Princess Flowers, belonging to the genus Tibouchina, are known for their vibrant purple blooms. These plants bring a touch of the tropics to various garden settings. Their flowers and attractive foliage enhance outdoor spaces. This genus encompasses a range of plants, from compact shrubs to larger trees.
Key Characteristics of Princess Flowers
Princess Flowers are recognized by their purple blossoms, which typically feature five free petals. These flowers can range in color from royal purple to magenta or lighter lilac shades. The blooms do not change color as they age, maintaining their vibrant hue.
Beyond their flowers, these plants are distinguished by their velvety foliage. Leaves are typically evergreen, oppositely arranged, and often feature prominent longitudinal veins, sometimes with a reddish tint along the edges. Most Tibouchina species grow as subshrubs, shrubs, or small trees. Originating from tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Princess Flowers thrive in warm, sheltered environments and prefer moist, acidic, well-drained soils.
Popular Princess Flower Varieties
Among the diverse Tibouchina genus, several varieties are particularly favored for garden cultivation, each offering distinct characteristics.
Tibouchina urvilleana
Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as Princess Flower or Glory Bush, is a popular variety. This large, sprawling evergreen shrub can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet, potentially growing up to 15 feet, and can be trained as a small tree or vine. Its rose-purple flowers, measuring 3 to 4 inches across, bloom singly or in clusters, often appearing sporadically throughout the year in tropical climates. The leaves are ovate to oblong, 2 to 4 inches long, downy, and feature three to seven prominent longitudinal veins. This variety is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11; in Zone 8, it may die back to the ground in winter but often regrows from the roots in spring.
Tibouchina granulosa
Tibouchina granulosa, also called Purple Glory Tree, can form a tree up to 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. Its deep rose to violet flowers, typically 2 inches across, bloom in clusters intermittently throughout the year. Distinctively, T. granulosa possesses glossy, dark green leaves, 5 to 8 inches long, with prominent longitudinal veins, setting it apart from other varieties that often have velvety foliage. This variety is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11 and prefers full sun for optimal flowering.
Tibouchina heteromalla
Tibouchina heteromalla, known as the Silver-leaved Princess Flower, has silvery, hairy leaves. This variety typically grows as a compact shrub, providing a different textural element to the garden. Its flowers are purple, complementing its distinct foliage. While generally smaller than some other species, it offers contrast in mixed plantings.
Tibouchina semidecandra
Tibouchina semidecandra, sometimes categorized with T. urvilleana, is known for its large purple flowers and similar growth habit, often reaching considerable sizes. It can tolerate a few degrees of frost, making it a viable option in marginally cooler climates compared to strictly tropical species. These varieties demonstrate the range of sizes and forms available within the Princess Flower genus, from smaller shrubs like ‘Jules’ (around 2 feet high and wide) to medium-sized options like ‘Carol Lyn’ (around 5 feet high) and larger tree-like forms.
Choosing the Best Variety for Your Garden
Selecting the right Princess Flower variety for your garden involves considering several environmental and aesthetic factors. Climate and hardiness zones are primary considerations, as most Princess Flowers thrive in warmer regions, specifically USDA Zones 9-11. In cooler zones, they can be grown in containers and brought indoors to overwinter, or some varieties may die back in winter but return in spring.
The available space in your garden is another important factor, given the varied mature sizes of different Princess Flower varieties. For smaller gardens or container planting, compact cultivars like ‘Jules’ or ‘Jazzie’ are suitable, reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet. Larger varieties, such as Tibouchina urvilleana or Tibouchina granulosa, can be trained as specimen trees or large shrubs, requiring ample space to reach their full potential of 15 to 20 feet.
Consider the desired aesthetic, including flower color nuances and leaf texture. While most Princess Flowers feature purple blooms, shades can vary from royal purple to rose-purple or violet. Leaf characteristics, such as the velvety texture of T. urvilleana or the glossy appearance of T. granulosa, also contribute to the plant’s visual appeal. Finally, determine the intended use in your landscape; Princess Flowers can serve as specimen plants, provide color in mixed shrub borders, or function as container plants on patios.