Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleana
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Tibouchina urvilleana, the princess flower or glory bush, is a Brazilian subtropical grown for some of the most saturated purple flowers in the garden. Soft, velvety, prominently veined leaves clothe the arching stems, and against that green the large, five-petaled, royal-purple blooms, each with a spray of curved violet stamens, seem almost to glow. In all but essentially frost-free areas the shrub grows as a dieback perennial, returning from the roots each spring.
A member of the melastome family, Melastomataceae, the princess flower carries the family's quilted, deeply ribbed leaves, here softened by a fine velvet down. The flowers open in flushes through the warm months, three inches or more across, and the foliage may flush red in fall before frost cuts the top, adding a second season of color. Native to Brazil, the plant is one of the most flamboyant flowering shrubs for a warm garden.
In zone 8, plant the princess flower in a sheltered, sunny spot and give the crown winter protection. After the first hard freeze threatens, mound about ten inches of coarse sand over the crown and cover with a pine-straw mulch; in spring, pull the mulch away and hose off the sand so new shoots can push. Given rich soil and ample water, the plant returns and flowers generously through hot summer weather.
Grow the princess flower in full sun to part shade, in rich, moist, well-drained soil, as a bold flowering accent in a subtropical border, a large container on a warm terrace, or a specimen in a frost-free garden. Give warmth, feed, and steady water for the fullest bloom, and site where the electric purple can be seen up close. Spectacular among other tender subtropicals, and worth the winter fuss for so much color.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 2–4 Feet · Spread 2–4 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Large, deep royal-purple, with curved stamens, through the warm months
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.