The Jacaranda is a subtropical tree native to south-central South America that is very popular as an ornamental tree because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. It has pretty compound leaves.

The Jacaranda is a semi-evergreen tree from South America and can become about 15 m tall and 12 m wide. It also grows in the southern states of the USA, in Mediterranean countries, South Africa and Australia. The Jacaranda has compound, fern-like leaves and beautiful blue flowers which are up to 5 cm long and grouped in large panicles. They appear in spring and early summer, and last for up to two months. The large woody seed pods contain numerous winged seeds. The Jacaranda's bark is thin, greyish brown and becomes scaly when the tree matures. The twigs are slender and slightly zigzag. Depending on the temperatures and amount of light, the tree can keep its leaves during the winter or drop them. In most cases the leaves fall before the flowers open.




Specific Bonsai care guidelines for the Jacaranda mimosifolia

Position: The Jacaranda needs a lot of light and the temperatures should not fall under  15° C / 59° F. Especially when they are planted in a bonsai pot, Jacaranda trees must be protected from lower temperatures. If the Jacaranda is kept inside the house all year it will be difficult to reduce the leaf size. Don't place it above a heating device. In winter, when there is not enough light, the tree can drop all the leaves, but new ones will grow in spring. By the end of May the Jacaranda can be placed outside in a sunny spot or in semi-shade.

Watering: Keep the rootball of the Jacaranda slightly moist. If it dries out the leaves shrink, turn brown and fall off. If it is overwatered, the leaves turn yellow and fall off.

Feeding: Use liquid fertilizer during the growth period every week, in winter once every two weeks.

Pruning and wiring: Jacarandas grow strongly. Shorten the new shoots to one or two leaf pairs when four or five have grown. Strong pruning is done best in spring. The largest leaves can be cut off at any time during the growing season. Wiring is possible but the wires should be removed after three months at the latest. Wire young shoots when they begin to lignify.

Repotting: Repot the Jacaranda every second year in spring and use a well-draining soil mix.

Propagation: The Jacaranda tree can be propagated from seeds and softwood cuttings.

Pests and diseases: Scale sometimes attack the Jacaranda. Use a specific insecticide that contains oil in that case.




Jacaranda mimosifolia

Jacaranda Bonsai