Gorgeous fall foliage is one of autumn’s most beloved hallmarks. Fiery orange and crimson capture our eye, but unique purple leaf color is rarer. Adding trees that turn rich purples or burgundies in autumn packs a visual punch. Let’s explore some top choices for regal purple fall color.
Look to Sweetgum for Classic Purple-Red
No list of purple fall foliage is complete without sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua). This native star dazzles with a progression of captivating color. Its leaves first morph to dark reddish-purple, then transition to vivid orange and yellow. The oval, maple-like leaves have outstanding texture and turn earlier than many trees. Give sweetgum room to spread its horizontal branches and show off its tiered form. Plant it where the leaves won’t be a nuisance. Sweetgum thrives in zones 5-9.
Smoke Bush Offers Lasting Purple
Another excellent option for deep purple fall color is the aptly named smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) This large shrub or small tree keeps its brilliant purple leaves for months Oval leaves first emerge green, then fade to shades of orange, red, and finally purple. Smokybush grows 10-15 feet tall and wide in zones 4-8. Its tiny spring flowers lend a soft, fuzzy haze. Let it star solo as a focal point or plant in groupings.
Oakleaf Hydrangea Colors on Cue
An excellent native choice oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) brings pretty papery bark and showy summer blossoms then shifts to deep burgundy foliage in fall. Its large lobed leaves resemble oak leaves. Growing 4-6 feet tall, it prefers partial shade and thrives across a wide range, zones 5-9. Give it space to flaunt its coarse texture and bold colors.
Ninebark Mixes Up Multiple Hues
For a blend of leaf colors, look to eastern ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius). This hardy North American shrub grows 6-10 feet tall in zones 2-7. Its leaves turn multiple shades including purple, red, orange, and brown. It bears clusters of white spring blooms. Ninebark does best in full sun. Let it shine solo or mix with contrasting colors.
Virginia Creeper Brings Constant Change
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) keeps its fall show lively by shifting through a spectrum of colors. Its small five-pointed leaves start out purple, then drift to red, orange, and burgundy. This vigorous vine grows 30-50 feet and adheres via holdfasts to surfaces like fences or arbors in zones 3-9. Along with its autumn hues, blue-black berries add ornate detail.
Ornamental Millet Stands Out in Bouquets
Known more for its upright foliage plumes, ornamental millet also brings striking purple-burgundy fall color. Varieties like ‘Purple Majesty’ reach 4-5 feet tall in clumps of long, slender leaves. Let it mingle with grasses and perennials or dry the foliage for arrangements. Its rich autumn tones complement yellows and oranges. Grow millet as an annual in zones 2-11.
Pak Choi Makes a Petite Accent
For a small pop of purple, try growing pak choi (Brassica rapa). Though usually grown for edible leaves, its dark reddish-purple color excels in fall displays. The thick leaves form a tight rosette shape. At just 8-12 inches tall, it works nicely as a container focal point combined with cool-toned blooms. A fast grower, it can be planted in spring or fall in zones 4-13.
Rake Less with Purple Autumn Ash
If you dislike fall leaf cleanup, consider the aptly named purple autumn ash (Fraxinus americana ‘Autumn Purple’). In fall, its petite dark green leaves morph to deep purple hues. Since leaves drop cleanly, you avoid messy raking. Growing 40 feet tall and wide in zones 3-9, its globe shape suits streetside planting.
Sample Scarlet Oak for Bold Impact
For outstanding brightness, scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea) can’t be beat. Its deeply cut lobed leaves shift from green to intense scarlet colors. Growing 60-75 feet tall at maturity in zones 5-9, it becomes a dramatic landscape specimen. Pair it with evergreens like pine to make the red tones pop. Give it room to stretch out its mighty horizontal limbs.
Mix Up a Colorful Combination
Each of these trees adds its own majestic touch of purple to seasonal displays. Blend several together for an intriguing tapestry of fall colors. Or let one stand alone to command attention. With a palette of regal purples, you can paint your landscape into autumn royalty.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
As you might guess, this type of tree comes from Japan, China, eastern Mongolia, Korea, and Russia. However, it has been grown all over the world because its leaves are so pretty and have interesting shapes. The Japanese maple can be a small tree or a deciduous shrub. It comes in many different types with different leaf shapes, sizes, and colors. The most popular in North America is the red or purple-red variation.
This species can handle some sun, but in Texas’s warmer climate, it might need some shade. This tree needs to be watered regularly because it can’t handle drought.
Where does it grow? Hardiness zones 5-8
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
It is one of the most useful trees on this list, and you can find a lot of them in central and eastern North America. In general, red maples grow to be about 100 feet tall. In the fall, their leaves change colors to different shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Where does it grow? Hardiness zones 3-9
The Real Reason Leaves Change Color In the Fall
FAQ
How big does an autumn purple ash tree get?
What maple tree turns purple in the fall?
Can purple be a fall color?
What kind of tree has purple leaves?
The Cherry Plum is a small deciduous tree with purple leaves that turn red or orange in the fall. This lovely tree with purple leaves also grows flowers in clusters of white or pink. 5. Chinese Fringe Tree Botanical Name: Chionanthus retusus Chinese Fringe Tree is a small tree or large shrub that is native to China and Korea.
How common are purple fall leaves?
Purple fall leaves are not the most common. You mostly see golden, orange, yellow, and red leaves. Adding a tree or shrub with purple fall leaves can really make your landscape stand out in the fall.
Why do some trees have purple leaves?
Some trees have purple leaves because of the higher anthocyanin levels. Anthocyanin is a purple-colored pigment that turns leaves purple. While some trees naturally have elevated levels of this pigment, your trees’ leaves can turn purple if it is stressed or if normal growth is interrupted.
What colors do pine trees turn in fall?
In fall, a thick layer of pine bark mulch will keep the foliage looking its best. Speaking of the foliage, the deep green, glossy leaves light up the garden in fall with a rainbow of colors. Leaves can turn purple, red, orange, yellow, and scarlet, sometimes all on the same branch.
What tree turns red in the fall?
The Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is renowned for its striking, bright golden-yellow foliage in the fall, transforming landscapes with its vibrant color. What tree turns bright red in the fall? The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) turns a brilliant red in autumn, making it a standout choice for vibrant fall color. What tree turns purple in the fall?
Which plum tree has purple leaves?
If you want a tree that produces edible fruit and has pretty purple leaves, then the purple-leaf plum tree is a winner. As a small tree with a round shape, purple-leaf plums grow 15-25 feet tall. These trees are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-9. I particularly love the light pink flowers that bloom in spring.