How to Grow and Care for a Jacaranda Tree

Jacaranda mimosifolia is a stunning tree that originates from the tropical areas of Argentina and Bolivia. It blooms profusely with vivid purple-blue flowers in late spring and again in the fall, making it a highly prized street tree and garden accent in warmer climates. Look at some overview about this jacaranda trees, according to information from NC State University [1]

Botanical Name	Jacaranda mimosifoila
Common Names	Jacaranda Tree Black Poui Blue Jacaranda
Plant Type	Tree
Soil pH	Acidic Neutral
Soil Type	Well-drained Sandy
Sun Exposure	Full
Bloom Time	Spring Summer
Flower Color	Blue Purple/ Lavender
Mature Size	15–30 ft. wide 25–50 ft. tall

Although being widely used, it is a deciduous tree that is vulnerable to frost and needs a warm climate with a lowest temperature of 5°C for growth. Nevertheless, a dwarf grafted variety of jacaranda called "Bonsai Blue" may be grown in a container, making it easy to enjoy this tree outside in the summer and bring it inside for the winter.

In general, there are 49 different species in the jacaranda genus, including shrubs and large trees. Talk about jacaranda, you may know Jacaranda mimosifolia, also known as Blue Jacaranda. This is the most popular species in this genus. Here are some species of jacaranda, including:

• Bonsai Blue: This species has a deep purple flower. When it matures, 10 to 12 feet is the maximum height of it. To sum up, it is a dwarf cultivar.
• Purple-Flowered Jacaranda: A native of eastern Brazil, Purple-Flowered Jacaranda, is a small tree species, that matures at a maximum of 25 feet tall. When it blooms, the flowers are purple or maroon.
• Carob Tree: This is a very tall Jacaranda species. Their height can reach 100 feet when fully grown with purple blooms.
• Purple Fern Tree: This type of Jacaranda lives in the same area as Blue Jacaranda. When it fully matures, its height can reach up to 20 feet.

It is advised to grow your jacaranda tree in a heated greenhouse [2] with the lowest temperature of 5°C, in a well-lit region, to keep it alive during the winter. You can relocate the tree outside to a sheltered location with full light exposure from late spring to early autumn. It's crucial to remember that jacaranda does not grow well inside and is not a good choice for indoor growing.

Jacaranda trees can be planted through softwood cuttings or seeds. It's important to keep in mind that trees grown from seeds can take up to two decades before producing flowers. On the other hand, softwood cuttings can result in blooming trees in just a couple of years, depending on the size of the cutting when it's planted.

From Seeds

Choose fully mature seed pods from the Jacaranda tree, which have turned brown and opened on their own to expose the round seeds inside. To prevent the need to transplant the seedling too soon and give it room to grow, use a one-gallon container with drainage holes at the bottom. Next, fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and plant the seed about an inch deep in the center of the container. Cover it with soil and water the container well after planting, making sure to keep the soil moist by regularly watering it. The seed should germinate in about four weeks.

From Cuttings

To propagate a jacaranda tree through softwood cuttings, select a branch from the parent tree that is 2-4 feet in length and make a slanted cut at the end that will be planted in the soil. To allow the roots to develop undisturbed, it is recommended to use a three-gallon container. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, and water it to settle the soil. And then using a stick, make a four-inch deep hole in the soil and place the slanted end of the cutting inside, firming the soil around it. Add more soil if necessary and firm again. Water the container immediately after planting and maintain moist soil by regularly watering it. The cutting should establish a root system in about eight to twelve weeks.

Soil

For optimum development, jacaranda trees need fairly sandy, well-drained soil that is somewhat acidic [3]. It should not be planted in heavy or poorly draining soil, despite the fact that it tolerates clay and loamy soils, since this might raise the danger of root rot and mushroom root rot. Avoiding soil that has been flooded is crucial.

Light

Your jacaranda tree should be placed in an area that receives full sunshine for at least six to eight hours each day so that it can produce the nicest blossoms. It is possible to grow smaller trees under a light shade, but the quantity and intensity of their blossoms may be compromised.

Water

In order to properly water your jacaranda tree, it's important to check the moisture level of the soil. When the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, it's time to give your tree a drink. Jacaranda trees require consistent moisture and may need extra watering during periods of high heat or drought. When watering, focus on the area around the base of the tree and aim to give the most water near the drip line where the branches end, rather than near the trunk.

Fertilizer

Provide your Jacaranda tree with a yearly dosage of balanced tree fertilizer, being cautious to avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen, which may negatively impact its flowering. Opt for a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) [3] ratio for an effective fertilizer application. Keep in mind that if you are already fertilizing the grass around the tree, the tree may already be receiving a sufficient amount of nitrogen.

Pets and Diseases

Low humidity levels can lead to red spider mites, which can be problematic for jacaranda trees. To prevent this, it's recommended to increase humidity levels. One way to achieve this is by placing the pot on top of a saucer filled with water and pebbles, ensuring that the pot is not sitting in the water. Whiteflies may also be an issue when growing jacaranda trees indoors, but biological controls can be used as an eco-friendly and effective way to manage both pests.

As mentioned before, Jacaranda can bloom two times a year, in spring and summer. To encourage Jacaranda tree to bloom more, you can:

• Plant the tree in a sunny location with well-draining (ideally sandy) soil.
• Stop fertilizing the grass near a jacaranda.
• Keep the ground wet but not saturated.
• Fertilizer, particularly nitrogen fertilizer, suppresses floral output.
• Make sure that Jacaranda tree is safe from strong winds.

Do jacaranda trees grow in the US?

Although Jacaranda trees are native to the tropical South, they can grow in the US. You can see these trees in Florida and Texas.

Where do jacaranda trees grow best?

Basically in the US, Jacaranda trees grow well in the South, Southern California, Texas, and Hawaii.

Is jacaranda a good backyard tree?

Yes, jacaranda can be a good backyard tree,

Is blue jacaranda poisonous to dogs?

The short answer is no. Jacaranda is not poisonous to any animals, including dogs.

How many years does it take for a jacaranda tree to flower?

If you plant a jacaranda tree from a sapling, it can take up to 3 years to bloom. However, if you plant from seeds, jacaranda tree will bloom after 7 to 14 years.

Growing a jacaranda tree may be gratifying and provide you with a lovely new feature for your yard. In order to preserve the ideal form and size, don't forget to find a spot with well-draining soil, plenty of sunshine, and water. You may enjoy the magnificent purple flowers of the jacaranda tree for many years to come if you have a little patience to care for it. Sources The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Jacaranda copaia - NC State University
2. Greenhouse Heat Distribution - University of Massachusetts Amherst
3. Soil acidification and the importance of liming agricultural soils with particular reference - PubMed