Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia plant has been described as “one of the most beautiful trees in the world”. It is a fast-growing, ornamental tree that is often used as a street tree or in public parks. The tree produces blue or lavender flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by woody seed pods that are about 5 cm long. The tree is native to South America but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Africa.
Benefits:
The jacaranda tree is known for its beautiful blue or lavender flowers. The tree is also fast-growing and can provide shade and shelter. Additionally, the jacaranda tree is drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
How to care:
Jacaranda trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during the first few years after planting. Once established, the trees are relatively low-maintenance and only need to be watered during periods of extended drought. Fertilize jacaranda trees in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Water requirement:
Jacaranda trees require a lot of water, especially when they are young. They should be watered regularly, especially during periods of drought. Once they are established, they are more drought-tolerant but will still benefit from occasional watering.
Pruning:
Jacaranda trees do not require a lot of pruning. However, they may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches.Recommended to never prune a jacaranda
because otherwise new vertical shoots will grow
from the pruned branches distorting the natural
shape of the tree.
Type of Soil:
Jacaranda trees prefer well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types.
Propagation:
The best way would be to take greenwood cuttings from new growth in late spring up to early summer. Greenwood cuttings are slightly firmer and darker than softwood cuttings. Cut across the union of old and new wood to obtain cuttings of new growth that are 10-12 inches long. Trim off the soft wood at the tip of the shoot, just above a node (point where a leaf joins the stem). Remove the bottom leaf and wound the base of the stem by cutting away a sliver of bark, about one inch long. This encourages rooting.
The final cutting should be about 3-4 inches long and have three nodes. Dip the base of the cutting into rooting compound. Insert each cutting into a mix of peat moss and perlite just deep enough to stand upright. At least one node should be buried. Water and keep moist. If possible, a humidity tent would help rooting.
Jacaranda trees can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Pest and Disease:
Jacaranda is very resistant to pests and
diseases. Found no major pests.
Problem:
Leaves with blackish sooty mold, sticky honeydew
and whitish cast skins
Probable Cause:
Aphids, including Bean aphid. Small green or black
insects in groups.
Landscape use:
They make attractive specimen trees and their dropped flowers leave a carpet of purple beneath the tree. They also work well used along a sidewalk, as shade trees, or planted among evergreen trees, as they continue to add color to the area when they drop their leaves in late autumn and winter.