How to Grow Jacaranda Trees in South Texas
South Texas has ideal climate conditions for growing the jacaranda tree. The jacaranda is a native of subtropical South America known for its brilliant and long-lasting blue flowers. The tree thrives in areas with mild winters and no frost, although the occasional surprise snowstorms in South Texas make care a little more difficult than in Southern California and Florida, where the jacaranda tree also is prevalent. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Visit a nursery and buy a jacaranda tree in a pot. Trees are generally available at heights ranging from 2 to 10 feet; the tree grows fast, at least 1 to 2 feet per growing season. Mature jacaranda trees reach a height between 20 and 30 feet.
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Select a sunny location, ideally away from the wind, regardless of whether you live in the drier Southwest Texas or the more humid southeastern part of the state.
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Dig a hole at least three times the size of the root ball and mix in equal parts top soil and sand to fill the hole halfway to the top. Jacarandas like rich, well-drained soil. Recent drought conditions in South Texas have made the native soil drier than usual, so be sure to break up before you mix in the top soil and sand.
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Dig an indent with your hands and position the tree in the center. Fill the hole to the top with a mixture of equal parts top soil, sand and the dirt you originally dug out of the hole. Leave a bit of an indent around the tree so water can collect.
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Keep the soil slightly moist. The jacaranda can withstand drought quite well, but when newly planted it should be watered regularly, except at times of heavy rainfall. The jacaranda will need to be watered more often in the semi-arid southwestern part of Texas than in the southeast; this area gets significantly more rainfall, particularly the Rio Grande Valley, home to subtropical forests and a great place to grow any tropical plants.
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Do not prune the jacaranda tree, except initially, to allow one central leader stem to grow. If pruned too much, jacarandas develop vertical suckers that destroy the natural shape of the tree.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure sure the soil drains well; otherwise, the tree may develop mushroom root rot. Jacaranda trees are very messy; keep them away from pool filters and cars.
