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Tibouchina urvilleana
It will enjoy a sunny location and can be on a regular 14-14-14 time released fertilizer program. The soil must be well drained and a little on the acidic side. Pruning should be in the late winter. Pinch future tips of the new growth to enhance more flowing later.
It is great for zones 9/10, but can be grown as a container plant elsewhere and brought in from killing frosts. Propagation can easily be done by half-ripe cuttings in the late winter through the summer. A really unique and rich looking shrub.
Some questions from Emily's mailbox: Q: Will I be able to grow a "Glory Bush" on
Long Island, NY? I have successfully grown Crepe Myrtle's and they do well
despite our cold winters. I do not want to grow in a container but prefer
to plant in the ground if it is possible. A: All of the books say zones 10-12. We grow ours on the border of
zones 8/9. I don't think they will survive the winter on Long Island (zone
7). I agree that it gets pretty big for a container and in the winter needs
little water and goes dormant (so it does not look good in the house). If you wanted to try to bring it in and store it, you might prune it
back by 1/4, first. If you don't want to bring it in, I would mulch it well and hope for
the best. Q: I planted some Tibouchina
bushes in my backyard about 2 months ago and they were doing fine for a
while. Now, however, the leaves are yellowing are falling off. I've tried
fungus spray and iron, with no results. Can you help? A: Your tibouchina bush may still be acclimating itself to its new
location. Having leaves turning yellow may be a result of either over
watering or under watering. Ironite will 'green' up plant material but
will not necessarily provide any nutrient value. I would make sure the
plant is mulched well for the summer. Not more than 3 inches. Water on a
consistent basis. I went out and looked at mine to check its leaves , and I do have a few
leaves that are also yellow. it may be characteristic of this plant. However I would cut back on the watering... Do not use fungus spray unless you have a need for it. Check back with the nursery you bought it from and see if they have
anything regional going around that might be affecting that plant. This is a subtropical plant. So you should be ok. If you get very cold
winters, try and protect it. |
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This
is a great semi-evergreen shrub that can grow to four feet. The leaves are
oblong and will have distinctive lengthwise veins. The foliage will turn
golden.
This plant has a beautiful deep purple five petal-ed bloom, (but the
variety is called 'Athen Blue') which is saucer-like in appearance. It
will bloom summer to late fall.