Tibouchina trees and shrubs: Spectacular but can be tricky to grow.

Tibouchina trees and shrubs can be a challenge to grow, but their spectacular purple blossoms are worth it, right? Well, it depends. While ArtisTree’s Plantopinion experts all acknowledge their breathtaking beauty, most gave a “yes, but” answer when asked if they’d recommend them. Tibouchinas certainly boast royal good looks, but they might be a royal pain for those expecting a non-fussy plant.

Joe Mantkowski, ArtisTree VP Landscape Design:

With not having many options for purple, Tibouchina is among the best available in our area. I’ve used them recently in both ornamental tree and shrub form — the shrub most recently in my design for a builder model that I completed just recently. Tibouchinas like partial sun and need good drainage. They’re not too demanding with regards to pruning needs, but they do need some pruning to retain a strong structure and to keep them from becoming leggy.

Clinton Lak, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I love the look and vibrant color of the Tibouchina; however, it’s a very particular plant. I’ve had success with using the tree form in Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club, but never had much success with the shrub form. Instead, I tend to use proven winners such as Dwarf Bougainvillea, Mexican Petunia and Mexican Heather in lieu of the shrub form. As an alternative to the tree form, I typically use New River Bougainvillea and Purple Golden Dewdrop.

Chris Culp, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I like Tibouchina but the first word that comes to mind is delicate. Yes, the flowers are amazing and I really like their shiny leaf texture. But you have to watch out for wet feet, and sometimes they may require staking beyond the initial install period if you don’t plant in a wind-protected area. But I’ve had success with the tree form when homeowners care for them properly. On the other hand, I’ve seen some Dwarf Tibouchina shrubs just fizzle out.

Brian Clouser, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I’d like to use Tibouchina more but it’s too unreliable. They look great when they’re healthy but normally they look rough. They don’t like too much sun, water, or cold and wind, which are all issues in our area. If someone has the right spot that has some shade, drains well, and is slightly protected, then they are great.

Elisabeth Owen, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:

I don’t use Tibouchina trees unless there’s a specific request from a homeowner. These have a shorter flower window in the spring, are more difficult to establish, and are not particularly dense trees. Tibouchina trees (and shrubs) prefer some afternoon shading and do not handle heat and drought conditions well. Regularly scheduled waterings are a must. They are also somewhat shallow rooted so they don’t resist storms well. A better alternative would be a ‘New River’ standard Bougainvillea tree if the goal is to have a smaller purple tree. Bougainvillea are overall better adapted to our conditions here and make excellent snowbird specimens.

Conan Michel, ArtisTree Landscape Operations Manager:

Overall, it’s a nice ornamental tree that grows ups to about 10 or 15 feet. We order them already trained to a single trunk since they grow in a sprawling fashion. The big thing is not to overwater them as they’ll get root rot; they have to have well-drained soil. And if they don’t get at least six hours of sun, they tend to get leggy and don’t bloom as much. We also get occasional requests for Tibouchina shrubs, but they’re not nearly as hardy as Dwarf Bougainvillea.

See if Tibouchina is right for you. It’s a tender tropical but might be a terrific fit for your Southwest Florida landscape pending your planting conditions. Contact ArtisTree Landscape and let’s discuss what you have in mind!

ArtisTree “Plantopinions” is a roundtable debate between ArtisTree experts on the virtues of various plant specimens. Sometimes there’s consensus and sometimes not. In the end, you are the judge.

Contact ArtisTree Landscape 941.488.8897

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ArtisTree also provides complete landscape maintenance services for HOA communities throughout Southwest Florida. Contact Michael Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.  

Category News, Shrubs