About Jacaranda
A medium to large deciduous tree renowned worldwide for its spectacular display of lavender-blue, trumpet-shaped flowers that blanket the canopy and carpet the ground beneath. The Jacaranda's fine, fern-like bipinnate foliage is almost as attractive as the blooms, giving the tree a soft, delicate texture. It is one of the most iconic flowering trees in the world, famous for turning entire streets purple in Pretoria, Buenos Aires, and other cities. Jacaranda belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and originates from South America — northwestern Argentina and Bolivia. Now planted as an ornamental worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions..
The Jacaranda is grown in the Philippines primarily in elevated areas where cooler temperatures help trigger its famous purple bloom — notable plantings exist in Baguio, Tagaytay, parts of Antipolo, and select Metro Manila parks. Flowering can be unreliable in hot, low-elevation areas without a distinct cool season, which is why it is less common than Fire Trees or Golden Showers in most Philippine cities. However, when a Jacaranda does bloom in the Philippines, it is a show-stopper that generates social media attention. Seedlings are available from specialty nurseries and DENR highland stations. Filipino plant enthusiasts consider it a 'bucket list' tree — beautiful but challenging in typical lowland conditions.
Also known as: Blue Jacaranda, Fern Tree.
Popular Varieties
- Jacaranda mimosifolia (standard lavender-blue)
- Jacaranda mimosifolia 'Alba' (rare white-flowered form)
- Jacaranda mimosifolia 'Bonsai Blue' (dwarf cultivar for containers — very rare in PH)
How to Plant Jacaranda in the Philippines
Jacaranda can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings, grafting. The recommended method is seeds (easy to germinate; cuttings and grafting for faster flowering).
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Collect seeds from mature, round, flat seed pods when they turn dark brown and begin to open.
- Step 2: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften.
- Step 3: Sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and press in lightly — seeds need light.
- Step 4: Keep warm and moist. Germination occurs in 14-21 days.
- Step 5: Transplant seedlings when 20-30 cm tall. Note: seed-grown trees may take 7-14 years to first flower.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (essential for flowering; blooms poorly in shade). Position your jacaranda where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Water moderately. Prefers well-drained soil that dries out between waterings. Overwatering can reduce flowering. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (grows in Philippine lowlands but flowers best in areas with a cooler season or temperature fluctuation — highland areas like Baguio and Tagaytay may produce better blooms). Low to moderate — prefers drier conditions than most tropical trees The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing jacaranda outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) once or twice yearly. Avoid high nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. Phosphorus-rich feed before bloom season is beneficial.
Pruning
Prune young trees to develop strong structure. Remove low branches and crossed limbs. Avoid heavy pruning of mature trees — flowers form on previous year's wood.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Fallen flowers may be slippery on wet pavement.
Common Problems & Solutions
No flowers or inconsistent blooming in the Philippines
Cause: Jacaranda flowers best with a cool, dry period that Philippine lowlands may not always provide
Solution: Plant in areas with elevation (Tagaytay, Baguio, Antipolo hills) where temperature drops trigger blooming. Reduce watering during dry season.
Flower and leaf litter
Cause: Massive flower drop after blooming and deciduous leaf drop
Solution: Plant where fallen petals are an asset (they create a beautiful purple carpet). Regular sweeping needed on paved surfaces.
Aphids on new growth
Cause: Soft new leaves attract sap-sucking insects
Solution: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Usually a minor, temporary problem.
Brittle branches
Cause: Relatively soft wood that can break in strong winds
Solution: Prune for strong structure when young. Plant in areas with some wind protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Jacaranda in the Philippines?
Jacaranda needs full sun (essential for flowering; blooms poorly in shade). Water moderately. prefers well-drained soil that dries out between waterings. overwatering can reduce flowering. established trees are moderately drought-tolerant.. Feed with balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) once or twice yearly. avoid high nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. phosphorus-rich feed before bloom season is beneficial.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (grows in Philippine lowlands but flowers best in areas with a cooler season or temperature fluctuation — highland areas like Baguio and Tagaytay may produce better blooms) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Jacaranda?
The recommended method is seeds (easy to germinate; cuttings and grafting for faster flowering). Collect seeds from mature, round, flat seed pods when they turn dark brown and begin to open. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften.
Is Jacaranda toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Fallen flowers may be slippery on wet pavement.
Can Jacaranda grow in containers in the Philippines?
Jacaranda is best grown in the ground or very large containers. It needs ample root space to reach its potential. In smaller urban spaces, choose dwarf varieties when available.
What are common problems when growing Jacaranda?
Common issues include: No flowers or inconsistent blooming in the Philippines (caused by jacaranda flowers best with a cool, dry period that philippine lowlands may not always provide — plant in areas with elevation (tagaytay, baguio, antipolo hills) where temperature drops trigger blooming. reduce watering during dry season); Flower and leaf litter (caused by massive flower drop after blooming and deciduous leaf drop — plant where fallen petals are an asset (they create a beautiful purple carpet). regular sweeping needed on paved surfaces); Aphids on new growth (caused by soft new leaves attract sap-sucking insects — spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. usually a minor, temporary problem).
Growing jacaranda in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!