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Jerusalem thorn

Jerusalem thorn

Parkinsonia aculeata · Fabaceae

📷 Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around jerusalem thorn and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous to semi-evergreen, bipinnate, light green
Flowering
Spring to summer, fragrant yellow flowers in clusters
Mature size
4 to 8 m tall, spreading and bushy habit
Growth
Fast to very fast in warm climates
Hardiness
Tender, warm and dry climates (zones 9-11)
Origin
Africa, Middle East and southwest Asia
Soil type
Well-draining, tolerant of poor and chalky soils
Exposure
Full sun mandatory

Expert tips

≈ Generated, to verify

The key tip

L'arrêtenègre déteste l'eau stagnante : en pot ou en terre, assurez un drainage impeccable et espacez les arrosages même en été. C'est un arbuste des zones arides qui meurt plus souvent d'excès d'eau que de sécheresse. Une fois établi (2-3 ans), il survit sans irrigation régulière.

The common mistake

La plupart des jardiniers noient cette plante en croyant bien faire : un arrosage hebdomadaire en été est déjà trop pour un sujet bien enraciné. Elle pousse lentement les premières années précisément parce qu'elle construit des racines profondes, pas un feuillage gonflé.

The pro's trick

Paillez légèrement après la plantation pour conserver l'humidité du sol en profondeur, mais laissez le collet bien aéré. En cas de sécheresse prolongée, arrosez généreusement une seule fois plutôt que de petites doses répétées : cela encourage les racines à descendre chercher l'eau.

Seasonal watch

En hiver ou après un printemps froid humide, guettez les pourritures racinaires : si le feuillage jaunit par plaques ou semble mou, cessez tout arrosage pendant 3-4 semaines. L'arrêtenègre redémarre tard au printemps, ne la déclarez pas morte trop vite.

Care

Watering

Once established, this plant tolerates drought very well and requires little water. Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. In arid climates, monthly watering is sufficient; in more humid climates, let the soil dry out between waterings.

Exposure

Place this plant in full sun with no shade. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to flower well and maintain a compact form. Shade promotes unbalanced growth.

Soil

This plant adapts to almost all soils, from poor to fertile, from chalky to slightly acidic. Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot in wet winters. Avoid waterlogged areas.

Pruning and maintenance

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, airy form. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. This plant tolerates moderate pruning well and can be trained as a spreading shrub or single-trunk small tree.

Fertilizer

Undemanding, this plant benefits from balanced fertilizer applied in spring. In very poor soil, apply light slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.

Pests and diseases

In appropriate climates, this plant is very robust. In overly humid zones, watch for root rot and scale insects. Spider mites may appear in very dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid stagnant humidity on the foliage.

Did you know?

This plant's common name relates to its historically formidable sharp spines: this impressive defensive structure once made it an impassable natural barrier. In North Africa and the Middle East, it long served as a living fence for crops and livestock, explaining its wide current distribution in Mediterranean and subtropical regions.

Where to buy it

Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.