Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleana
Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleana
- Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as Princess Flower, is a bold, tropical looking shrub that brings rich color and texture into the landscape. It’s one of those plants that instantly draws attention when in bloom.
- The foliage is deep green with a slightly velvety texture and prominent veins, giving it a lush, almost exotic feel even when it’s not flowering. It has a fuller, upright growth habit that works well as a backdrop or focal plant.
- The flowers are the main feature. Large, vibrant purple blooms appear in cycles, often from late spring through fall in warm climates. The color is intense and saturated, creating a strong visual impact wherever it’s planted.
- It works well as a specimen plant, along walls, or in protected garden areas where you want a bit of that tropical look without going fully tropical in design.
- Tibouchina urvilleana grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well drained soil. It benefits from regular watering and performs best in areas that are protected from strong wind and frost.
- It typically reaches about 6 to 12 feet tall and wide, depending on how it’s maintained. It is well suited for USDA zones 9 through 11 and is sensitive to cold temperatures. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
- This plant has low toxicity and is generally a safe choice for gardens with pets and children.
- The flowers attract pollinators such as bees.
- It is generally deer resistant, though occasional browsing may occur.
- Tibouchina urvilleana fits especially well into Mediterranean, tropical, and courtyard garden designs, where its color can be used as a focal point.
- It pairs well with plants like Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Sheen’, which helps lighten and soften the backdrop, Lomandra longifolia for a clean, structured base layer, and Agapanthus orientalis to repeat form while adding seasonal blooms.
- Expert Tip:
- I like placing this in a slightly protected spot, especially away from strong wind or cold exposure. When it’s happy, the blooms are next level, so a little attention to placement upfront makes a big difference in how it performs long term.
- — Nick from Rooted Theory
Foliage:
Evergreen
Form:
Upright And Rounded
Water Needs:
Moderate to Regular,
Regular
Mature Width:
9-11'
Mature Height:
9-11'
Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:
- Properly dig the hole
- Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
- Place the plant and backfill the soil
- Provide ample water for each particular plant
- Review our how to plant guide!
For detailed information, please download our planting guides: