Tibouchina

Tibouchina are flashy tree-shaped shrubs that bloom abundantly in late summer and autumn They can grow up to 8 m tall and have stunning flowers in colours ranging from purple, mauve, pink or white which can be up to 10 cm across. Tibouchinas have tropical origins so they must be grown in frost free conditions. There are also several smaller varieties of tibouchinas that only grow to around 50 cm tall and can be grown in pots. This means that, in cold areas, a potted Tibouchina can be moved into a protected spot (even a glasshouse) for the winter, thus enabling it to survive through the cold part of the year.

Full sun

Regular watering

Well drained, sandy soil

Suitable for most climates

How to grow tibouchina in a garden

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.
Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
Keep well watered when hot and dry.
Feed in spring, summer & after flowering with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

How to grow tibouchina in a pot

Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun or light shade.
Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
Keep well watered when hot and dry.
Feed in spring, summer and after flowering with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development, healthy foliage and lots of beautiful flowers.
In winter move to a covered porch or glasshouse for protection from the cold.

Growing Tips

Popular varieties include ‘Alstonville’, ‘Kathleen’, ‘Jules’, ‘Noeline’, ‘Groovy Baby’ and ‘Peach Baby’
Prune after flowering or, if winters are cold, in early spring
A spray with Yates DroughtShield when cold temperatures are predicted can help protect tibouchinas from light frost.