Tibouchina semidecandra

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Tibouchina semidecandra

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Rosidae
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Melastomataceae
Genus:	Tibouchina
Species:	T. semidecandra

Binomial name

Tibouchina semidecandra

Tibouchina semidecandra, the princess flower, glory bush, or lasiandra, is a sprawling, evergreen shrub or small ornamental tree native to Brazil and ranges from 10 to 15 feet (20 feet with proper training) in height. It can be trimmed to any size and still put on a vivid, year-long flower display. The dark green, velvety, four to six-inch-long leaves have several prominent longitudinal veins instead of the usual one, and are often edged in red. Large, royal purple blossoms, flaring open to five inches, are held on terminal panicles above the foliage, creating a spectacular sight when in full bloom. Some flowers are open throughout the year but they are especially plentiful from May to January. Princess-Flower is ideal for the mixed shrubbery border or used in small groupings to compound the impact of bloom-time.

[edit] Cultivation

Plant in full sun for best color and maximum flowering. They can tolerate the shade but will not thrive.

Plant in most soils with good drainage and a slightly acid mix is even better. Nematodes can affect Tibouchina and over watering can contribute to mushroom root-rot.

Tibouchina can be difficult to establish. After planting, they may seem to lack the will to grow for a season or two, but then suddenly take off. After that, Tibouchina is easy.

Be sure to fertilize for best flowering and growth. Mixing more than one variety will provide strong purple color at different levels.