Jacaranda Mimosifolia

Jacaranda / Blue Jacaranda

Botanical Name: Jacaranda mimosifolia
Family: Bignoniaceae
Origin: South America (Bolivia–Argentina)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

Jacaranda mimosifolia is the iconic purple-flowering shade tree for South Australian gardens. Soft, ferny foliage creates a light, dappled canopy, then in late spring to early summer the tree erupts in lavender–blue bell-shaped blooms that stop traffic. Ideal as a specimen or avenue tree in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 8–12 m H × 6–10 m W (smaller in tough sites or with pruning)
• Growth Rate: 40-80 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Feathery, bright green, bipinnate leaves; deciduous to semi-deciduous in cooler areas
• Flowers: Large panicles of lavender–blue trumpets; light sweet fragrance; heaviest late spring–early summer, with occasional spot blooms after summer rain
  
• Seasonal Interest: Spectacular spring display, cool summer shade; foliage yellows before winter leaf drop, attractive branching in winter
• Wildlife Value: Nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators; light habitat value for small birds
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect young trees from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–36 m² (4–6 m apart) depending on mature canopy
• Pet Friendly: Yes — no known toxicity to cats/dogs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (flowers best); light part shade tolerated
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates light clay if drainage is improved
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light formative prune after flowering; avoid hard pruning into old wood. Slow-release fertiliser in early spring
• Lifespan: 40–60+ years in gardens (longer with care)
• Climate Zones: Suited to warm-temperate & Mediterranean SA gardens; best in frost-free or lightly frosty microclimates
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Signature specimen or avenue tree for streets and driveways (space 4–6 m apart) to create a purple canopy in spring
• Shade tree for lawns, courtyards and poolside areas; underplant with white or silver foliage plants for contrast
• Feature near patios where the fallen blossoms create a romantic purple “carpet” effect (allow space for canopy spread

Why You Will Love It

This is the show-stopper your garden remembers every spring—masses of purple bloom and elegant, airy foliage that delivers cool, dappled shade in summer. Jacaranda establishes quickly, needs low water once settled, and adds instant street appeal and long-term value to homes and landscapes.