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Plant Profiles / Jacaranda
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia · Jacaranda
A spreading tree famous for its clouds of mauve-purple blooms in late spring. A beloved sight across Australian cities each November.
Full sunLight
Weekly when youngWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for heavy flowering.
Water
Weekly when young
DryWet
Water while establishing; drought tolerant afterwards.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-3–40°C (27–104°F)
CoolWarm
Young trees need frost protection.
Growth
Fast, spreading tree
SlowFast
Grows 10–15 m tall and wide; dwarfs 2–4 m.
Soil
Well-drained
LeanRich
Adapts to sandy soils.
Fertiliser
Light, spring
RarelyOften
A light feed in spring.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to South America, jacarandas have become iconic in Sydney and Brisbane. They grow into broad, umbrella-shaped trees with fern-like leaves. Dwarf varieties are now available for smaller gardens and large pots.
Best spots
Large gardens, parks and, for dwarf varieties, courtyards and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Jacaranda mimosifolia |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Origin | South America |
| Plant type | Deciduous or semi-evergreen tree |
| Mature size | 10–15 m (dwarfs 2–4 m) |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Foliage | Fern-like leaves |
| Flowers | Mauve-purple trumpets |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Seed or grafting |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Active growth
Prune
FloweringActive growthPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Few flowers | Too much shade, nitrogen or a young tree. |
| Leaf drop before flowering | Normal. |
| Sticky leaves | Aphids or scale. |
| Messy flower drop | Normal; choose a spot away from pools. |
| Leggy growth after pruning | Avoid heavy pruning; it triggers vigorous shoots. |
Common questions
How long until it flowers?
Usually 5–7 years for seed-grown trees, sooner for grafted.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Choose a dwarf variety.
Should I prune heavily?
No, it encourages unsightly suckering growth.
When does it flower?
Late spring to early summer.
