Purple Glory Tree
Tibouchina granulosa
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Tibouchina granulosa, the purple glory tree, is a Brazilian showstopper long grown in Florida and the warm South, a large shrub or small tree in frost-free gardens and a root-hardy dieback perennial where winters brush freezing. Glossy, deeply pleated, prominently veined leaves set off the flowers, which come smaller but far more abundantly than those of the better-known princess flower, Tibouchina urvilleana, so the whole plant seems dusted with purple through the warm months.
A member of the melastome family, Melastomataceae, the purple glory tree carries the family's signature ribbed, quilted leaves and vivid, saturated flower color. The rich royal-purple blooms open in flushes over a long season, drawing bees and butterflies, and in frost-free climates the plant can build into a small flowering tree of real presence, a favorite street and garden tree across subtropical Brazil.
Where winters turn cold, treat the purple glory tree as a dieback shrub. After frost kills the top, cut back the stems, mound about ten inches of coarse sand over the stubs, and mulch over with pine straw; as the weather warms, remove the covering to let new shoots push. Given rich soil and ample water, the plant returns fast and flowers again through the heat of summer.
Grow the purple glory tree in full sun to part shade, in rich, moist, well-drained soil, as a bold flowering accent in a subtropical border, a container on a warm terrace, or a small specimen tree in a frost-free garden. Give warmth, feed, and steady water for the fullest bloom, and site where the electric purple can carry against green foliage. Pair with other tender, sun-loving subtropicals for a lush, tropical effect.
Photo courtesy of Mauro Halpern.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 6–12 Feet · Spread 4–8 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Small but abundant, royal purple, over a long warm season
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.