Jacaranda is one of the most beautiful trees in the world, with fern like feathery leaves and lavender blue trumpet-shaped flowers. Read on for more information on it and how to grow them.
Jacaranda is native to Mexico, Caribbean, and South America. It is a beautiful flowering tree with vivid lilac-blue trumpet-shaped flowers. It has many species and the most common and popular is the blue jacaranda tree or
Jacaranda mimosifolia. Because the foliage of this tree resembles that of the mimosa. It can grow from a height of 2 meters to 18 meters high. In autumn, the leaves of the jacaranda which look like feathers, turn yellow in color. Some people also believe that if the flowers fall on you, it is good luck.
How to Grow a Jacaranda Tree
Jacaranda trees are fast growing trees that thrive on fertile, well drained sunny locations that don't like heavy wet soils. It is best to have a lot of sun for these trees. It grows well in areas with less rainfall. However, it is not well suited for a windy place. Thus, a coastal climate that is frost free is an ideal place for growing these trees.
They also are shallow rooted trees. They are ideal as ornamental trees for landscaping . Though they are often planted in small backyard gardens, it should be prevented. Most people forget that it is a fast growing tree and rapidly outgrows any small plot. They are perfect for street and park plantings or gardens that require light summer shade. They create the perfect summer experience by erupting in a blaze of brilliant colors when most spring flower trees have long shed their leaves.
The jacaranda sheds its foliage at the end of the growing season, making it deciduous.They respond well to pruning, however, it may lead to tall vertical shoots which may take away from its natural ornate shape. It does not shed all its leaves in winter unless the temperatures go down drastically. Since it is a native of South America, it can handle frosty temperatures of up to 20 - 25 ºF ,once it is a full-grown tree. However while it is still growing, it may not be able to handle the cold temperature, as young plants require protection from frost in their first year.
Also remember, that it is not a good idea to grow the jacaranda near the parking area, since the flowers which are quite sticky and cause a mess, shed heavily. Also, the seeds of the flower can form large seed capsules and so this tree will require some clean up and maintenance. It's best to choose a place where its stunning purple flowers can be seen easily and where the falling flowers will not be a problem.
This tree requires a lot of maintenance. Regular pruning is crucial, especially in the first few years after planting. The branches of the tree have a tendency to grow at narrow angles to the trunk. Thus there is need to remove them immediately before they become troublesome. One very important point is that branches must never be shortened as this will lead to a group of new stems to sprout out from the place where it is cut. Instead the limbs should be carefully pruned at the base of the trunk or from the branch to which they are attached.
These were some of the facts to keep in mind if you decide to plant one in your garden. Jacaranda is probably the most beautiful tree you can have in your garden. It puts on a breathtaking floral display and the best part of the tree are the feathery leaves that make it an asset to the landscape of your garden throughout the year.
