Free Shipping When You Spend $50 or More
Stockists
Account
Cart
Sign In
Create Account
Tibouchinaare flashy tree-shaped shrubs that bloom abundantly in late summer and autumnThey 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.Tibouchinashave tropical origins so they must be grown in frost free conditions.There are also several smaller varieties oftibouchinasthat only grow to around 50 cm tall and can be grown in pots.This meansthat, in cold areas, a pottedTibouchinacan 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 to Part Shade
Regular Watering
Fertile, Moist & Well-Drained Soil
Suitable for Most Climates - Does Not Tolerate Heavy Frost
Tibouchina Varieties
Ever since Tibouchinas first arrived in Australia, plant breeders have been busy developing new varieties to suit our conditions. Tibouchina ‘Alstonville’, one of the most popular, even carries the name of the north coast NSW town where it was developed. ‘Alstonville’ was bred by Tibouchina enthusiast Ken Dunstan, who was one of the first Australians to appreciate the potential of these plants. It grows to small tree size and smothers itself in rich purple flowers through much of late summer and autumn.
Another Dunstan cultivar, ‘Kathleen’, also reaches small tree size. Its lolly-pink flower sprays provide a refreshing change from the widely grown purple.
‘Noeline’ offers gardeners something quite unusual: a Tibouchina with flowers that change colour as they age. The flowers start off white and gradually mutate to a deep, mauve-pink. The various shades seen on the plant at the one time create an attractive, multi-coloured effect. To add to its interest, ‘Noeline’ tends to flower in early summer, well before most of its relatives.
‘Jules’ is a small Tibouchina that reaches about 1 metre and does well in a pot or a mixed border. Its flowers are similar to the deep purple blooms of ‘Alstonville’, but the plant’s compact size makes it easy to place in the landscape.
Queenslander Terry Keogh has now followed in Ken Dustan’s footsteps and is developing new Tibouchinas that are ideal for today’s smaller gardens. The first to be released in his Fantasy Flower collection was ‘Groovy Baby’, an ideal pot specimen that grows 60cm tall and 80cm wide. This purple-flowered beauty was followed by similarly-sized ‘Peace Baby’, with crisp white flowers that are decorated with eyelash-like, pink and purple stamens. Both ‘babies’ are said to have enhanced cold tolerance. Watch this range, as there are many more to come.
How to Grow Tibouchina in a Garden
Step 1
Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with.In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Position in hole and backfillwith soil, gently firming down.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Mulch around the base with organic mulch likebark chips,sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
Step 6
Keep well watered when hot and dry.
Step 7
Feed inspring, summer & after floweringwithto ensure strong root development.
How to Grow Tibouchina in a Pot
Step 1
Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least500mm wide and deep. Position in full sunor light shade.
Step 2
Fill chosen potwith quality potting mix, such asYates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the rootsand cut away any circled or tangled roots.
Step 3
Position in hole and backfillwith potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
Step 4
Keep well watered when hot and dry.
Step 5
Feed inspring, summer and after floweringwithtopromote strong root development, healthy foliage and lots of beautiful flowers.
Step 6
In winter move to a covered porch or glasshousefor protection from the cold.
Tibouchina Growing Tips
How to Protect Tibouchinas from Frost
A spray withYates DroughtShield, when cold temperatures are predicted, can help protect Tibouchinas from light frost.
When Should I Prune a Tibouchina?
Prune after flowering, or, if winters are cold, in early spring
Can a Tibouchina be Transplanted?
Tibouchinas do not respond well to transplanting, especially once they are established. Avoid when possible.
When is the Best Time of Year to Plant a Tibouchina?
You can plant any time of year, however, avoid the heat of summer and the cold temperature of winter. Ideally plant in autumn or spring.
Common Problems of Tibouchina
Why Are the Tips of My Tibouchina Going Brown?
Tibouchinas prefer a consistently moist soil, if the plant dries out, the leaves will wilt, and the tips of the leaf eventually goes brown, and some may even drop off.
Keep the soil healthy, and water regularly - especially during hot weather.
Other Plants You Might Like
View All How-to-Grow Guides
How to Grow AbeliaHow to Grow Abutilon
How to Grow Abelia
Trees & Shrubs
How to Grow AbiesHow to Grow Abutilon
How to Grow Abies
Trees & Shrubs
How to Grow AbutilonHow to Grow Abutilon
How to Grow Abutilon
Trees & Shrubs
How to Grow AcerHow to Grow Abutilon
How to Grow Acer
Trees & Shrubs
PreviousNext
Recommended products
Yates 15kg Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food & Soil Improver Pellets
Available in-store only
Yates 30L Premium Potting Mix With Dynamic Lifter
Yates 30L Premium Potting Mix With Dynamic Lifter
Available in-store only
Yates 750mL Waterwise DroughtShield Leaf Protectant Ready-to-Use
Yates 750mL Waterwise DroughtShield Leaf Protectant Ready-to-Use
$18.19
PreviousNext
We Also Plant Seeds in the Heads of Gardeners
Join the Yates Garden Community to receive personalised monthly emails, and hear about exclusive promotions and giveaways.
Join Now
