A blooming jacaranda tree is a sight to behold.
Native to the Amazon River Basin, jacaranda is a genus of over 40 flowering trees prized for their shade and trumpet-shaped blooms that appear from spring through summer. The wide, irregular-shaped canopies covered with fern-like, feathery foliage and flowers form a striking addition to a residential or commercial landscape. Thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 11, tropical jacarandas commonly grow between 20 and 35 feet tall. The low-maintenance trees require basic care to grow and develop. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Grow the jacaranda tree in a sunny spot with well-drained soil in a location away from ponds or swimming pools, since the trees have large surface roots and shed lots of leaves. Space multiple plants 20 feet apart to provide room to grow and spread.
2. Water the tree once every two weeks during spring and summer, when it grows actively. Provide the tree with 1 to 2 inches of water every time you irrigate the soil, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system that encourages the roots to travel deeper in search of water. Reduce the frequency of irrigation when the tree becomes dormant and leafless.
3. Feed the jacaranda tree a well-balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering trees. Follow label directions for feeding the tree according to its trunk diameter. Avoid over-fertilizing the tree, since it reduces blooms and burns roots.
4. Prune the tree in early spring to invigorate growth and maintain shape and size. Use sharp and sterilized pruning shears or loppers to remove damaged and diseased branches, along with rubbing or crossing branches. Cut water sprouts growing from the tree's branches or near its base to redirect its energy on the development of healthy foliage, flower and branch development. Collect clippings and discard or add to your compost pile.
5. Rake leaves, flowers and buds the tree sheds regularly to prevent them from littering your driveway or garden, or clogging your pond. Collect the material and compost or discard.
Tags: jacaranda tree, flowering trees