Pleroma spp.

glory bushes and allies

Melastomataceae

Tropical South America, centered in Brazil

Attracts Pollinators Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Pleroma spp. is a genus of about 140 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Melastomataceae, native to tropical and subtropical South America, with the greatest diversity in Brazil. Many species were formerly placed in Tibouchina spp.. Plants reach 6–40 feet (1.8–12 m) tall depending on species, with four-angled stems and opposite leaves 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long that are velvety-hairy and marked with three to seven curved veins running lengthwise. Flowers are saucer-shaped with five petals, 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) across, in deep purple, violet, or magenta, with prominent curved purple stamens. Bloom comes in flushes through the warm months, heaviest in late summer and fall. Plants are frost-tender, hardy only in USDA zones 9–11, and grown under glass or as container plants in cooler regions. Young growth is brittle and damaged by wind.

Native Range

Native to tropical and subtropical South America, concentrated in the Atlantic forests and highlands of Brazil and extending into neighboring countries. Grows in forest margins, cerrado, and disturbed ground from near sea level to about 6,500 feet (2,000 m).

Suggested Uses

Grown as flowering shrubs, container specimens, and small patio trees in frost-free and Mediterranean climates, spaced 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) apart. In cooler regions plants are grown in greenhouses and conservatories or moved under cover for winter. Wall-sheltered sites suit them in marginal climates.

How to Identify

Recognized by four-angled stems, opposite velvety leaves with three to seven curved lengthwise veins, and saucer-shaped purple to magenta flowers with curved purple stamens. Flowers are 1–4 inches (2.5–10 cm) across. The lengthwise leaf venation and the beaked, curved stamens separate Pleroma spp. from most other flowering shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 40'

Width/Spread4' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering comes in flushes through the warm months, heaviest from late summer into fall, and nearly continuous in frost-free climates. Each flush lasts 2–4 weeks, and individual blooms open for 1–2 days before dropping. Warmth and full sun drive repeat flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple, violet, to magenta

Foliage Description

deep green, velvety

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3–5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to light shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with regular water in the growing season. Plants are frost-tender and killed or cut to the ground below about 28°F (-2°C). Brittle stems break in strong wind, so sheltered sites reduce damage. Chlorosis develops in alkaline or waterlogged soil. Light feeding and removal of spent flowers support repeat bloom. Scale, mealybug, and spider mite occur on plants grown under glass.

Pruning

Prune after the main flowering flush to shape and to remove leggy or wind-damaged growth, since flowers form on new wood. Hard pruning in spring renews old plants and controls size. Pinching young shoots produces a denser, more branched habit.