Jacaranda Tree Pros and Cons, Growth rate, Care, Problems

The jacaranda tree, also known as the black poui tree, is a beautiful and unique plant that is mostly found in South and Central Florida. Its slender, feathery branches and lilac flowers make it a specimen plant that commands attention wherever it is placed. Jacaranda lends any environment a lush, tropical feel similar to hibiscus and royal poinciana.

Jacaranda is a fragile, deciduous tree that spreads widely. When correctly pruned, it develops a 25-40 foot tall, 40-60 foot wide, artistically uneven crown at maturity. Its fern-like leaves provide a light, dappled shade that is perfect for patios. The trumpet-shaped blossoms emerge in groups of violet, lavender, purple, or white. It's not uncommon for the jacaranda to start flowering as early as April and as late as August, but they're always in full bloom in the spring and summer.

Jacaranda Tree Pros and Cons

Jacaranda trees thrive in warm climatic regions, USDA hardiness zones range between 10 and 11 and are often a suitable option for big outdoor spaces. They are pest and disease-resistant and drought-tolerant to a modest degree.

According to folklore, the flowers, leaves, and bark of this plant are used to treat varicose veins and neuralgia. Infected skin and wounds are treated with hot jacaranda leaf baths. Acne is also treated by this tree.

These trees are an excellent choice for plantings in public spaces like streets and parks, as well as for shaded gardens in warmer climates. When most spring flowering trees shed their leaves, they burst into bright colors to provide the ideal summer scene.

The sharpshooters with glassy wings that attack jacarandas spread the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. When a tree is afflicted, it gets the incurable oleander scorch disease. This is the worst of the issues associated with jacaranda trees.

Jacaranda Tree Growth Rate

Jacaranda trees are fast-growing trees that flourish in fertile, well-drained, sunny soils that are intolerant of damp conditions. These trees require a lot of sunlight. Less humid climates are good for its growth. It's not ideal for a windy location though. Therefore, a coastal region without frost is the best area to grow these trees.

These trees also exhibit shallow root systems. They are perfect for use as landscape ornamental trees. It's not a good idea to grow them, even though they're common in home gardens. Most people overlook the fact that it grows quickly and outgrows any tiny amount of land. 

Jacaranda Tree Care

A significant amount of care is required by this tree. In the first several years following planting, regular pruning is very important. The tree's branches typically grow close to the trunk at acute angles. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate them immediately, before they become a problem. Avoid cutting the length of any branch, as this encourages the growth of a new cluster of stems at the spot of the cut. Instead, the branches are mostly pruned from their attachment points on the trunk or the main branch.

Jacaranda Tree Problems

The majority of jacaranda tree problems are small, varying from a few bug problems to cultural issues. It is vulnerable to aphids and scale, like numerous other garden plants. The leaves are also susceptible to infestation by the glassy-winged sharpshooter. Neem oil or insecticidal soap is mostly used as a spray to get rid of these troublesome insects.

Jacaranda trees also get sick from not getting enough water or from getting too much fertilizer. During the growing season, it is advised to water the trees every other week with a slow, thorough sip. Additionally, avoid using fertilizer.

A jacaranda fails to blossom if it is over-pruned or grown in the shadow. Problems with jacaranda trees also result from extreme cold. They are cold-sensitive and are severely harmed by frost.