Jacaranda mimosifolia
The tree with the purple flowers that is widely grown in Australia is the Jacaranda Tree. They flower in spring and make great shade trees. However it is not only the purple variety that is available, a white flowering Jacaranda ‘White Christmas’ is also available.
These are a medium to large sized tree, fast growing and reaching a height of around 10 – 15 metres over time. It will form a crown of similar size and grows well in a range of climate zones from tropical through to cool temperate zones.
A flowering Jacaranda tree growing in an open area is a wonderful sight, masses of purple flowers over 6 – 8 weeks. And this is one the reasons that Australians have adopted it so readily.
Best know as the tree that line the streets of Brisbane, magnificent purple or white flowers on a fast growing tree (up to 15m). The white flowering cultivar is Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘White Christmas’
It is a tree that has been grow in Australia for over 150 years, and is used as a feature tree, as well as a street tree, from Queensland right through New South Wales to as far south as Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Also grown as a shade tree, a Jacaranda tree does require appropriate space for two reasons. It looks at its best when the crown can fully develop, and at maturity the crown can reach a spread of 10 metres.
How to Grow Jacaranda Trees
Sometimes seen as a tropical or sub tropical tree, they do grow well in cooler climates
As long as the soil is well drained and is not subjected to sever frosts in its formative years this is a tree that is easy care.
Once established the Jacaranda tree is relatively drought tolerant and is best grown in full sun. Overwatering can be an issue especially with newly planted trees. The soil should be allowed to dry partially between watering.
- Position
Jacaranda trees are best grown in full sun. - Soil
A well drained soil preferably humus with. Sandy soils and wet soggy soils are not suitable. - Temperature
Jacaranda trees grow well in a range of temperatures from tropical to cool temperate.They do not grow well in areas that get freezes or very heavy frosts. - Fertiliser
Unless your tree is extremely slow growing due not poor soil fertiliser should not be needed. If required, a low nitrogen organic fertiliser in spring is recommended. - Watering
Jacarandah trees do not like dry soil, so in summers with lingering dry spells a good deep watering every 3 weeks can be beneficial.
During the first summer water every 2 weeks.
Mulching around the tree can lesson the need for watering.
This is also a tree with a very vigorous root system and it should be planted well away from sewerage lines, water pipes and drains. It is also best planted away from pathways as the root system can push up and damage paved areas.
Growth rate is slower in cooler climates, flowering can also be inhibited in very cold climates.
In cooler climates you might consider Aesculus x Carnea, with attractive red flowers.
Jacaranda Tree – General Information
- Height – They will reach 10m to 15 metres in height.
- Growth Rate – Jacaranda tree growth rate is medium to fast once established.
- Flower Color – Purple to Blue. – Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘White Christmas’ is rare white flowering form.
- Propagation – Seed or Cuttings.
- Common names – Blue Jacaranda.
- Root system – Vigorous, should be planted away from drains and paved areas.
Pruning
Formative pruning can be carried out early on to establish a strong single trunk. Old dead and damaged wood should be pruned back.
In some cases the canopy is thinned to reduce the weight of the tree and encourage better flower production. Over-pruning can cause failure to flower until the tree recovers.
With a tendency to sucker, the root system is best left undisturbed. Any suckers should be pruned back as they appear.
If planted in good soil, a Jacaranda tree will require little to no fertiliser once established. We suggest a good layer of mulch right to the drip line of the tree to eliminate the need for mowing and to help retain moisture in summer.
In wet soils, plant the tree on a raised or ‘hilled up’ area to improve drainage.
. Due to the reasonably shallow, yet vigorous root system Jacaranda trees are not suited to growing in pots.
Problems
- The extensive root system of Jacaranda trees can cause problems with paving as well a drainage and sewer lines. The trees are naturally shallow rooted, damage by digging or mowing can cause fungal problems.
- Once Jacaranda trees mature, the weight can cause the tree to split.
- Pruning is not recommended as this causes long soft water shoots which easily break away. Formative pruning of young plants is carried out in nurseries.
- The masses of flowers that fall onto the ground can cause little problems.
Other Information.
- These are a fast growing tree in good conditions. Remedial pruning will prolong the life of the tree which can be 75 years. One tree growing in Casino NSW is nearly 100 years old.
- Flower colour varies depending on the soil (pH) as well as the climate, so you can describe the flowers blue to purple depending on conditions.
- Jacaranda tree are grown both from seed as well as being grafted. From seed they can take 7 – 10 years to flowers, grafted trees will usually flower within 2 – 3 years.
- If you happen to be in Sydney in spring, it could be worth making a trip to McDougall Street in Kirribilli to see a tunnel of Jacarandas in full flower.
- The Port Wine Jacaranda or ‘J. semiserrata’ and J. caerulea are not as popular as J. mimosifolia.
- The so called ‘yellow jacaranda’ is actually Shizalobium parahybum, again form Brazil it can grow to 35m. Great trees for street planting or a large shade or feature tree.
Jacaranda Trees are available for sale from the following participating nurseries
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
In Brisbane and Gold Coast Try
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
Wholesale Suppliers
"Propagation and Production of Native and Exotic Trees
with Natural Root Systems from 2 to 2,000 lts."
www.njrivett.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au