Tibouchina semidecandra Tibouchina is a genus of about 350 species of neotropical plants in the family Melastomataceae. They are trees, shrubs or subshrubs growing 0.5-25 m tall, and are known as “glory bushes” or sometimes “glory trees”. They are native to rainforests of Mexico, the West Indies and South America, especially Brazil. The name comes from an adaptation of the native Guiana term for these shrubs.
Tibouchina grows a little rampant and tends to sprawl in habit. However, with some good pruning, Tibouchina can be the best plant on your block.
Tibouchina has large velvety evergreen leaves with a coarse appearance and a fine dark green color. Leaves are covered with soft white hairs.
Plant in most soils with good drainage and a slightly acid mix is even better. Nematodes can affect Tibouchina and over watering can contribute to mushroom root-rot.
Tibouchina grandifolia has purple flowers with white inside, turning red-orange with age. Tibouchina granulosa is a tropical tree native to Brazil and Bolivia and grows 16 to 40 feet tall. Tibouchina heteromalla is a small shrub about 3 feet high. Tibouchina semidecandra is pictured above and rated to about 15 feet.
Recent introductions of hybrid Tibouchina means you can have smaller plants. These and traditional Tibouchina varieties include:
- Tibouchina 'Athens Blue' (hybrid)
- Tibouchina 'Compacta' (hybrid)
- Tibouchina grandifolia
- Tibouchina granulosa
- Tibouchina heteromalla (rare)
- Tibouchina semidecandra
- Tibouchina urvilleana
Be sure to fertilize for best flowering and growth. Mixing more than one variety will provide strong purple color at different levels.
