The Jacaranda tree is a familiar sight across most of Australia's capital cities. From Perth to Sydney, you can find these graceful trees flowering from late October to early December. They leave brilliant puddles of violet petals in the streets. However, contrary to popular belief, the jacaranda tree is not native to Australia. It does not grow well in most areas of Australia including Brisbane. It is sure to be a popular choice for homeowners wanting to add a statement tree to their gardens.

Jacarandas are probably one of the more characteristic features of the Australian landscape and are celebrated for their vibrant blossoms in spring. It is a deciduous tree that grows from 8 to 15 meters tall and wide, spreading 4.5 to 9 meters in its umbrella-shaped form. The leaves of this plant are bright green, resembling fern leaves, and turn brilliant yellow during the fall season before the shedding of leaves in winter. Jacarandas have a show-stopping flower of fine quality, which is mauve to deep purple. 

It blooms mostly between late October to early December, smothering the bare branches of the tree even before foliage comes out. Jacarandas do well in tropical, subtropical, or mild climates with no frost; they mature at about 20 years and often live up to 50 years, but some exceptional specimens are known to have exceeded a century.

Jacarandas show bright green, fern-like foliage due to the abundance of small leaves that make up each compound leaf. Each compound leaf is approximately 30 to 40 centimeters in length. With hundreds of the smaller oval-shaped pointed leaflets, about 10 mm long by 4 mm wide. 

New foliage is bright green, but the leaves change to a bright yellow in autumn before the trees shed their leaves for winter. Jacaranda tree bark is thin and light greyish-brown in color. As it matures, the bark changes from being smooth to having a rougher texture.

Where to Grow Jacaranda

In winter, grow Jacaranda in a warm greenhouse or heated conservatory in a bright position with a minimum temperature of 5°C. From late spring to early autumn, Jacaranda can be placed outside in a sheltered spot in full sun. Do not grow Jacaranda in your home, it doesn't make a good house plant. Read more about ‘Best Backyard Trees That Are Easy to Maintain’

How to Care for Jacaranda

The art with Jacaranda is not to over-water. When growing, water only when necessary, keeping the compost moist and allowing it to nearly dry out between waterings. In the winter months allow the compost to dry out. Whilst in growth, mid-spring to autumn, feed every 2-3 weeks with a general liquid fertilizer. Pot on into the next size up of container, in late winter or early spring, until reaching a maximum pot size of 45cm high and wide. Read more about  ‘Best Watering Tips for Happy, Healthy Plants’.

Growing Jacaranda: Pests and Diseases

Red spider mites could be a problem in areas with a dry atmosphere. It can be prevented from becoming a major problem by improving the levels of humidity by standing the pot on a saucer filled with pebbles and water so that the pot is clear of the water. Whiteflies may also be a problem when growing. Biological controls are now an effective and environmentally friendly method of dealing with both these pests. Read more about  ‘Homemade Plant Sprays ’.

The Jacaranda is a beautiful tree, one that few compete with. It can become a front-yard favorite that brings instant change to your property with its ebullient purple blooms. If looking for accompanying trees that have an equally explosive color bloom, then the yellow and gold flowers of the  Tabebuia Tree or Bulnesia Arborea can become the most popular and offer a complimentary color scheme to enhance both further. Another popular accompanying tree is the Royal Poinciana Flame Tree with its intense red bloom, which can be mixed with the Jacaranda to create a striking contrast that enhances both!

How to Order Plants From Eureka Farms?

Now licensed for a full-scale nursery featuring an expansive inventory of landscaping trees, fruit trees, palm trees, and the biggest houseplants selection. If you want to pump up your curb appeal or transform your porch into a class act, Eureka Farms will let you in on how to do it all, from topiary trees and hedges to everything in between. You can count on us to pack the shipment with utmost care across the country, and your plants shall reach you as fresh as possible. If you're looking for ideas on how to improve air quality, lift moods, and add a touch of natural beauty to your work-from-home office space, here's the help of these easy-care indoor plants. Happy Planting!