How to Grow Tibouchina

Ever since Tibouchinas first arrived in Australia, plant breeders have been busy developing new varieties to suit our conditions. Tibouchina 'Alstonville', one of the most popular, even carries the name of the north coast NSW town where it was developed. 'Alstonville' was bred by Tibouchina enthusiast Ken Dunstan, who was one of the first Australians to appreciate the potential of these plants. It grows to small tree size and smothers itself in rich purple flowers through much of late summer and autumn.

Another Dunstan cultivar, 'Kathleen', also reaches small tree size. Its lolly-pink flower sprays provide a refreshing change from the widely grown purple. 

'Noeline' offers gardeners something quite unusual: a Tibouchina with flowers that change colour as they age. The flowers start off white and gradually mutate to a deep, mauve-pink. The various shades seen on the plant at the one time create an attractive, multi-coloured effect. To add to its interest, 'Noeline' tends to flower in early summer, well before most of its relatives.

'Jules' is a small Tibouchina that reaches about 1 metre and does well in a pot or a mixed border. Its flowers are similar to the deep purple blooms of 'Alstonville', but the plant's compact size makes it easy to place in the landscape. 

Queenslander Terry Keogh has now followed in Ken Dustan's footsteps and is developing new Tibouchinas that are ideal for today's smaller gardens. The first to be released in his Fantasy Flower collection was 'Groovy Baby', an ideal pot specimen that grows 60cm tall and 80cm wide. This purple-flowered beauty was followed by similarly-sized 'Peace Baby', with crisp white flowers that are decorated with eyelash-like, pink and purple stamens. Both 'babies' are said to have enhanced cold tolerance. Watch this range, as there are many more to come.

Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.  In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.

Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed.  Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Keep well watered when hot and dry.

Feed in spring, summer & after flowering with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to ensure strong root development.

Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot.  Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun or light shade.

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.  Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Keep well watered when hot and dry.

Feed in spring, summer and after flowering with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to promote strong root development, healthy foliage and lots of beautiful flowers.

In winter move to a covered porch or glasshouse for protection from the cold.

A spray with Yates DroughtShield, when cold temperatures are predicted, can help protect Tibouchinas from light frost.

Prune after flowering, or, if winters are cold, in early spring

Tibouchinas do not respond well to transplanting, especially once they are established. Avoid when possible.

You can plant any time of year, however, avoid the heat of summer and the cold temperature of winter. Ideally plant in autumn or spring.

Tibouchinas prefer a consistently moist soil, if the plant dries out, the leaves will wilt, and the tips of the leaf eventually goes brown, and some may even drop off.

Keep the soil healthy, and water regularly - especially during hot weather.