Tibouchina grandifolia is an impressive plant even when not in bloom. The large fuzzy leaves just beg for closer inspection. They get to be about 6 inches by 8 inches. The stems are four-sided.
This native of Brazil grows 6-7 foot tall in full to dappled sunlight. It is recommended for USDA Zones 10-11 but I know several people growing them in Zone 9B. Plants can be damaged during a hard freeze but will come back from the base of the plant.
The deep purple-blue blooms of Tibouchina grandifolia appear in mid-summer and continue until mid-winter. Individual flowers are about 1.5 inches across, and they open with a white center which turns red the second day. Flowers are fragrant if you stick your nose right in the bloom.
5 comments:
Oh, that is a beautiful tibouchina! I've never seen that one before. Is it growing in your garden?
Floridagirl: Yes, I'm growing it. I like it because it stays small so you can place them around the garden as colorful accents. The fragrance is a bonus!
That's interesting, a white center that turns red the next day. Quite puzzling to see two different center colors from the same flower. Very beautiful and unique.
Ooooh, that is pretty. I've never seen that one either. I have a single flower Tib that has not reached its usual size this year. It had a slow return from the freeze. I like the fact that yours has a compact size. Hmm...I just may have to make one of your plant sales.
I need to give this plant a try. I like the fact that it doesn't grow large. Thanks for reminding me about this plant.
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