Tibouchina heteromalla (Silver Leafed Princess Flower)

Tibouchina heteromalla (Silver Leafed Princess Flower) is an upright, tropical, evergreen shrub boasting velvety silver-green, broad ovate-cordate leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), with silver undersides. The old leaves usually turn a warm orange color just prior to dropping off. Blooming in summer and fall (depending on geographic location), ravishing rich violet-purple flowers, 1.5 in. across (4 cm), appear on long spikes. Each flower spike can reach 18 in. in height (45 cm) and be adorned with many blooms. It is a very ornamental species thanks to the big leaves with a silky surface and to the showy flowering which lasts several months.

• Grows up to 4-10 ft. tall (12-300 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Prefers some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Watering must be regular in summer, but allowing the upper layers of the soil to dry up before giving water again. Watering must be reduced in winter.
• Can be grown outdoors in frost-free area. In colder areas, this plant should be grown in containers and brought indoors for overwintering before the first fall frost.
• Perfect for Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, wall-side borders and containers.
• Remove flowers after they fade, to encourage the shrub to continue blooming
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for spider mites on indoor plants.
• Native to southern Brazil.