Jacaranda

Jacaranda is a spring to early summer bloomer that puts on a massive purple-blue floral display that cannot be missed. The ferny leaves are reminiscent of those of the mimosa, thus its botanical name. The plant is native to Bolivia and Argentina.

Jacaranda Flowers [Click to Enlarge]	Detail of Jacaranda Foliage [Click to Enlarge] Detail of Jacaranda Foliage [Click to Enlarge]

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Jacaranda

Botanical Name:   Jacaranda mimosifolia

Family: Bignoniaceae 

Plant Type:  Deciduous in winter

Origin: Bolivia, Argentina

Zones: 10 - 11

Height:  45 - 60'

Rate of Growth: Fast

Salt Tolerance: Low

Soil Requirements:  Sandy, well drained, moderately fertile soil

Water Requirements: Medium drought tolerance

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Full sun

Form:  Spreading tree

Leaves:  Bright green, bipinnate and compound to 20" long

Flowers: Pure blue to lavender blue with white throats. White flowered variety 'Alba' available

Fruits: Mahogany colored, 2" wide, flat woody pods

Pests or diseases:  Thornbugs, crown gall, mushroom root rot, and leaf spots

Uses:  Specimen plant, Shade tree

Bad Habits: Flowers attract many bees and butterflies

Cost:  $$ -- Very reasonable

Propagation:  Seeds, allow to soak overnight before planting, root semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Sources:  Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants;Flowering Trees of Florida; American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants