Jacaranda, Rosewood tree

Jacaranda mimosifolia is one of the most important ornamental trees in the tropics and subtropics. The coveted tropical wood is supplied by the real rosewood (Dalbergia). Jacaranda mimosifolia has ornamental value.

In their home and in frost-free areas, Jacaranda mimosifolia grows into a round-crowned tree with a height of usually 26.24 to 39.37 feet and more. The deciduous Rosewood tree reaches 16.4 to 29.52 feet in width. In our region it remains significantly smaller overall. In the container, the loosely structured tree cannot grow into the imposing elegance of the avenue and park trees. But its light, airy structure makes it a handsome container plant.

The fine, double-pinnate leaves of the Jacaranda species are reminiscent of mimosa. However, they do not have the mechanism of motion to fold inwards at the slightest shock or touch. That is why some people prefer to compare the 5.9 to 17.71 inches long and around 5.9 inches wide leaves with the leaves of ferns. Also the reason why you will also come across the name fern tree. However, this is especially true for the closely related species Jacaranda acutifolia. In the natural habitat, the deciduous tree sheds its leaves in the dry season. In our region, this happens during the dormant phase in winter.

The spectacular Rosewood tree flowers come in a unique tone between lavender and sky blue. The whole crown is covered in a blue-violet cloud of flowers. When this occurs, festivals are celebrated in Australia, similar to the celebrations linked to almond blossoms in the Palatinate or the cherry blossoms in Japan. The flowers appear before the leaves sprout in late winter and spring. However, outliers often exist. Then the flowers spring up above the foliage. The trumpet-shaped single flowers come together in large, loose panicles. The flowers can be compared to the flowers. Instead of the nectar guides, they have a white throat. Jacaranda tree blossoms give off a delicate scent of honey. However, it takes around ten years for a rosewood tree to bloom for the first time.

Jacaranda mimosifolia has leathery capsule fruits. The approximately 1.96 inches large red-brown seed heads are so decorative that they can be used as natural jewelry in flower arrangements and handicrafts. The ripe capsules have a small mouth, which on opening reveals the seeds. This resembles an oyster, which has given the species the name “Oyster tree” among others.

Since the jacaranda tree is not hardy, it needs a summer and a winter place (see overwintering). The outdoor season starts after the ice saints at the earliest: Ice Saints, and ends before the temperatures drop in fall, preferably in the beginning of September. During this time you can set up the warmth-loving species in a sunny spot on the balcony and terrace. Select a location sheltered from wind. The Jacaranda tree has quite a few vulnerable spots that can get impacted by gusty winds. You should therefore also ensure that the container is stable. Keeping them out in the garden over the season doesn't pay off. A conservatory maintained at a mild temperature, on the other hand, makes sense, where the exotic species feels at home all year round. Alternatively, you can also keep Jacaranda mimosifolia as a houseplant. In this way, the beauty of the leaves is highlighted.

With a high-quality potted plant soil, you can offer your Rosewood tree everything it needs: nutrient-rich, well-drained and loose soil.

Keep the Jacaranda tree as uniformly moist as possible. In winter, water sparingly depending on the temperatures. In summer you have to water it regularly. The South American tree does not like ice-cold water which comes from the tap - it is better to water that is left to sit out for a while.

In the growth period from March to September, the container plant requires regular fertilization. Using composite fertilizers as per instructions has proved to be effective.

As long as the plants are still young, they are repotted every two to three years in spring. Gradually increase the pot size. If the pot is too big, rooting will be poor. Before each repotting, it makes sense to immerse the root ball and the pot in water so that it can become saturated with water.

In general, no major pruning is necessary, because the Jacaranda tree looks naturally picturesque. Jacaranda mimosifolia only forms the crown at about 78.74 feet. If you want to pull out a tree, you have to wait in the first few years to cut until the tree reaches the appropriate height. Small cuttings are done in early spring, such as shortening secondary shoots for even growth of the crown. If you cut away too much, flowers won’t bloom. If you prune the Rosewood tree from a young age, it will grow as a multi-stemmed shrub. A radical cut at the end of winter is possible. The fast-growing wood starts growing again. If you grow Jacaranda mimosifolia as a decorative foliage plant in a pot, you prune it in February or March.

Remove fallen leaves regularly—the smell is quite unpleasant.

A greenhouse maintained at mild temperatures or a heated greenhouse is ideal for the Jacaranda as winter quarters Garage or garden shed are unsuitable. Jacaranda mimosifolia not only needs minimum temperatures of 44.6 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree also needs light all year round.

White Jacaranda trees can be found in specialized nurseries in the USA.

Jacaranda mimosifolia can be grown from seeds.

Jacaranda mimosifolia is not susceptible to disease under favorable cultivation conditions. A danger can be a bacterium that causes the dreaded Oleander cancer in the Oleander too. If the leaves turn yellow in season and fall off, the tree is simply too wet or too dry.