Don’s Expert Answers: Underplanting a Jacaranda with natives

Question From:
Tina in Tallegalla, Qld Queensland

Nature of problem:
Underplanting a Jacaranda with natives

Type of Plant (if known):
Jacaranda

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Part shade and dry climate

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Loam with clay under

How often do you water the plant:
Never

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Jacarandas are in full sun but when they have foliage the underplants won’t get any or much sun

How long since you planted it:
Old, well established jacarandas

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
No

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Out

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nothing

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
What natives in south east qld could i use as a screening hedge about 1.5m high along the base of a row of jacarandas on the roadside of our property?

Answer:
Hi Tina, Apart from rainforest plants, there aren’t many native plants that do well in the shade. I suggest a mix of orange flowering clivias and white flowering star jasmine as a groundcover: orange, white and blue/purple look stunning together. Also install an irrigation system under each tree – this is essential. Don