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Herbaceous Perennial

Chaetogastra paratropica

near tropical tibouchina

A borderline hardy, shrubby herbaceous perennial to 60cm, with hairy stems and leaves. In late summer it produces clusters of white or pale pink flowers. In mild areas grow at the base of a sunny wall, in cold regions grow under glass

Synonyms

Tibouchina paratropica

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

1–2 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Melastomataceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
Name status: Correct
Plant range: S America

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in moist, fertile soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Add a deep, dry mulch to protect the crown in winter. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by surface sowing seed at 18°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Conservatory and greenhouse
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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