Princess Flower Tibouchina urvilleana
ABOUT
Commonly known as the princess flower, this plant is admired for its striking beauty. It showcases a lavish array of vibrant purple flowers that often bloom repeatedly throughout the warmer seasons. The flowers are large with five velvety petals, creating a splendid display that can capture the attention of any onlooker. The foliage of the princess flower is equally attractive, with deep green leaves that have a slightly glossy appearance. The leaves are oval-shaped with pointed tips and are softly hairy, which adds to the plant's overall lush texture. The striking contrast between the bright purple blooms and the rich green leaves creates a dramatic visual impact. In addition to its blossoms and foliage, the princess flower has prominent stamens that extend beyond the petals, featuring yellow-colored tips that add to the ornamental appeal of the plant. The overall appearance of the princess flower is one of tropical elegance, and it often serves as a focal point in gardens where it's grown for its ornamental qualities.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Melastomataceae.
Synonyms
Princess Flower, Glory Bush, Purple Glory Tree, Lasiandra.
Common names
Lasiandra urvilleana, Tibouchina maudhiana, Tibouchina semidecandra, Lasiandra semidecandra.
ToxicityTo humans
Princess flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) is not widely known to be a toxic plant to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning from ingestion or contact with its parts in humans. However, as a general precaution, it is not advisable to eat or handle unknown plants without proper knowledge, as individual allergies or sensitivities could cause potential reactions. If any part of the plant is ingested and adverse effects occur, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Princess flower is not commonly listed as toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There is limited information on the potential toxicity of Tibouchina urvilleana to pets, but no widespread reports of poisoning from this plant are documented. However, it's always best to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting plants, as individual reactions can vary. If your pet does consume parts of the plant and shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental appeal: Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as princess flower, is widely appreciated for its vibrant purple flowers and lush foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and public landscapes.
- Habitat for wildlife: Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
- Shade provider: With its dense growth habit, the princess flower can offer shade in sunny gardens, creating a cooler microclimate.
- Privacy screening: Its bushy nature allows it to be used as a living screen, providing privacy for homeowners and reducing noise pollution.
- Erosion control: The root system of Tibouchina urvilleana helps stabilize the soil, preventing erosion on slopes.
- Seasonal interest: The plant has a long blooming season, usually from late spring through autumn, providing sustained visual interest in the landscape.
- Cultural significance: In some regions, the princess flower is considered a symbol of beauty and is used in festive decorations and ceremonies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The velvet-like foliage of Princess Flower can be used in tactile sensory gardens, offering a unique touch experience due to its soft, velvety leaves.
- Because of its striking purple flowers, the Princess Flower can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, though it is not a common practice.
- The wood from the Princess Flower, being moderately hard, can be utilized in the crafting of small wooden objects or ornamental pieces.
- In tropical and subtropical regions, it can function as a privacy screen due to its dense growth habit.
- The vibrant blossoms of Princess Flower can be incorporated into floral arrangements as a source of long-lasting color.
- Princess Flower can be cultivated for use in educational settings to teach students about plant care and horticulture.
- Used in landscape design, the Princess Flower can create dramatic backdrops in garden settings or serve as a focal point in a floral display.
- The plant can act as a natural indicator of seasonal change in temperate climates because its blooming cycle is sensitive to temperature and daylight changes.
- Dried Princess Flower petals can be used in potpourri to add color and a light, natural fragrance to a room.
- The plant can be used in butterfly gardens to attract and support pollinators, as it is a favored plant for various butterfly species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Princess Flower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Princess Flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Glory: Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as Princess Flower, often symbolizes glory due to its striking purple flowers that stand out in the garden.
- Royalty: The rich purple hue of the Princess Flower's blooms is traditionally associated with royalty, reflecting a sense of elegance and nobility.
- Beauty: With its showy flowers and velvety leaves, the Princess Flower represents beauty, often used to enhance aesthetic appeal in ornamental horticulture.
- Wealth: The lush and vivid appearance of the Princess Flower can be symbolic of wealth, both in its luxurious color and opulent presentation.
- Resilience: Although the Princess Flower is known for its delicate appearance, it can be surprisingly resilient, representing the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances.
WaterThe Princess Flower should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water the plant roughly once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water for a medium-sized plant. In the cooler fall and winter months, reduce watering frequency to every other week, ensuring the top inch of soil dries out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage.
LightPrincess Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers to be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot would be in an east- or west-facing garden where the morning or late afternoon sun can encourage plentiful flowering without the intense midday heat.
TemperaturePrincess Flower performs best in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40°F, but frost can severely damage or kill the plant. It should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding the high 90s°F. In colder climates, it is best grown as an annual or brought indoors before the first frost.
PruningPruning the Princess Flower is essential for maintaining a desired shape and for encouraging bushier growth with more flowers. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent blooms and cutting back leggy branches can be done throughout the growing season to promote continuous flowering. Prune it once a year, or more often if you are shaping the plant or managing its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPrincess Flower thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite encourages healthy growth. Regular feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer is beneficial.
RepottingPrincess Flowers should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & MistingPrincess Flower prefers a humid environment, performing best when the humidity level is around 50% or higher. However, it can adapt to lower humidity levels indoors if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in semi-shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-12 USDA
Life cyclePrincess Flower, or Tibouchina urvilleana, starts its life cycle from seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, where it develops a woody stem and broad, hairy leaves with a prominent vein pattern. As it matures, the Princess Flower begins its reproductive phase, characterized by the production of striking purple flowers, often from summer through fall, attracting pollinators and aiding in the cross-pollination process. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into small, brown, and hairy fruit capsules containing seeds, which, when mature, dehisce and release the seeds into the environment to start a new generation. Throughout its life, the plant may undergo periods of dormancy during colder months, only to resume active growth with the return of favorable conditions. The Princess Flower can be propagated not only by seeds but also by cuttings, allowing gardeners to bypass the seed stage for quicker flowering specimens.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as princess flower or glory bush, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This is usually done in late summer. A healthy stem of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) is selected and cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of success. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm, bright environment out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and shows new growth, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
