Tibouchina urvilleana
glory bush
T. urvilleana is a lax evergreen shrub to 4m or more, with elliptic, softly hairy leaves with prominent longitudinal veins and rich violet-purple flowers 6-10cm across, with exserted, blackish stamens
Synonyms
Tibouchina semidecandra misapplied
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Melastomataceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Tibouchina can be evergreen shrubs or herbaceous perennials, with simple, prominently veined leaves and saucer-shaped flowers with conspicuous stamens
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer but keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in moist, fertile, well drained soil in frost-free area
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 16°C in spring or strike softwood cuttings in late spring and semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 9. Plants grown under glass may need restrictive pruning in late winter
Pests
May be attacked by aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
May be affected by oedema under glass
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.