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Emily (who we are)

 

emilycompost
Plants

Tibouchina urvilleana
(tib-oh-KEE-nah)
Glory Bush
MELASTOMATACEAE

Tibouchina urvilleanaThis 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.

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.

Tibouchina urvilleanaThis 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.

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.

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Some questions from Emily's mailbox:

Glory Bush

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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