Family: Bignoniaceae

There are some 45 species of trees in this genus from tropical America. One species, J. mimosi­folia, is rightly considered one of the most beautiful flowering trees in the world. Deciduous only at the end of winter when it loses its fern-like foliage, it lies dormant until spring or early summer when it becomes a cloud of mauve-blue flowers. The flowers autumn, forming a carpet of blue below. It makes a beau­tiful specimen or street tree, transforming the garden or street when in full bloom.

Species

J. mimosifolia, from Argentina and Bolivia, is a broadly spreading tree, to 10 m (33 ft) tall, with fine, fern-like foliage, dense clus­ters of funnel-shaped, mauve-blue flowers and flat, round seed pods that appear in autumn. Pink and white varieties exist but are rarely seen.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in a cool conservatory or greenhouse as a foliage plant, as it is unlikely to flower when pot grown. Use rich, soil-based, potting compost. Plants need maximum light and airy condi­tions. Water normally in the growing period but reduce considerably in winter. Outdoors, in suitable climates, grow in full sun with well-drained soil. Propagate from seed in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with basal warmth for both.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 9.