Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a deciduous, spreading tree with fern-like foliage and purple-blue flowers, and it grows in USDA zones 9B to 11 in full sun and well-drained soil. NC State calls it one of the most spectacular and ornamental flowering trees in the subtropics. Mature height is 25 to 40 feet (UF/IFAS) or up to 50 feet (NC State), so it is a tree for a large yard, not a small bed. Plan for patience: grown from seed, it may take up to 10 years to bloom (NC State).
- USDA zones
- 9B–11 (UF/IFAS)
- Sun
- Full sun
- Origin
- The Americas
- Height
- 25–40 ft (UF/IFAS); up to 50 ft (NC State)
- Soil
- Well-draining, slightly sandy, acidic
- Bloom time
- Early spring to around May; April–August range
- Drought
- Very tolerant once established
Where jacaranda grows
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions says zones 9B to 11, which means a mild-winter climate. NC State describes a deciduous, spreading tree.
Sun, soil and water
Light
Soil
Water
Planting
Size
The sources differ on mature height: 25 to 40 feet (UF/IFAS) against up to 50 feet (NC State). Use the upper figure when you pick a spot, so the canopy has clearance from buildings and wires, which fits UF/IFAS’s advice to plant with room for roots and clearance.
Bloom time
The sources differ on timing too. UF/IFAS says jacaranda blooms around May, and that flowers can appear as early as April and as late as August. NC State says the purple-blue flowers are abundant in early spring, before the tree produces a new flush of leaves. Both place the show in spring.
Starting from seed
NC State says jacaranda is propagated from seed and that trees may take up to 10 years to bloom. UF/IFAS lists ‘Alba’ as a white-blooming cultivar.
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Bougainvillea is another sun-loving flowering plant for frost-free gardens, and hibiscus covers both tropical and hardy types. Browse the tropical flowers collection for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What zones can jacaranda grow in?
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions says USDA zones 9B to 11.
How tall does a jacaranda get?
UF/IFAS says a mature height of 25 to 40 feet. NC State says the tree matures to a full height of 50 feet. Plan for the larger figure.
When does a jacaranda bloom?
UF/IFAS says around May, with flowers appearing as early as April and as late as August. NC State says abundant purple-blue flowers appear in early spring, before the tree produces a new flush of leaves.
How long until a jacaranda flowers?
NC State says jacaranda is propagated from seed and that trees may take up to 10 years to bloom.
What soil does a jacaranda need?
NC State says it can grow in clay and loam but does not tolerate heavy, poorly drained soil. UF/IFAS says well-draining, slightly sandy, acidic soil.
Sources
- Jacaranda, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Jacaranda mimosifolia, NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
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