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Click for previous Image Image 1 of 2 Tibouchina urvilleana Princess Flower

Tibouchina urvilleana 'Variegata'

Princess Flower

Plant Type:

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Tibouchina urvilleana 'Variegata' - This, the variegated form of Princess Flower, Glory Bush or Purple Glory Bush is just plain beautiful! My first experience with this plant were 6- to 7-foot tall espaliered specimens against brick walls which enclose one of the marvelous gardens on the historic Old Westbury estate on Long Island, NY. The striking green cordate leaves, handsomely veined, are all evenly covered in short silver hairs. The large, open-faced royal purple flowers stud the stems for much of the summer. And this cultivar, 'Variegata', offers the added bonus of golden margins. Wow! No wonder it has so many common names: with that kind of popularity we'd have lots of common names, too... okay, okay, maybe not such a good thing. Site in full sun in fertile, draining soil where it can be grown outdoors. It will make a gorgeous potted plant in the north in a greenhouse or sun-basked conservatory. Either way Tibouchina urvilleana 'Variegata' will make a spectacular specimen. In the north when freezing nights have passed and our growing season has waxed towards late spring bring it outdoors and set it on a patio or near the front steps where it will be seen often. Prune it to keep it smaller and bushier... or not! And speaking of pruning these may be topped-off to slow their tendency to grow too tall very quickly in a container. This will make them branch, thicken and broaden. For gardeners towards the northern end of its range spring planting is strongly advised. Cutting grown.


Height:

7-10 ft

Spread:

7-10 ft

Colors:

Purple

Zone:

(8)9 to 11
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Tibouchina urvilleana 'Variegata'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Light

  • Mostly Sunny
  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Container
  • Screen
  • Specimen
  • Greenhouse / Alpine House
  • Shrub Border
  • Accent
  • Hedge
  • Espalier
  • Potted Plant
  • Foundation
  • Conservatory

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Brazil

Propagated By

  • Division