Tibouchina lepidota

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Tibouchina lepidota is a large shrub, growing up to 5-10 feet tall with thick evergreen leaves and dark stems. The leaves are velvet-textured and their undersides are coated in white down. Beautiful clusters of pink, blue, lavender and purple flowers appear in late summer and persist from fall to early spring. Tibouchina lepidota is a plant native to Colombia and is perfect for growing in USDA Zone 9-11 gardens.

Tibouchina lepidota needs regular amounts of water and prefers to be in full sun or part shade. However, during its peak flowering time, the plant likes to be protected from the hottest part of the day in semi-shade. It needs to be given moderate amounts of water in order to ensure a steady bloom.

Tibouchina lepidota is cold hardy once it is mature. Given proper shelter, it can withstand temperatures as low as the 30s F for a short period of time. When growing it in a pot, make sure to provide extra frost protection during cold winter nights. If possible, place it in a part of the garden that is sheltered from cold winds. Also, mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the soil moist.

Tibouchina lepidota is well worth the effort for its beautiful display of long-lasting purple blooms. With the proper care and conditions, it will provide a spectacular show year round.

Similar plants:

• Pleroma heteromallum, Tibouchina multiflora, Tibouchina grandifolia, Tibouchina heteromalla (Glory bush, Quaresmeira)
• Tibouchina 'Peace Baby' (Tibouchina 'Peace Baby')
• Tibouchina clavata (Bears Ear)
• Tibouchina granulosa (Glory tree, Purple Spray Tree)
• Tibouchina rufipilis (Glory Tree)
• Tibouchina sp. (Princess Flower, Glory Bush)
• Tibouchina urvilleana, Tibouchina semidecandra, Lasiandra semidecandra (Glory Flower, Princess Flower)