treeN. America Native

Purple Robe Black Locust

Name: Purple Robe Black Locust
Brand: Robinia
Availability: InStock

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Purple Robe'

$171.40

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

480 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to average

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Medium (60-80 years)

Native To

Southeastern United States (species)

Toxicity

All parts except flowers are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Robinia pseudoacacia is a fast-growing, tough deciduous tree native to North America, known for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, fragrant flowers, and tolerance of poor, dry soils. The species has sharp thorns on its branches. 'Purple Robe' is a stunning cultivar celebrated for its spectacular display of fragrant, wisteria-like racemes of deep rose-pink flowers. Its new foliage emerges a beautiful bronze-red, maturing to blue-green.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a breathtaking floral display in late spring with its cascades of fragrant, magenta flowers. The bronze-tinted new growth and fine-textured foliage add to its appeal, with leaves turning a clear yellow in fall.

Its rapid growth and tolerance of urban pollution and poor, dry soils make it a useful tree for difficult sites. The dense canopy provides good shade quickly. Its wood is extremely rot-resistant.

The fragrant flowers are a major nectar source for bees and other pollinators. As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil around it for other plants.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$171.40

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with the native soil, removing any air pockets.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Mulch around the base, but keep it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Provide supplemental water during its first year, but once established, this tree is exceptionally drought tolerant and thrives on neglect.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for best flowering and form.
Provide good drainage; it dislikes constantly wet feet.
Prune to develop a strong structure when the tree is young.
Tolerate poor, infertile soils where other trees might fail.

Don't

Do not overwater once the tree is established.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as it fixes its own nitrogen.
Don't plant near sidewalks or patios where its suckering habit could be a nuisance.
Avoid planting in high-wind areas due to its somewhat brittle wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic flowering specimen treeFast-growing shade for tough, dry sitesNaturalistic planting for difficult soils

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Panicum virgatum Perovskia atriplicifolia Buddleja davidii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Robe Black Locust questions

What zones can Purple Robe Black Locust grow in?

Purple Robe Black Locust is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Robe Black Locust deer resistant?

Yes — Purple Robe Black Locust is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Purple Robe Black Locust bloom?

Purple Robe Black Locust typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Robe Black Locust need full sun?

Purple Robe Black Locust does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Purple Robe Black Locust drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Robe Black Locust handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.