Jacaranda, Rosewood tree

The Jacaranda tree is fascinating with its blue-violet flowers and finely pinnate foliage. Here are our planting and care tips for Jacaranda mimosifolia.

Mar 03, 2021 11:01 am
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Growth type
  • Tree
  • small tree
Growth height (from)
from 800 cm to 1200 cm
Growth width (from)
from 500 cm to 900 cm
Growth characteristics
  • upright
  • loosely
  • bushy
Flower color
  • purple
  • blue
Flowering time (month)
  • April to May
Flower shape
  • panicles
  • Trumpets
Flower characteristics
  • lightly fragrant
Leaf color
  • green
page format
  • double feathered
Fruit color
  • brown
Fruit shape
  • Capsule
Light
  • sunny
Soil type
  • sandy to loamy
Soil Moisture
  • moderately humid to humid
ph value
  • neutral
Lime compatibility
  • lime-tolerant
Nutrient requirements
  • nutrient-rich
Humus
  • rich in humus
Decorative or utility value
  • Flower Decoration
  • Leaf ornaments
Winter Hardness
  • frost-sensitive
Climate zones according to USDA
  • 9
Use
  • Planters
  • Winter garden
Garden style
  • Pot garden
Origin

Jacaranda mimosifolia is one of the most important ornamental trees in the tropics and subtropics. The coveted tropical wood is supplied by the real rosewood (Dalbergia). Jacaranda mimosifolia has ornamental value.

The species is native to the plateaus in northwest Argentina and adjacent areas in Bolivia. From there the jacaranda tree reached all over the world. Plant collectors must have been enormously impressed by the splendor. There is evidence that the deciduous tree with the spectacular bell blossoms was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. You can find it on the Mediterranean coast in Spain or on the Balearic Islands. Wherever the climate is suitable, it has become a popular avenue and park tree that looks impressive when it is in bloom. However, Jacaranda mimosifolia often does not flower in pots. The fact that it is still cultivated in climatically unfavorable areas is due to the attractive, filigree leaves. They resemble leaves of the Mimosa. When the French botanist Jussein gave the Jacaranda species the botanical name "mimosifolia" in 1818, he translated a local name for the tree with leaves "like mimosa". The jacaranda tree is closely related to the popular Trumpet tree (Catalpa bignonioides). Both belong to the Trumpet tree family (Bignoniaceae).

Growth

In their home and in frost-free areas, Jacaranda mimosifolia grows into a round-crowned tree with a height of usually 26.24 to 39.37 feet and more. The deciduous Rosewood tree reaches 16.4 to 29.52 feet in width. In our region it remains significantly smaller overall. In the container, the loosely structured tree cannot grow into the imposing elegance of the avenue and park trees. But its light, airy structure makes it a handsome container plant.

Leaves

The fine, double-pinnate leaves of the Jacaranda species are reminiscent of mimosa. However, they do not have the mechanism of motion to fold inwards at the slightest shock or touch. That is why some people prefer to compare the 5.9 to 17.71 inches long and around 5.9 inches wide leaves with the leaves of ferns. Also the reason why you will also come across the name fern tree. However, this is especially true for the closely related species Jacaranda acutifolia. In the natural habitat, the deciduous tree sheds its leaves in the dry season. In our region, this happens during the dormant phase in winter.

Blossoms
Trumpet shaped flowers of the Jacaranda tree
The Trumpet-shaped flowers of the Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) exude a beautiful blue-violet radiance

The spectacular Rosewood tree flowers come in a unique tone between lavender and sky blue. The whole crown is covered in a blue-violet cloud of flowers. When this occurs, festivals are celebrated in Australia, similar to the celebrations linked to almond blossoms in the Palatinate or the cherry blossoms in Japan. The flowers appear before the leaves sprout in late winter and spring. However, outliers often exist. Then the flowers spring up above the foliage. The trumpet-shaped single flowers come together in large, loose panicles. The flowers can be compared to the flowers. Instead of the nectar guides, they have a white throat. Jacaranda tree blossoms give off a delicate scent of honey. However, it takes around ten years for a rosewood tree to bloom for the first time.

Fruit

Jacaranda mimosifolia has leathery capsule fruits. The approximately 1.96 inches large red-brown seed heads are so decorative that they can be used as natural jewelry in flower arrangements and handicrafts. The ripe capsules have a small mouth, which on opening reveals the seeds. This resembles an oyster, which has given the species the name “Oyster tree” among others.

Location

Since the jacaranda tree is not hardy, it needs a summer and a winter place (see overwintering). The outdoor season starts after the ice saints at the earliest: Ice Saints, and ends before the temperatures drop in fall, preferably in the beginning of September. During this time you can set up the warmth-loving species in a sunny spot on the balcony and terrace. Select a location sheltered from wind. The Jacaranda tree has quite a few vulnerable spots that can get impacted by gusty winds. You should therefore also ensure that the container is stable. Keeping them out in the garden over the season doesn't pay off. A conservatory maintained at a mild temperature, on the other hand, makes sense, where the exotic species feels at home all year round. Alternatively, you can also keep Jacaranda mimosifolia as a houseplant. In this way, the beauty of the leaves is highlighted.

Jacaranda mimosifolia in plant container
After the Ice Saints, Jacaranda mimosifolia can be placed outside
Substrate

With a high-quality potted plant soil, you can offer your Rosewood tree everything it needs: nutrient-rich, well-drained and loose soil.

Watering

Keep the Jacaranda tree as uniformly moist as possible. In winter, water sparingly depending on the temperatures. In summer you have to water it regularly. The South American tree does not like ice-cold water which comes from the tap - it is better to water that is left to sit out for a while.

Fertilizing

In the growth period from March to September, the container plant requires regular fertilization. Using composite fertilizers as per instructions has proved to be effective.

Repotting

As long as the plants are still young, they are repotted every two to three years in spring. Gradually increase the pot size. If the pot is too big, rooting will be poor. Before each repotting, it makes sense to immerse the root ball and the pot in water so that it can become saturated with water.

Pruning

In general, no major pruning is necessary, because the Jacaranda tree looks naturally picturesque. Jacaranda mimosifolia only forms the crown at about 78.74 feet. If you want to pull out a tree, you have to wait in the first few years to cut until the tree reaches the appropriate height. Small cuttings are done in early spring, such as shortening secondary shoots for even growth of the crown. If you cut away too much, flowers won’t bloom. If you prune the Rosewood tree from a young age, it will grow as a multi-stemmed shrub. A radical cut at the end of winter is possible. The fast-growing wood starts growing again. If you grow Jacaranda mimosifolia as a decorative foliage plant in a pot, you prune it in February or March.

Jacaranda plant as an ornamental leaf plant in the room
The Jacaranda tree also cuts a fine figure as an ornamental leaf plant in the room
Further care

Remove fallen leaves regularly—the smell is quite unpleasant.

Overwintering

A greenhouse maintained at mild temperatures or a heated greenhouse is ideal for the Jacaranda as winter quarters Garage or garden shed are unsuitable. Jacaranda mimosifolia not only needs minimum temperatures of 44.6 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree also needs light all year round.

Varieties

White Jacaranda trees can be found in specialized nurseries in the USA.

Propagation

Jacaranda mimosifolia can be grown from seeds.

Diseases and Pests

Jacaranda mimosifolia is not susceptible to disease under favorable cultivation conditions. A danger can be a bacterium that causes the dreaded Oleander cancer in the Oleander too. If the leaves turn yellow in season and fall off, the tree is simply too wet or too dry.