Planting & Landscaping

Growing a Jacaranda Tree: Southern Gardeners’ Guide

Jacaranda trees are a staple of the Southern landscape, and Southern gardeners are lucky to have a wonderful tree called the jacaranda.

They are native to Brazil and thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 - 11.

This incredibly attractive flowering tree with vibrant lavender-blue flowers and fine fern-like foliage is widely grown throughout the Southern US and other parts of the world.

Jacarandas cope with some frost if they are protected while young. A mature tree may withstand temperatures as low as 23F (-5C.)

They are deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on the climate and typically produce so many flowers that the tree's canopy is completely covered with purple flowers in the early spring.

The jacaranda tree has many beautiful qualities that make it worth growing in your yard!

Where to Plant a Jacaranda Tree

Jacarandas are vigorous, fast-growing trees ideal for open spaces.

However, it is best not to plant them too close to other trees, shrubs or structures because of their large size. They can reach a height of 66ft (20m) and a canopy of 50ft (15m).

Plant your tree at least 16ft (48m) from buildings or structures to give the tree roots room to spread out when mature.

Once your Jacaranda has established and starting to cast shade, you may want to underplant with shade loving plants.

Planting a Jacaranda Tree

Large Jacaranda tree in bloom

Jacaranda trees can be planted at any time of the year except during the heat of summer.

The blue jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is an easy variety to grow in the south. Purchase a standard or multi-trunk from your local nursery or garden center.

They are fast-growing and can grow up to 10 feet a year in the first few years of their life.

  • The sandy soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter such as compost or leaf mold for best results.
  • Dig a planting hole double the width and the same depth of the container.
  • Tease the roots with your fingers and plant the tree into the center of the hole.
  • Backfill with soil amended with compost and water well.
  • Spread 2 - 3in (5 - 7cm) mulch.

Watering

After planting, give your jacaranda tree a good watering every week for their first summer, withholding watering during rainy weather.

Once jacarandas are established and have deep roots, they will be drought tolerant.

Therefore, they will only need an occasional deep summer watering during prolonged heat or drought.

Jacaranda Tree Blooming Season

Jacaranda Tree Blooms

Bloom season is usually from spring to early summer. However, in warmer areas, the jacaranda bloom at any time. The jacaranda flower is a deep blue to violet purple.

Caring for a Jacaranda Tree

Be careful not to over-water as this could cause root rot and eventually death. On the other hand, they will also become stressed and disease-prone if they have too little water during times of drought.

If you want to fertilize, do so only in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

It is unnecessary to prune a jacaranda tree; if left undisturbed, a jacaranda will grow into an umbrella shape that makes it an ideal shade tree.

If planted in the correct sunny position and the correct soil, jacaranda trees can have a life expectancy of up to 100 years or more.

Propagating Jacaranda Tree

Jacaranda against a blue sky

Jacaranda tree propagation can be done by using seeds, cuttings or grafting.

Propagation by Cutting

The most common method of propagating a Jacaranda Tree is cutting because it will develop into the same type as its parent plant. Cuttings are taken from branches that have grown out past the bark and contain healthy buds on the underside.

Place the cuttings into a container with potting mix and water well until they start to show roots, which will take about two weeks. The tree is then placed into a larger pot where it can grow even more.

Take care not to overwater the plant because this could lead to root rot or fungal growth.

Propagation by Seed

If you prefer to use jacaranda seed propagation, the seeds should be sown in a shallow container and moistened with water.

Placing potting mix over top of the seeds will keep them from drying out but make sure not too much is used, or it could cause root rot. To avoid fungal growth during this process, place some pebbles or perlite inside the container at the bottom to promote drainage.

The seeds will take anywhere from a few weeks up to two months before they sprout, and then they should be transplanted into its permanent potting soil mix, which is usually one that contains compost.

Propagation by Grafting

Jacaranda trees can also be propagated by grafting. Grafts grow and produce flowers just like regular jacaranda trees. Most nursery or garden shops will have grafted jacaranda trees.

Takeaways

The jacaranda tree is a beautiful and versatile tree that will thrive in the south.

The jacaranda mimosifolia variety produces flowers with a blue hue that change from lavender to deep blue.

They grow best in USDA zones 9 -9 11 but can also be grown further north with proper care.

Jacaranda is a deciduous tree, drought-tolerant, and has an attractive umbrella-like shape.

Once planted, it should only take three years before it is flowering profusely.

They need occasional watering and fertilizer during the first year after planting, but they will be drought-tolerant in subsequent years and do not require as much care.

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