How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Jacaranda Trees

Jacaranda mimosifolia is a stunning landscape tree. It is best known for the abundance of bluish-purple flowers it produces in the spring. In warmer climates, it can bloom at any time of year, but spring is the most common bloom time. 

I remember the first time I laid eyes on one of these trees in bloom. They are simply magnificent and stunning. Not only do they have great ornamental value, they also make excellent shade trees. They grow quickly, and have a lovely umbrella-shaped canopy once mature.

History and Cultivation

The jacaranda tree is in cultivation in most areas of the world with tropical and subtropical climates. There are a large quantity in Pretoria, South Africa. The sheer number of them has earned the city the nickname “Jacaranda City.” In the United States, they are very popular in California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii. 

Native Area

J. mimosifolia is native to South America. Specifically, you can find it growing naturally in southern Brazil, southern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northwestern Argentina. It grows in wooded ravines, bushlands, riverbanks, and grasslands. Much of the native population has been threatened by deforestation for agriculture and logging. 

Characteristics

This is a beautiful semi-evergreen or deciduous species that can reach heights of 25′-50′ tall at maturity. It grows very quickly, putting on three to four years of growth per year in its first few years. In its first year, a jacaranda is capable of growing up to ten feet tall. This is only under optimal conditions, though. 

When grown in tropical conditions, a jacaranda tree will be closer to its full 50 feet tall at maturity. In cooler, subtropical climates, the tree will be smaller. The canopy of a full-sized mature jacaranda can be as large as 30 feet wide. Once established, it is drought tolerant. 

The canopy is lush and rounded, making it an excellent shade tree. It can be single or multi-trunked, depending on pruning. It has a large, open canopy. The foliage is feathery and fernlike, and the leaves can grow to a foot long. The bark is thin, gray and smooth on young trees, developing fine scales as it ages. 

In early summer, large clusters of flowers form all over the canopy. The blooms are trumpet-like and the most stunning shade of purple. The flowers persist for up to two months. A mature tree is a breathtaking sight during the summer months.

Uses

As a landscape element, this tree gets major points for its ornamental value. It has a lush, tropical appearance, and makes a nice shade specimen. The wood is smooth, pale, and hard. It is often used in carpentry, and for making carvings and handles for tools. 

Where to Buy

In tropical climates where the tree is common, you’re likely to see it at local nurseries and landscape supply stores. You might find it near another type that it resembles, the Royal Poinciana. The two are similar and need similar care. Small, young trees are available at several online retailers.

Planting

This is a large tree, and that needs consideration when choosing a location. It has roots that grow close to the surface, so plant it away from sidewalks and other concrete slabs to avoid disruption. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of sun daily. Plant in spring or fall so that it has time to establish while the weather is mild. 

Water your tree well a few hours ahead of planting to minimize stress. Dig a hole that is as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. No need to dig down deeper as long as the soil is loose. Transfer the jacaranda into the hole, position it as you prefer, and backfill with native soil. Mulch over to hold in moisture and protect the shallow roots, keeping the mulch away a few inches from the trunk.

For the first month, water two to three times per week. If the leaves look wilted, water. After the first month, you can ease off of watering gradually. As long as you don’t see the leaves wilting, it should be fine with watering once per week for the duration of its first year. 

How to Grow

For such a stunning tree, jacarandas are surprisingly easy to care for. In its first year, they will need more care. Once established, this is a drought-tolerant and sturdy species that only needs occasional consideration. 

Light

Full sun is the best exposure. A smaller tree may benefit from some shade in the afternoon, but this can be difficult to achieve. Watering it more will help to protect it from harsh sun. 

A mature tree will flourish in at least six to eight hours of sun per day. While it will grow and look attractive in partial shade, it will not bloom as colorfully or profusely. Since the flowers are the main attraction, aim for full sun.

Water

Provide plenty of water while it establishes roots; several times per week for the first month and then once a week for the duration of the first year. Jacarandas let you know when they are thirsty; their leaves will wilt and droop. 

Once established, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to water. In times of prolonged drought, it is possible. However, it truly is a tree intended for hot weather and can tolerate a fair amount of drought. 

Soil

This tree is well adapted to poor and sandy soil. Ideally, a mixture of loam and sand, with excellent drainage, is the best type of soil for this plant. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH. While it is adaptable to other soil types, it won’t tolerate very heavy or compacted soil types. 

Temperature and Humidity

Jacarandas are heat lovers. They are happiest in temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C) during the day. They do prefer a dip in the evening to recover their energy. The hottest months of the summer can be taxing! 

They will not tolerate freezing temperatures and cannot grow outdoors in climates that experience frost. In Zone 9, you may be able to keep it alive, but it will take special care. A thick layer of mulch around the roots is a must. 

Jacaranda prefers a moderate amount of humidity. Levels between 50-60% are optimal.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is fairly simple and straightforward. Too much nitrogen will result in reduced blooming. Fertilize only once per year, in early spring. Use a slow release 10-10-10 balanced formula. 

Maintenance

Because of their rapid growth, pruning is an important facet of jacaranda care. Rapid growth sounds great, but it can lend itself to weak and soft growth, which is vulnerable to damage. Pruning and shaping can help to limit the number of branches and strengthen the ones that remain. 

The best time to prune is in winter before new growth appears. Pruning too late in the season can result in a lack of flowers. For young trees, identify the strongest leader. This is a trunk-like branch that grows straight upward. Trim away any other leaders so that there is a single trunk. This will be the strongest. 

In the first 15 years, you’ll need to remove any leaders that pop up aside from that central one. Prune to thin out the canopy, removing any branches that grow at less than a 45-degree angle to the trunk. Remove any crossing branches or branches that press against others. 

Growing in Containers

You can grow them in a pot, but they will not flower. In order to flower, this plant has to mature. In their natural habitat, they can grow up to 50 feet tall. Kept in a container, your tree will not grow large enough to produce flowers. 

Propagation

You can propagate a jacaranda from seeds or cuttings. It is not difficult to carry out either type of propagation.

Seeds

After flowering, you will see brown seed pods. Collect seed pods that are dark brown but have not cracked open. The seeds are very light and blow away easily, so when you crack open the seed pod, be sure you’re protected from any wind. 

Soaking your seeds for 24 hours will drastically improve the germination rate. After soaking, lay your seeds on a damp paper towel and fold it over the top. Then, place them in a plastic bag to germinate. Place your germinated seeds into seed cells filled with moist soil. It takes up to four weeks for your seeds to germinate. 

You can also wrap your seeds in a damp paper towel to germinate. Lay the seeds on your paper towel and fold it around them. Then place your paper towel in a plastic bag and set it in a warm location for about two weeks. When you unwrap your seeds, they should have some roots and new growth. Be very careful when potting your seedlings. 

Take a seed tray filled with moist soil and make small holes in the soil. Gently insert the root hairs into the holes in the soil, leaving the sprouted seed above the soil. Both of these methods will result in a 50-60% germination rate.

Cuttings

To propagate from cuttings, you’ll need a sharp tool for cutting a branch. Take cuttings of three to five inches long from a healthy branch. Make sure your cuttings have at least three buds, and angle your cut just above a node for maximum rooting area. 

Dip the end of your cutting into rooting hormone for faster root development. You can root your cutting in plain, room-temperature water. Only submerge the end of the cutting. Place your cuttings in a warm spot with filtered or indirect light. 

Your cutting should begin to grow roots in about two to three weeks. Wait until the roots are an inch or more long, and transfer the cutting into a pot with soil. You can plant your cutting directly in the ground, but it’s best to allow it to establish more roots first. 

Common Problems

Jacarandas can run into a handful of issues. Their rapid growth tends to help them recover quickly, but make sure to keep an eye out for these vulnerabilities. 

Wilted Leaves and Lack of Flowers

Too much heat and sun exposure can cause leaves to scorch and wilt, and eventually turn brown. On the other hand, they need at least six hours of sun daily to produce flowers. It is important to strike a balance, and make sure to keep your tree sufficiently watered in times of great heat and dry weather. 

Pests

Aphids, white flies, and spider mites can all be an issue for jacarandas. A mature tree is unlikely to suffer terribly, but a young sapling with an insect infestation may be at risk. If you discover an infestation, try treating it as naturally as possible. A strong stream of water will help to knock down populations, and neem oil is a good, natural alternative to chemical pesticides. 

Diseases

Fungal diseases are not uncommon. Root rot is a problem caused by overwatering, which is prevented by planting in well-draining soil. Other fungal diseases can affect the foliage. It is important to prune to thin out the crown of the plant. Creating airflow through the branches will help minimize the risk of fungal diseases in the leaves. 

Frequently Asked Questions