How to grow Tibouchina
Native to South America, Mexico and Argentina, Tibouchina is a genus of flowering plant with around 240 species. They come as evergreen shrubs, sprawling trees and herbaceous perennials with saucer-shaped purple flowers in a range of hues. With species from ‘Princess Flower’ to ‘Glory Bush’ or ‘Glory Tree’, it is easy to see why Tibouchina is so well-revered.
Due to its native habitat, Tibouchina are not often considered for UK gardens - however, if your garden benefits from plenty of sunlight in the daytime, it can thrive despite the UK’s cooler climate. Tibouchina’s foliage is mid-green, with veined leaves. Often grown as a bushy shrub or garden tree, Tibouchina can grow to 8m in height and 2.5m in spread, taking 5-10 years to fully mature. Tibouchina is deemed hardy and, therefore, tolerant of low temperatures - although frost protection and mulching may be needed.
For something less overwhelming, try growing a potted indoor Tibouchina in a spot with ample sunlight, well-draining moist soil and humidity - this makes them the ideal addition to kitchens and bathrooms alike.
Ready to experience the wonders of the purple Tibouchina? Read on to learn more...
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Tibouchina
Each Tibouchina has slightly different requirements for where to plant. For example, some species are happier with afternoon shade, whilst others enjoy at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, all species of Tibouchina enjoy moist and well-draining soil - this applies whether the plant is grown inside or outside. Species dependant, you can grow Tibouchina in your garden as a tree or shrub outdoors, or indoors in a pot. We advise that you check the requirements for each variety specifically as well as using this handy guide.
How to plant Tibouchina
For the best results, grow Tibouchina from a root ball. Dig a hole in your garden that is twice the width and depth of the roots and ensure that the soil is moist, well-drained and enjoys the correct amount of sunlight
Remove the shrub from the pot it arrives in and tease out the roots gently to help them spread
Place the plant in the hole and backfill, tamp down then water in. Ensure the soil is moist for at least a few weeks while it establishes in its new position. You can also mulch the base of the shrub to aid healthy development
Water once a week or more frequently in dry spells and when there are prolonged levels of hot temperatures
What to plant with Tibouchina
While Tibouchina is a superb standalone shrub or tree, you can always plant several in close proximity to each other - selecting based on similar growing habits and conditions. Tibouchina granulosa (Purple Glory Tree), Tibouchina urvilleana (Princess Flower) and Tibouchina heteromalia all come in various purple hues and will add plenty of colour to a sunny garden.
How to care for Tibouchina
Pruning & Deadheading
Tibouchina may grow in a way that makes it look ‘leggy’ so we recommend that you prune after flowering. Lightly trim the softwood stems and then prune hardwood stems a little more to encourage new growth.
Watering
Tibouchina will need watering in once planted. Watering once a week while the plant establishes should be sufficient. Do, however, keep an eye out for extended periods of dry weather or high temperatures - you may need to water more regularly at these points.
Cold Protection
While hardy, Tibouchina is not tolerant of temps below 1°C. If grown in a pot, bring your Tibouchina indoors over the winter to avoid frost. If your shrub has been affected by frost, you can apply fertiliser to help it re-establish as the weather warms up.
Pests & Diseases
No well-documented pests or diseases. Be mindful of scales, mealybugs and dark spider mites which may take a liking to your Tibouchina. If exposed to high humidity or overwatering, the foliage of Tibouchina may also experience oedema which will appear as small growths or swelling on the leaves.
How to propagate Tibouchina
While it is not guaranteed to be successful in the UK due to its native climate, you can try to propagate your Tibouchina with softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in the spring
Add cutting compost to 15-20cm pots, water the soil and make several planting holes between 2-5cm deep. As Tibouchina is tricky to propagate, give it the best possible chance of success by taking and growing multiple cuttings
Take healthy softwood cuttings from the tree and quickly add them to a glass of water or moisten to restrict the loss of hydration. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the cuttings, leaving just one or two sets of leaves remaining. Lightly damage the bottom 2cm of the stem to encourage re-growth and add cuttings to each pot
Find a bright position indoors for your cuttings that is away from direct sunlight. Keep the foliage and the soil moist with misting and your cuttings should be ready to plant outdoors in just 10-12 weeks. Remember to plant in a spot with plenty of sunlight - as Tibouchina struggles without full sun.
Common Tibouchina Questions
How do I take care of my Tibouchina?
Take care of your Tibouchina by giving it a position in either full sun or partial shade, depending on the species. Tibouchina grows up to an extraordinary 800cm in height, so you will need to train or guide it with ties or wires to prevent wilting.
When should I prune my Tibouchina?
If you decide to prune your Tibouchina, the best time to do this is after flowering has finished. Tibouchina can quickly become leggy or spindly, so you might wish to trim some of the foliage back to encourage tidier growth.
How tall does Tibouchina grow?
Tibouchina has been known to grow as long as 8m tall. This can vary by species although it is a fast-growing plant!
