Jacaranda trees are set to bloom early this year, with the bright purple flowers expected to flourish as early as October.
Usually at their peak in November, or even as late as December, the dry winter and warmer weather has provided the perfect conditions for the trees to flower ahead of schedule.
The spectacular canopies, which come alive each spring, attract swarms of influencers and snap-happy tourists every year – much to the annoyance of locals who often find their roads blocked by camera-toting visitors.
In 2022 after an usually wet winter, the Jacarandas bloomed later than they had in years, leading to many disappointed Sydneysiders who were desperate to snap a photo with the Insta-friendly flowers.
‘Traditionally the trees flower around Melbourne Cup day but this year I’d expect it to happen a bit before then,’ Systematic Botanist and Senior Research Scientist at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, Russell Barrett, told FEMAIL.
Jacaranda trees are set to bloom early this year, with the bright purple flowers expected to flourish as early as October
Large crowds descend on places like McDougall Street in Kirribilli (pictured) throughout spring in the hopes of capturing a winning shot
‘There’s a lot of different factors that go into Jacaranda flowering. We’ve not had as many cool nights this winter and it was unusually dry.
‘However I’m unsure how good the season will be. Last year because the season was so wet the trees put out huge quantities of buds. I suspect the timing will be earlier, but they probably won’t be as showy as they were 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 process of flowering depends on how that season plays out.
‘I’m interested to see what happens because here in Sydney our winters aren’t as cold. I’m keen to see how it will influence the outcome and if some trees won’t flower… or perhaps not as much.
‘We know they need some cold, but aren’t sure just how much they need.’
‘Traditionally the trees flower around Melbourne Cup day but this year I’d expect it to happen a bit before then,’ Systematic Botanist and Senior Research Scientist at Sydney’s Botanic Gardens, Russell Barrett (pictured), told FEMAIL
The spectacular canopies, which come alive each spring, attract swarms of influencers and snap-happy tourists every year – much to the annoyance of locals who often find their roads blocked by camera-toting visitors
Other factors for growth include sunlight, temperature, rainfall and humidity.
Once the trees do bloom they will continue to do so for about a month; the ‘main flush’ will occur over a period of about two weeks.
This year will be ‘a far more defined season’ and will likely be shorter.
The best places to spot the bright blooms, he says, are Kirribilli and the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden in the city’s north, the Botanic Gardens and streets in Surry Hills and Redfern.
McDougall Street in Kirribilli is perhaps the most popular spot for social media-obsessed photographers, but there are plenty of quieter places tucked off the beaten track where you can take in the view without the crowds.
Jacarandas also bloom along the paths of Glebe, Camperdown and Erskineville, as well as on the University of Sydney campus
They are so well known that you can even take a walking tour through the suburb’s best streets, with guides pointing out the most stunning backdrops before strolling on to areas such as Lavender Bay and Longueville.
Across the bridge Paddington, Woollahra and Double Bay also have beautiful lilac trees lining the streets.
Eye-catching clusters are also dotted around community parks in Zetland, in the city’s inner-east.
The trees have been in Australia for more than 150 years since seeds were brought from South America to parts of Sydney and can also be spotted in various regional towns across New South Wales.