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Usually grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions, the blue Jacaranda is one of the more widely recognized species of the genus Jacaranda. Latin name Jacaranda mimosifolia, the blue Jacaranda is celebrated for its intense display of deep purple blossoms that signals spring in areas where it is naturally grown.
The blue Jacaranda is a native of South America but has been introduced to the United States in the 1930s to 1940s. It is widely cultivated in Southern California, notably in San Diego, Florida, and in Hawaii. The streets and main avenues of cities like Tampa and Miami are lined with blue Jacaranda trees that give the most breathtaking views of their blossoms during May. Other cities known for housing the blue Jacaranda are Brisbane and Southeast Queensland in Australia. For students in local universities, the blossoming Jacaranda signifies the advent of examination week. The city of Grafton in New South Wales, Australia even holds an annual Jacaranda festival every October when the tree is in full bloom.
Regions with hot climates are the best areas to grow the blue Jacaranda which is impervious to extreme heat and dryness. It thrives in scorching and dry landscapes, does not like winds, and prefers sandy soil that is well drained. Even low amounts of rainfall will not deter the blue Jacaranda from growing. Though it is friendlier to sunny and dry places, recent records of the blue Jacaranda being cultivated in Louisiana has prompted upstate gardeners to try to grow the tree in colder areas. However, only established trees can survive frosty temperatures of up to 20°F. Younger plants are known to perish even in semi-frosty regions.
Also called the fern tree for its bi-pinnate and fern-like leaves, the blue Jacaranda can grow to up to 40 feet tall. It has a thin and grayish brown bark which becomes scalier as it grows. The purple flowers are bell shaped and grouped into panicles of 30, almost covering the branches when in full bloom. This species of Jacaranda is semi-deciduous. The fruits replace the flowers after they fall. Blue Jacaranda fruits are oval shaped peas that contain quite a number of seeds.
Though its spring flowers are more vibrant and robust, the blue Jacaranda can actually bloom twice a year, even in fall. The flowers can last for up to two months but can produce quite a handful of mess when they drop. For this reason, horticulturalists and landscape designers advise against growing blue Jacaranda trees in parking areas and near artificial water features like pools and Jacuzzis.
Of the forty known species of the genus Jacaranda, the blue Jacaranda is the most popular for its dreamy purple blossoms and drought resistant features. It is not easily attacked by pests and diseases and is relatively low maintenance. When grown in areas and climates it is accustomed to, it can be highly attractive and can serve as a wonderful feature not only for gardens but for streets and parks as well.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
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