Jacaranda trees will flower early this year, with the bright purple flowers expected to bloom as early as October.
Usually at their peak in November, or even as late as December, the dry winter and warmer weather provide the perfect conditions for the trees to bloom ahead of schedule.
The spectacular canopies, which spring to life each spring, attract swarms of influencers and fun-loving tourists every year – much to the chagrin of locals, who often find their ways blocked by visitors with cameras.
In 2022, after a generally wet winter, the Jacarandas bloomed later than in years, leading to many disappointed Sydneysiders desperate to get a photo with the Insta-friendly blooms.
“Traditionally, the trees bloom around Melbourne Cup day, but this year I expect it to happen a little earlier,” says systematic botanist and senior research scientist at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, Russell Barretttold FEMAIL.
Jacaranda trees will flower early this year, with the bright purple flowers expected to bloom as early as October
All spring, large crowds flock to places like McDougall Street in Kirribilli (pictured) in hopes of snapping a winning shot
“There are many different factors that play a role in Jacaranda flowering. We haven’t had that many cool nights this winter and it has been unusually dry.
“However, I’m not sure how good the season will be. Because the season was so wet last year, the trees produced huge amounts of buds. I suspect the timing will be earlier, but they probably won’t be as flashy as last year.’
Mr Barrett explained that as Jacarandas are native to South America and grow along the border of Argentina and Bolivia, the trees are used to a cold winter period, so the flowering process depends on how that season goes.
‘I’m curious to see what happens, because here in Sydney our winters aren’t that cold. I’m curious how this will affect the outcome and if some trees won’t bloom… or maybe not as much.
“We know they need some cold, but we don’t know exactly how much they need.”
“Traditionally, the trees bloom around Melbourne Cup day, but this year I expect it to happen a little earlier,” Russell Barrett (pictured), systematic botanist and senior research scientist at Sydney Botanic Gardens (pictured), told FEMAIL
The spectacular canopies, which come to life each spring, attract swarms of influencers and fun-loving tourists every year – much to the chagrin of locals, who often find their roads blocked by visitors with cameras
Other growth factors include sunlight, temperature, rainfall and humidity.
Once the trees bloom, they will continue to do so for about a month; the ‘main flush’ will take place over a period of approximately two weeks.
This year will be “a much clearer season” and probably shorter.
The best places to spot the bright blooms, he says, are Kirribilli and the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden in the north of town, the Botanic Gardens and the streets in Surry Hills and Redfern.
McDougall Street in Kirribilli may be the hottest spot for social media obsessed photographers, but there are plenty of quieter spots tucked off the beaten track where you can enjoy the views without the crowds.
Jacarandas also flourish along the Glebe, Camperdown and Erskineville trails, as well as on the University of Sydney campus
They’re so well known that you can even take a walking tour of the suburb’s best streets, with guides showing you the prettiest backdrops before continuing on to areas like Lavender Bay and Longueville.
Across the bridge, Paddington, Woollahra and Double Bay also have beautiful lilac trees lining the streets.
Striking clusters are also scattered across community parks in Zetland, in the east of the city.
The trees have been in Australia for over 150 years since the seeds were brought to parts of Sydney from South America and can also be seen in several regional towns in New South Wales.