deep hues of maroon, burgundy, and plum result from a specific biological mechanism, not a horticultural accident. Understanding the characteristics of these trees helps incorporate this dramatic foliage into your space.
The Pigments That Create Purple Foliage
The purple coloration in tree leaves is primarily caused by water-soluble pigments called anthocyanins. These compounds are stored within the leaf’s cell vacuoles, separate from the chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll. The abundance of anthocyanins effectively masks the chlorophyll, which is the pigment responsible for photosynthesis and the familiar green color of most plants.
Anthocyanin production is often triggered by environmental factors like high light intensity, temperature stress, or nutrient deficiencies. In many purple-leaved cultivars, a high concentration of this pigment is a genetic trait that persists throughout the growing season. This dense pigmentation acts like a natural sunscreen, shielding the leaf’s photosynthetic machinery from damage caused by excessive sunlight.
Popular Trees Featuring Year-Round Purple Leaves
Many cultivated varieties maintain a deep purple color from spring until leaf drop in the fall. A common example is the Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’). This deciduous tree typically matures to a height and spread of 15 to 25 feet, fitting well into smaller landscapes, and is hardy across USDA zones 4 through 9. Its coppery-red new growth quickly deepens to a rich wine-purple hue that holds consistently through the summer.
Another favorite is the ‘Bloodgood’ Japanese Maple, a small, upright tree reaching about 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. This cultivar, hardy in zones 5 through 8, features finely cut, deep burgundy foliage that resists turning green even in the heat of summer. For a much larger specimen, the Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’) provides a dense, rounded canopy of lustrous, deep purple leaves. This tree can grow to heights of 50 to 80 feet and is suitable for hardiness zones 4 through 7.
Trees Displaying Purple Coloration Seasonally
Some trees feature purple only as a temporary display, either during initial spring growth or as part of their autumn transformation. Many ornamental trees exhibit a fleeting purple color on their new, tender foliage before the leaves fully mature and turn green. For instance, the leaves of some crabapple cultivars like ‘Purple Prince’ may emerge with a bronze-purple tint that gradually fades to a darker color or deep green as the growing season progresses.
The most common seasonal shift occurs in the fall, when the breakdown of chlorophyll reveals underlying pigments. Trees like the ‘Autumn Purple’ Ash (Fraxinus americana ‘Autumn Purple’) are valued for their summer green leaves that transition into shades of deep purple and maroon before winter dormancy. This vibrant display is also seen in certain native species, such as Dogwoods and Oaks, where fall anthocyanin production is heavily influenced by the combination of bright, sunny days and cool nights.
Horticultural Tips for Growing Purple-Leaved Trees
The most important factor in maintaining the intense purple color of these ornamental trees is providing adequate sunlight. Lack of direct sun exposure causes a decrease in anthocyanin production, resulting in the leaves reverting to a dull green. Planting the tree in a location that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day will ensure the most vibrant color retention.
Purple-leaved trees generally thrive in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Consistent soil moisture is helpful, particularly during the establishment period, but overly wet or poorly draining conditions should be avoided. Providing appropriate care, including occasional pruning to maintain shape and health, supports the tree’s overall vigor and the intensity of its striking foliage color.