| Tibouchina, the Princess Flower, or Glory Bush, is native to Brazil. It's a fast growing plant and can reach 5'-8' tall. The leaves are oval, velvety, and ribbed. They're often green with red edges and older leaves develop spots of red, orange or yellow. The flowers are brilliant purple. Give your Tibouchina acidic, well draining soil. Keep the roots in the shade and the top in the sun. Pinch out the tips of the new growth to encourage bushiness. Feed in the spring, and protect your plant from frost. You can grow it in a large container, but it may have to be repotted every year to accommodate the root system. There are about 350 subspecies of Tibouchina, and semi-decandra describes the variety 'Princess Flower'. Other varieties fall under the heading of 'Alba' (meaning white), 'Multiflora' (many flowers), and 'Grandiflora' (large flower), etc. So, Tibouchina urvilleana is the Glory Bush. |
