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