Topic: Jacaranda Trees

[jennym]

I don't grow them, but had to show you this picture of Jacaranda trees in bloom, taken whilst on holiday in Australia. the colour really is as blue as that!

[Derekthefox]

Wow, that is almost surreal ...

Derekthefox :D

[lorna]

Jennym That is fantastic. Wonder if I could stand the journey? Methinks a holiday with my great nephews would be appealing!!

[Ceratonia]

I was given one of these by a neighbour, so there's at least two growing in Cambridgeshire, Lorna! They're about a foot high and growing in pots and are kept inside for the winter and I don't suppose will ever flower, but very nice foliage plants.

They come from Brazil originally I think. You don't need to go as far as Australia to see them, though - see them quite often in mediterranean resorts.

[lorna]

Ceratonia. I really thought the pic posted by Jennnym was fantastic. You will have to let us know progress of the one you have got. How long have you had it?

[Ceratonia]

It is now two years old, but I don't think we'll ever get flowers. Another few years and it will be too big to come inside for the winter and I don't think it will like the frost.

Jennym's picture is fantastic, but maybe only half of the story. I would imagine that row of trees had a pretty nice scent, too.

Can't think of any blue-flowering trees commonly grown in the UK.

[flowerlady]

There was a 'Jacaranda Avenue' of these trees in Nairobi when I was there, you are quite right, the scent was delicious.   :)

[Lady Cosmos]

Beautifull picture Jennym. I have seen those trees in Brasil, Ceratonia. Do you know that it is easy to take cuttings from that tree? :D

[jennym]

Beautifull picture Jennym. I have seen those trees in Brasil, Ceratonia. Do you know that it is easy to take cuttings from that tree? :D

Well, I didn't take cuttings, but did pick up some seeds... I will try growing these.

...Can't think of any blue-flowering trees commonly grown in the UK. 

Ceanothus are quite pretty, not quite as bright though.

[Nathan]

Jenny that reminded me of my childhood home in Pretoria, South Africa.  All the roads were lined with Jacarandas. 

Walking to school we trod on carpets of fallen flowers which would 'pop' under our feet.  Brought back lovely memories!

[jennym]

The flowers are stunning, aren't they?
None had fallen at the time I was in Australia, but the previous seasons seed pods were there - large, tough cases, difficult to pull apart with the fingers, with thin papery seeds inside - just waiting to be picked up.
Mind you, don't know if they are viable, as I didn't see any seedlings around.

[Ceratonia]

Spoke to my neighbour and she claimed 100% success with germination - reckoned they were really easy to grow from seed. She uses them like half-hardy annuals - grows them for the foliage and then chucks them away in autumn.

I looked up hardiness on Google and one site reckoned yong trees wouldn't cope with frost, but more mature specimens could handle temperatures down to -7C. So when my "tree" gets to big to bring indoors, I shall plant it somewhere sheltered and see how it gets on.

[Bambi.1]

What gorgeous tree's and amazing colour  :o ;D great pic Jennym,thanks for sharing it with us.

I do hope you get flowers when it matures.