Overview
Tibouchina is a plant with a shrub, small tree habit in the genus Tibouchina, part of the Melastomataceae family, with evergreen foliage. Tibouchina grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include specimen plant and container plant. It is native to Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.
About
Tibouchina is a neotropical flowering plant genus in the family Melastomataceae. Species of this genus are subshrubs, shrubs or small trees and typically have purple flowers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tibouchina
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tibouchina size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub, small tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Specimen plant, container plant
- Native to
- Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tibouchina
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids, mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Prone to root rot if overwatered
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tibouchina?
Tibouchina prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Tibouchina need?
Tibouchina grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Tibouchina hardy in the UK?
Tibouchina has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Tibouchina?
Semi-ripe cuttings.