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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Melastomataceae (Melastomes) |
| Origin: Brazil (South America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Violet |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Tibouchina grandifolia, Hort] |
| Height: 8-10 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Tibouchina heteromalla (Silver leafed Princess Flower) - This evergreen shrub has an upright growth habit to 8-10 feet tall with velvety silver-green 4-6 inch long leaves, with prominent veins that are puffed up in the middle and old leaves will often turn a beautiful orange color just prior to dropping off. The 1 1/2 inch wide violet flowers on long spikes bloom mid-summer and last until fall. Loves full sun and moist soil during the growing season but tolerates regular to only occasional irrigation in our coastal gardens. Has proven hardy in our nursery garden to 30 F with only slight young growth tips being damaged. In our January 2007 cold snap with temperatures to 25° F several nights this plant was frozen back but rebounded by the following year. Cutting back plants occasionally helps maintain good form as it does get a little top heavy and spent flower stems are best removed in the fall, lest they detract from the beautiful foliage in winter and early spring. Tibouchina heteromalla is endemic to Brazil, where it occurs in rocky areas in small scattered populations in the southern area in the state of Minas Gerais. The specific epithet is a combination of the Greek words 'heteros' meaning "other party" or "another" indicating dissimilarity and 'mallos' which means "wool" in reference to the different types of hairs on the leaves of this species. This plant is sometimes sold as Tibouchina grandifolia. Another common name for this plant is glory bush.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Tibouchina heteromalla .
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