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Tibouchina spp.

glory bushes and allies

Melastomataceae

Tropical and subtropical Central and South America, centered in Brazil

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Tibouchina spp. is a genus of tropical flowering shrubs and small trees in the family Melastomataceae, native to Central and South America with the greatest diversity in Brazil. Many species once placed here are now assigned to Pleroma spp., though plants are still widely grown and sold under the name Tibouchina spp.. Plants range from 2-40 ft (0.6-12 m) tall depending on species, with the commonly cultivated T. urvilleana reaching 10-20 ft (3-6 m). Leaves are opposite, ovate to lance-shaped, 2-6 in (5-15 cm) long, and covered in short hairs that give a velvety surface; 3-7 prominent veins run lengthwise from base to tip, a trait shared across the family. Flowers have five rounded petals in violet-purple, magenta, or rose-pink, each bloom 1-4 in (2.5-10 cm) across, with curved purple stamens. Blooming peaks in summer and autumn, and in frost-free climates some species flower intermittently year-round. The genus is frost-sensitive, surviving outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11, and is grown in containers and conservatories in colder regions. New stems and leaf margins often flush reddish before maturing to green.

Native Range

Tibouchina spp. is native to the New World tropics and subtropics, ranging from Mexico through Central America and across South America, with most species occurring in Brazil. Plants grow in forest margins, savannas, and montane slopes.

Suggested Uses

Tibouchina spp. species are planted as flowering shrubs, informal hedges, and container plants on patios and in conservatories. The purple blooms feature in tropical and subtropical garden displays. Compact species suit large pots in regions too cold for outdoor planting.

How to Identify

Recognize Tibouchina spp. by opposite ovate leaves with 3-7 deep longitudinal veins and a velvety, hairy surface. Five-petaled flowers open in violet-purple to magenta, 1-4 in (2.5-10 cm) wide, with curved purple-and-yellow stamens. The combination of veined hairy foliage and large purple blooms separates it from most other shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 40'

Width/Spread3' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering peaks in summer and autumn across most species. In frost-free climates plants may bloom intermittently through the year. Individual flowers last one to two days, with new buds opening in succession over many weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

violet-purple to magenta

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-8 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 sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Tibouchina spp. species grow in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with a pH near 5.0 to 6.5. They grow in loam enriched with organic matter and are damaged by both waterlogging and prolonged drought. Plants are frost-sensitive and survive outdoors only in USDA zones 9 to 11; elsewhere they are kept in containers and sheltered over winter. Consistent moisture during the growing season supports continuous flowering. In exposed locations the brittle stems break in strong wind. An acidic fertilizer applied in spring and summer sustains foliage color.

Pruning

Plants are pruned after the main flush of bloom to keep a compact shape, since flowers form on new growth. Stems can be cut back by up to one third in late winter or early spring. Pinching young shoots encourages branching and denser flowering.