Blue Jacaranda - Jacaranda mimosifolia

Jacaranda mimosifolia, the iconic Blue Jacaranda, is one of the most spectacular and beloved flowering trees in the world. Each spring and summer, its open, spreading canopy is completely smothered in vivid purple-blue trumpet-shaped flowers that create a breathtaking display carpeting the ground beneath with a sea of violet and drawing admiring glances from every direction.

Originally from South America, the Jacaranda has become one of Australia's most iconic street and garden trees, synonymous with the warmth and colour of the summer season. Its soft, fern-like green foliage provides beautiful dappled shade through spring and summer before turning golden yellow in autumn ahead of leaf fall, giving this deciduous tree a second season of interest before the bare winter branches reveal the full architectural beauty of its open, spreading form.

Growing to approximately 10m tall and 10m wide, Jacaranda mimosifolia is a magnificent choice as a deciduous feature tree, shade tree, or street tree in warm temperate to tropical climates. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils and is low maintenance once established.

Key Features:

• Soil: Prefers a well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay soils or poorly drained positions that can lead to root problems. Tolerates a range of soil types provided drainage is adequate.
• Light: Full sun is essential for the best flowering performance. A position with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day will produce the most prolific and vibrant flower display. Avoid shaded or partially shaded positions which will significantly reduce flowering.
• Watering: Medium to moderate water needs. Keep moist during dry periods, particularly in the first two seasons after planting while the root system establishes. Once established, it is reasonably drought tolerant but benefits from supplemental watering during extended dry spells in summer.
• Fertiliser: Apply an annual slow-release fertiliser in spring at the start of the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A balanced or low-nitrogen formulation will support the best flowering performance.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance once established. Mulch well around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fallen flowers and leaves will need to be swept or raked periodically during and after the flowering and leaf-fall seasons. Light pruning can be done in late winter while the tree is bare to maintain shape if required.
• Flowering: Flowers in spring and summer, producing masses of vivid purple-blue trumpet-shaped blooms that completely cover the canopy. The display typically lasts several weeks and fallen flowers create a stunning violet carpet beneath the tree. Flowers are not fragrant. Fruit is present but insignificant.

For the most prolific flowering, avoid over-fertilising with high-nitrogen products, too much nitrogen encourages lush leafy growth at the expense of the flower display. A single application of a balanced or low-nitrogen slow-release fertiliser in spring is all this tree needs. In cooler climates, plant in the warmest, most sheltered and sunny position available to maximise flowering performance.

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