Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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purple jacaranda tree

The purple jacaranda tree is renowned for its breathtaking spring display, when clouds of vibrant lavender-blue blossoms transform landscapes across New Zealand. Loved for both its ornamental beauty and light, spreading canopy, the purple jacaranda tree brings a touch of exotic elegance to gardens, public spaces, and street plantings. Whether you’re searching for a standout specimen or adding to a stunning avenue of colour, the purple jacaranda is a favourite with landscapers and home gardeners alike.

Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.

Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. Loose clusters of the deep blue-mauve flowers are borne across the tree through spring and summer. The dark green foliage has a fern-like appearance, and in warm climates, it remains evergreen; otherwise, it is deciduous. It typically grows to 12 m tall and 8 m wide. Jacaranda mimosifolia is commonly used in avenue plantings to provide an unforgettable sight, grown as a specimen, added to a mixed planting, or included in a ‘tropical’ garden.

Buy Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

From $358.98

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 12.00 m

Spread: 8.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese, Tropical

Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.

Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud)

The Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy tree, commonly known as Forest Pansy Redbud or Eastern Redbud Forest Pansy, is a small tree grown for its impressive foliage and form. The heart shaped leaves are dark red when young, age to dark purple, then develop red and yellow tones in autumn before falling. As the foliage emerges in spring, masses of small pink blossoms are produced. It grows as either a multi-stemmed or single-trunked tree with a broad and rounded canopy to about 4.5 m tall and 3.5 m wide. Cercis Forest Pansy is commonly grown as a specimen, used in avenue plantings, planted around entranceways, grown around outdoor living areas, or included in a mixed planting.

Buy Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud)

From $432.79

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Trees

Height: 4.50 m

Spread: 3.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Avenues, Living areas, Parks, Specimen

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

What Is a Purple Jacaranda Tree?

The iconic purple jacaranda tree is most commonly known as Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda). Originating from South America, this fast-growing, deciduous tree quickly adapts to New Zealand’s mild climate. It typically reaches heights of 10 to 15 metres, with a graceful branching habit and fern-like foliage that provides dappled shade. The main attraction is its profuse clusters of trumpet-shaped purple flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer and can carpet the ground below in petals.

Where to Plant Purple Jacarandas in New Zealand

The purple jacaranda tree thrives in warmer regions of New Zealand, particularly in frost-free zones. They are ideal for Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, and other northern areas. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil to ensure best flowering. Mature trees are relatively drought-tolerant and require little maintenance, making them perfect for spacious gardens or verge plantings.

Landscaping Ideas Using Purple Jacaranda

With its airy canopy and stunning flowers, the purple jacaranda tree makes a statement as a standalone lawn specimen or grouped in informal groves. Pair it with other striking trees for seasonal colour contrast. For example, the rich burgundy leaves of Corylus maxima Purpurea highlight the jacaranda’s soft purple blooms. Or, combine the jacaranda with Cercis canadensis Forest Pansy (Eastern Redbud) or Gleditsia triacanthos Ruby Lace (Honey Locust) for evolving colours from spring through autumn.

Caring for Your Purple Jacaranda Tree

Caring for a purple jacaranda tree is straightforward. Young saplings benefit from regular watering during summer dry spells and a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture. Keep the base free from grass to avoid competition. While pruning is rarely needed, it’s best done in late winter to shape branches for a strong framework or to remove any crossing wood. Established trees tolerate periods of heat and dry weather well.

Other Trees with Purple and Red Foliage

If you love the look of the purple jacaranda tree, there are other stunning specimens to consider for your collection. The vibrant reddish-purple leaves of Cercis Oklahoma Redbud add spring drama, while Corylus maxima Purpurea provides season-long interest with its deep purple foliage.

The purple jacaranda tree is an enduring favourite for gardeners who want to make a spectacular statement. With just a little care, this tree will reward you with years of spring colour and elegant shade.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.