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Purple Robe Locust Tree

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'
$9999
  • Out of stock
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Plant Size

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

Purple Robe Locust Tree highlights at a glance!

Plant Highlights

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'
  • Growing Zones
    4-8
  • Mature Height
    30 - 40 feet
  • Mature Spread
    20 - 30 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Moisture
    Well-Drained
  • Soil
    Widely Adaptable
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Drooping Purple Clusters
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Fragrant
    Yes
  • Pruning Time
    After Flowering
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring

Need a fast-growing, hard-wooded, easy-care, extremely ornamental native tree? We literally can't keep this tree in stock! The flowering Purple Robe Locust Tree (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe') is an improvement of the native Black Locust tree!

It's become incredibly popular because of its great purple flower color and excellent fragrance! But once established, tough Purple Robe Locust trees are also super hardy and drought tolerant with a brisk growth rate of 2 or 3 feet of growth each year!

Purple Robe Locust trees develop incredible, long clusters of purple-colored flowers in mid-to-late spring that look very much like Wisteria flowers. These beautifully fragrant clusters cover the tree profusely and may be up to eight inches long each! It is an impressive display, and you will definitely want to cut a few and bring them indoors to enjoy in a cut flower arrangement. Bees and beneficial insects love the flowers as much as you will!

Each spring, the leaves emerge reddish bronze, before maturing to dark blue-green. The large compound leaves have smaller blue-green leaflets, and you'll love the fine-textured look of the tree in summer. Fall clean-up is easy with these small leaves, too!

This improved variety is much less thorny than its predecessor but keep an eye out because it's common for this tree to grow a few thorns. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 8, these trees feature compound leaves that cast light-dappled shade over your landscape, then turn yellow in the fall!

Planting and Application:

Our horticultural team has put together recommendations on how to best use this tree in your landscape! This tree is an excellent barrier plant to protect your property beautifully! Mix into a shelterbelt or windbreak hedge to add height and airy texture to your landscape hedges.

You can plant this tree as an easy-care, fast-growing specimen in your lawn. Mow the grass right up to the trunk to keep the plant as a single stem. Front and backyards gain lush shade without sacrificing your green lawn!

Locusts are durable and rugged enough to be used in commercial plantings, parking lots, and as street trees along the road without worry the roots will get into trouble! Handling the tough conditions by the road with ease! Plus Locust trees are very hard-wooded and will tolerate storms, wind, and snow-load well! They will grow just about anywhere and make an excellent small yard tree, needing little fertilizer or much of anything else!

  • Fragrant, Wisteria-Like Purple Flower Clusters
  • Fast Growing & Easy to Grow
  • Mid-Sized Ornamental Flowering Tree
  • Fine-Textured Oval Leaflets
  • Excellent, Hard-Wooded Street Tree, Shade & Specimen Lawn Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care:

As with any plant, proper site selection is key to success and to YOUR happiness. Plant Purple Robe Locust in an open, sunny space where it will get plenty of light and air circulation. The beauty of this mid-sized ornamental tree is that it can grow in just about any condition as long as the soil drains quickly after a rain. Even in poor, infertile soils, the Tree seems to do well! After they are established, Black Locust cultivars only need supplemental watering during extended periods of drought.

Top the soil with a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch - especially when planted in the lawn. Create a buffer zone extending 3-4 feet from the trunk to protect the bark from mower and weed-wacker damage. Timing is important! Wait until late spring when the flowers are done blooming before making any pruning cuts. You won't want to miss any of the show!

  • Full Sun Deciduous Tree
  • Highly Adaptable to Any Well-Drained Soil
  • Moderate to Low Moisture Needs Once Established
  • Prune When Dormant
  • Handsome Tree is Tough as Nails
  • Heat Tolerant & Waterwise Once Established

It's time for you to jump on this. We ALWAYS sell out of this incredible flowering ornamental tree and this year will be no exception. Don't wait for your chance to own this gorgeous tree, order your own Purple Robe Black Locust Tree now!

Customer Reviews

Based on 14 reviews
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C
Carol
So far, so great

Trees arrived in good condition with healthy-looking root system. We planted them within the hour. A couple weeks later we're getting lots of perky new leaves. Can hardly wait to see them next June.

Dear Carol F.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear your trees arrived healthy and that they’re already showing such vibrant, perky new leaves. Planting within the hour really gives them a great start, and your careful care will surely reward you with beautiful growth by next June!

As your trees continue to settle in, be sure to keep an eye on watering—consistent moisture without overwatering makes all the difference. If you ever have questions or want tips tailored to your specific trees as the seasons change, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love helping gardeners watch their landscapes thrive!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Jennifer
Very happy.

I ordered a locust tree and it is thriving straight out of the box!

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your locust tree is thriving right out of the box—there’s truly nothing better than seeing new plants settle in and begin to grow so well.

If you ever have any questions about care or want tips for helping your tree flourish even more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have some helpful resources on our website about locating the ideal spot, watering, and proper pruning for locust trees to keep yours healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Happy growing, and we’re excited to assist you on your planting journey!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

S
Scott
Purple Robe Shipping Success

I'd just like to say that your packing and shopping methods are very impressive. My trees arrived in excellent condition.

Dear Scott,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback! We are thrilled to hear that your Purple Robe trees arrived in excellent condition and that our packing and shipping methods met your expectations. At Nature Hills, we truly put a lot of care into ensuring that your plants travel safely and arrive ready to thrive in your garden.

If you ever have any questions about planting or caring for your Purple Robe, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to offer guidance to help your new trees settle in and flourish.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

B
Beth
Arrived in great shape

This was my 1st time to order a tree online so I was really nervous about it. The tree arrived in great shape and is doing nicely after 2 months in the ground.

Hello Beth,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We completely understand that ordering a tree online for the first time can feel a bit nerve-wracking, so it’s wonderful to hear your tree arrived safely and is thriving after two months in the ground. Your success is exactly why we strive to ensure each delivery arrives in great condition and that you have everything needed to help your new plant flourish.

If you ever have questions about care or varieties for future plantings, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to provide tips and support to make your gardening journey enjoyable and rewarding.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

K
Kevin
Arrived in great shape

This was my 1st time to order a tree online so I was really nervous about it. The tree arrived in great shape and is doing nicely after 2 months in the ground.

Hi Kevin,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We completely understand that ordering a tree online for the first time can feel a bit nerve-wracking, so we're thrilled to hear that your tree arrived in great shape and is thriving after two months in the ground. Your success is exactly why we’re so passionate about the quality and care we put into packing each order.

If at any point you want tips on pruning, watering schedules, or pest prevention to keep your tree growing strong, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have a wealth of planting and care guides on our website that might be helpful as your tree continues to grow.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Purple Robe Locust Tree

Purple Robe Locust Tree

From $9999

Growing Zones

4-8

Mature Height

30 - 40 feet

Mature Spread

20 - 30 feet

Sun

Full Sun

Foliage Color

N/A

Fall Color

N/A

Flower Color

Drooping Purple Clusters
View product

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

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When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden’s USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.