That's the tree on the right of the photo...its sibling is off to the left on the south side of the house. The tree had a rough couple of years with an extended drought and little irrigation due to a two year construction project involving our home. But in the last year, selective pruning, a decent amount of rain, a regular watering schedule, and a bit of fertilizing has brought her back to good health.
I grew up in Southern California where the Jacaranda was a popular street year planted in many of the parkways along the growing suburbs of So Cal developed in the 1950s. I used to love to drive down streets in Whittier filled with huge old Jacarandas vividly purple in spring when they bloomed. And where the streets had a dusting of lavender from falling petals. I then spent nearly 20 years away from a "Mediterranean" climate which the Jacaranda so loves. In moving to Florida last year, I've come back into the climate zone loved by one of my favorite trees. I look forward to seeing its beauty throughout the year.
A few facts about the Jacaranda:
There are over 50 different types of Jacaranda. J. mimosifilia is the type most common in Florida and for now I assume is the type I have growing in my front yard. It will usually bloom twice a year. It likes sandy, well drained soils.It is hardy in zones 9 - 11. It is usually propagated from seed. Selected varieties are grafted.
And one lovely legend:
If a jacaranda petal falls on your head, you'll be blessed with good luck.
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