Jacaranda Tree

The Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is the tree that turns whole Australian streets purple for a few weeks each spring. In a garden it reaches about 12m tall with an 8m spread, growing quickly into a broad, flat topped canopy of fine ferny leaves. It flowers on bare wood, so the display is pure violet blue with nothing green competing. This is a big tree that needs room, and the room matters more than most people expect.

Why you'll love it

• Weeks of colour nothing else matches. The whole canopy flowers at once in late spring, then carpets the ground in violet blue.
• Fast to useful size. With water and a warm season behind it, a young tree puts on real height within a few years.
• Genuinely light shade. The fine foliage filters sun instead of blocking it, so lawn and understorey plants keep growing beneath.
• Tough once established. Drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and able to handle coastal exposure and salt laden air.
• Alive with bees and butterflies. The flowering period brings steady insect traffic.

Where it works best

Shade for a large garden. Allow at least 8m of clear width and keep the trunk 8m or more from the house. A wide, low branched canopy is far easier to plan for than to correct.

Driveways and avenues. Spaced 8m to 10m apart along a drive or verge, jacarandas meet overhead in time and give the classic purple tunnel.

Where not to plant it. The roots are vigorous and run near the surface, so keep it clear of paving, pools, sewer lines and retaining walls. It also drops flowers, then leaves, then seed capsules, so avoid an entertaining area.

Growing Jacaranda in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, in an open position with room for the canopy. Jacarandas suit tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Mature trees take light frost, but young ones are damaged by it, so cold inland and southern districts must protect a young tree for its first winters.

Soil. Deep, free draining soil suits it best, and waterlogging is what it dislikes most. On clay, plant high on a wide mound and improve a generous area rather than just the hole.

Water and feed. Deep soak weekly through the first two summers, then water only in extended dry spells. A balanced slow release fertiliser in early spring is enough, and heavy nitrogen gives soft growth and fewer flowers.

Pruning. Prune in late winter to lift the canopy and remove crossing branches while the tree is young. Jacaranda wood responds poorly to heavy cuts on older limbs, so early shaping saves trouble later.

What to expect when it arrives

Jacarandas are grown here in eleven sizes: tube and 140mm packs of ten, then 200mm, 250mm, 300mm and 400mm pots, then 30L, 45L, 100L, 200L and 400L advanced trees. Small sizes are the value choice if you can wait, and they establish fast. The 30L and 45L trees are the practical middle ground, while 100L to 400L stock arrives with real trunk calliper and immediate presence.

Everything is delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet few weeks after planting, then strong growth through the first warm season. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Jacaranda trees in Australia: planting and care
• Browse flowering trees for Australian gardens
• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• See the full tree range

Common questions

How far from the house should I plant one?

At least 8m, and further if you can. The canopy spreads to around 8m and surface roots travel well beyond the drip line, which is what lifts paving.

How long until it flowers?

Advanced stock often flowers within two or three years, while a seedling grown tree may take five to seven. Full sun and restrained feeding both bring flowering forward.

How far south can I plant one?

Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens suit it, which covers most coastal cities. Cold inland and hard frosting southern districts are marginal, because young trees are damaged by frost.