What to Plant Under Jacaranda Tree

The Jacaranda tree is a popular ornamental tree known for its vibrant purple flowers that bloom in the spring. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America, particularly Brazil, but it is now widely grown in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and the United States. If you have a Jacaranda tree in your garden, you may be wondering what to plant under it to complement its beauty and create an attractive landscape. Here are some ideas:

1. Groundcovers

One way to enhance the area under your Jacaranda tree is to plant groundcovers. Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly and create a dense carpet of foliage. They help to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for the tree's health. Some of the best groundcovers to plant under a Jacaranda tree include:

Creeper - this is a hardy groundcover that spreads rapidly and can tolerate full sun and partial shade. It has small, light-green leaves and produces tiny pink flowers in the late spring.

Creeping Jenny - a low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of round, chartreuse-green leaves. It thrives in moist soil and partial shade and produces bright yellow flowers.

Deadnettle - a spreading perennial with variegated foliage and small, bright-pink flowers. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

2. Ferns

Ferns are a great choice for planting under a Jacaranda tree because they prefer the shade and have a delicate beauty that complements the tree's majesty. They also help to keep the soil moist and cool, which is essential for the tree's roots. Here are some ferns that you can plant under a Jacaranda:

Maidenhair Fern - a graceful fern with lacy foliage and delicate black stems. It prefers humid conditions and partial shade.

Royal Fern - a large fern that can grow up to 4 feet tall, with fronds that resemble a crown. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.

Japanese Painted Fern - a stunning fern with silver-green leaves that are tinted with shades of purple and red. It prefers shade and moist soil.

3. Shade-Loving Perennials

If you want to add some color to the ground under your Jacaranda tree, you can plant some shade-loving perennials. These plants will thrive in the dappled shade and bloom with beautiful flowers of various colors. Here are some perennials that do well under a Jacaranda:

Bleeding Heart - a perennial with heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.

Hosta - a perennial with bold, textured leaves in shades of green, blue, and gold. It prefers shade and moist soil.

Coral Bells - a perennial with colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, and burgundy. It produces delicate spikes of pink or white flowers in the summer and does well in partial shade.

In conclusion, planting under a Jacaranda tree can be a bit challenging because of its shallow roots and the dappled shade it creates. However, by choosing the right plants that complement the tree's beauty and thrive in the conditions under its canopy, you can create a vibrant and attractive landscape that will enhance your garden's overall aesthetic appeal.