Princess Flower
Tibouchina mutabilis
Alstonville
About this plant
Tibouchina mutabilis, commonly known as the Princess Flower, is a shrub admired for its striking purple flowers that change color as they age, often from deep purple to pink. It has velvety leaves and a bushy form, making it popular in gardens for ornamental use. The plant is native to tropical regions and is often grown for its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Tibouchina
- Family
- Melastomataceae
- Higher classification
- Order Myrtales
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Brazil, South America
- Distribution
- Native to tropical regions of South America; widely cultivated in warm climates around the world including parts of the southern United States, Australia, and Mediterranean areas.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 3–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 5 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Soil type
- well-draining loam, rich in organic matter
Watering. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Feed the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Tibouchina mutabilis is a moderately easy plant to care for. It prefers sunny spots and well-draining soil. It can suffer if overwatered or kept in heavy shade. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages flowering.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Large, velvety purple flowers that fade to pink, attractive velvety green leaves, and a bushy shrub form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets, making it safe to grow around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Tibouchina mutabilis may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, mainly due to its pollen. People who are allergic to pollen might experience sneezing or itchy eyes when near this plant. To reduce exposure, avoid planting it near windows or areas where you spend a lot of time during its flowering season.
Common problems
Common problems include leaf yellowing from overwatering, poor flowering if grown in too much shade, and occasional pest issues like aphids.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its colorful flowers and attractive foliage in gardens and landscapes.
Notes
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Protect from frost as it is sensitive to cold temperatures. Repot young plants annually to refresh soil and support growth.