It's Jacaranda Time! A Matisse In My Yard!

Early spring and summer these beautiful trees spot our landscape here in Florida. They grow in sunny tropically tinged weather all over the world, but usually grow where there is no risk of frost.

The Jacaranda is drought tolerant, and requires well drained soil.

I often sit out back and enjoy the beauty of these blue trees swaying against a deep blue sky. It's like observing the French master, Matisse.

They bloom for about two months, April and May, lasting through Easter.

The kids run around with their baskets and hide Easter eggs among them.

Wearing shoes is a must because the fragrant blooms that have fallen on the ground attract bees.

The trumpet shaped bloom is in clusters and the leaves are fern like.

It actually looks like a large fern after the blooms fall.

When the blooms fall, you can hear them hit the ground, and hope that you don't get hit on the head.

The seeds (fruit) are brown, round pods that are about 1-3 inches wide.

There about 49 species of the tree, and one variety has white blooms. It is considered an ornamental tree.

Jacaranda makes an excellent street tree. The branches arch to produce a canopy. The roots can surface and are large, and not recommended too close to a house.

Sometimes they are called, the 'mess' tree because of the blossom litter that might clog drains. Also, they have large seeds that fall and have to be picked up before mowing. But it is such a lovely tree, people are willing to put up with the mess. It is a beautiful sight when your whole lawn is covered with blue.

Use softwood cutting for grafting. Seeds can be planted but takes longer to bloom.

Prune for strength and stability. They form vertical suckers that can distort the shape.

There are no pests of note that attack the Jacaranda.