Tibouchina urvilleana

Princess Flower

Family: Melastomataceae
Zone: 9-10                              Average Size: 5' H x 5' W

Identification:

-Opposite arrangement of leaves and stems
-Simple leaf, ovate, soft pubescence with distinct parallel veins
-Showy royal purple flowers, 3-4 inch flowers, prolific all summer

Note:   Princess Flower produces one of the most vivid purple flowers. Clusters of flowers are produced almost all summer. Unfortunately this tropical shrub is very cold sensitive with the first frost usually damaging the leaves. Subsequent freezes kill the plant to the ground although it will recover in the late spring. Princess Flower should be considered a tender perennial and included in annual and perennial plantings similar to Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis).

Campus Location: Julian C. Miller Hall, south patio