Princess-Flower: A Tropical Beauty That Commands Attention
If you’ve ever dreamed of having a garden that looks like it belongs in a tropical paradise, princess-flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) might just be the showstopper you’re looking for. Also known as glorybush, this stunning perennial shrub produces some of the most eye-catching purple blooms you’ll find in the plant kingdom.
What Makes Princess-Flower Special?
Princess-flower is a multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows 6-15 feet tall and wide, though it can reach up to 16 feet under ideal conditions. What sets this plant apart are its spectacular 2-5 inch purple flowers that seem to glow against the backdrop of velvety, heart-shaped leaves. The blooms appear almost year-round in warm climates, making this plant a true garden gem.
The leaves themselves are quite striking – soft to the touch with prominent veining that creates an almost quilted appearance. When you combine the dramatic foliage with those show-stopping purple blooms, you get a plant that’s hard to ignore.
Where Does Princess-Flower Come From?
Originally native to southeastern Brazil, princess-flower has made itself at home in various warm climates around the world. In the United States, you’ll find it growing in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, where it’s become naturalized – meaning it reproduces on its own without human help and has established permanent populations.
Should You Plant Princess-Flower?
This is where things get interesting. Princess-flower is undeniably beautiful and can be a fantastic addition to the right garden. However, since it’s not native to most areas where it’s grown, it’s worth considering both the pros and cons.
The Good News:
- Attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Blooms almost continuously in warm weather
- Makes an excellent specimen plant, hedge, or container plant
- Relatively low-maintenance once established
- Adds tropical flair to any landscape
Things to Consider:
- Not native to most regions where it’s commonly grown
- May not provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- Can be tender to frost in cooler areas
Perfect Growing Conditions
Princess-flower thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, making it ideal for subtropical and tropical gardens. If you live in a cooler climate, don’t despair – it makes an excellent greenhouse or container plant that can be moved indoors during colder months.
Here’s what this tropical beauty loves:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5)
- Water: Consistent moisture, but not waterlogged conditions
- Temperature: Warm temperatures year-round; protect from frost
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your princess-flower off to a good start is pretty straightforward:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper
- Amend heavy clay soils with compost for better drainage
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Design Ideas
Princess-flower works beautifully in various landscape settings. Use it as a focal point in tropical-themed gardens, plant it as a colorful hedge, or grow it in large containers on patios and decks. It pairs wonderfully with other warm-climate plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and bird of paradise.
Native Alternatives to Consider
While princess-flower is certainly gorgeous, you might also consider native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems. Depending on your region, options might include native azaleas, elderberry, or regional native shrubs with purple blooms. Check with your local native plant society for the best alternatives in your area.
The Bottom Line
Princess-flower is a stunning plant that can add serious wow factor to warm-climate gardens. While it’s not native to most areas where it’s grown, it’s generally well-behaved and provides valuable nectar for pollinators. If you’re drawn to its tropical beauty and can provide the right growing conditions, it can be a wonderful addition to your landscape. Just remember to balance non-native plants with native species to create a garden that’s both beautiful and ecologically beneficial.
