You know what makes my heart skip a beat every time I walk through my garden?
Those stunning purple-leaved trees and shrubs that add such amazing pops of color! After years of having a typical green landscape, I decided to shake things up by adding these gorgeous purple beauties.
Let me share my absolute favorites that transformed my garden from boring to breathtaking!
1. Crabapples – The Year-Round Show-Stopper
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my beloved crabapple tree! It’s like having four different trees in one because it changes with every season.
In spring, it bursts with the prettiest flowers you’ve ever seen. Then summer brings those deep purple leaves that make my neighbors stop and stare.
I picked the ‘Purple Prince’ variety for my front yard, and at just 20 feet tall, it’s the perfect size for creating that wow factor without overwhelming the space. Trust me, the birds absolutely love snacking on those tiny fruits in fall!
2. Barberries – The Perfect Purple Hedge
When I needed something to line my garden path, these compact purple beauties caught my eye. The ‘Royal Burgundy’ variety I planted grows to about 4 feet tall and creates the most gorgeous deep purple backdrop.
Just a heads up though, mama to mama – these guys have thorns, so I planted them away from where my kids play.
They look absolutely amazing next to my chartreuse hostas – talk about a show-stopping combination!
3. Copper Beech – The Purple Giant
Okay, this one’s for those of you with bigger yards! My neighbor has a copper beech that’s become the talk of our street.
The purple leaves are simply magical, especially when the sun shines through them. Fun fact: you can actually eat the young leaves in spring salads (though I prefer to just admire them!).
4. Elderberries – The Purple Productive Beauty
Let me share a little secret – my ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry isn’t just gorgeous with its purple leaves, it’s also my go-to for homemade jam and syrup!
These beauties grow about 8 feet tall and work perfectly as a statement piece in any garden. Just remember to cook those berries before eating them (trust me on this one!).
5. Japanese Maples – The Purple Showpiece
My absolute favorite purple tree has to be my Japanese maple ‘Burgundy Lace.’ It’s like having living artwork in the garden!
At 15 feet tall, it’s the perfect size for my suburban yard. The leaves look like little purple fans dancing in the breeze.
Every fall, it puts on such an incredible show that my kids call it our “fireworks tree!”
6. Purple Leaf Plum – The Quick-Growing Beauty
Looking for quick results? This was my go-to when we first moved in! These gorgeous trees grow pretty fast and reach about 20 feet tall.
The spring show of pink blossoms against purple leaves is simply breathtaking. I love how my ‘Thundercloud’ variety produces tiny plums that attract all sorts of beautiful birds.
7. Purple Leaf Sand Cherry – The Hardy Champion
For those of you in chilly climates like my sister up north, this is your purple dream come true! It’s super tough and can handle seriously cold winters.
Mine grows about 8 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for that empty corner by the patio. The deep purple leaves create such a cozy backdrop for summer barbecues!
8. Purple Nine Bark – The Easy-Care Superstar
Want a purple shrub that basically takes care of itself? Nine bark is your new best friend! Mine thrives in partial shade, which is perfect for that tricky spot along the fence.
The pink flowers against those purple leaves create the sweetest combination in spring. Plus, it’s tough as nails – even my notorious black thumb couldn’t kill it!
9. Purple Smoke Bush – The Conversation Starter
Oh my goodness, if you want a plant that makes people stop and ask “What IS that?”, this is it! My smoke bush is the star of my front yard.
Those puffy, smoke-like blooms floating above purple leaves are totally Instagram-worthy. At 12 feet tall, it’s become the focal point of my garden.
Pro tip: plant it where it gets full sun – that’s the secret to getting those deep, rich purple colors that’ll make your garden pop!