High Quality Tibouchina For Sale

New Zealand’s Best Tibouchina Plants

Growing colourful shrubs in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space
• They attract birds and bees
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the largest variety of Tibouchina plants and the right one for your space. Our plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Teucrium, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Tibouchina

1. What is wrong with my Tibouchina?

There are several possible reasons why your tibouchina might be struggling. Here are some of the most common causes of problems with tibouchinas:

1. Overwatering: Tibouchinas prefer well-drained soil and do not like to be waterlogged. If you are watering your tibouchina too often, or if the soil is not draining properly, the plant can develop root rot. Symptoms of root rot include wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
2. Underwatering: While tibouchinas don't like to be waterlogged, they also don't like to be dry out completely. If your tibouchina is not getting enough water, the leaves will start to wilt and brown. In severe cases, the plant may defoliate completely.
3. Pests and diseases: Tibouchinas are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. If you notice any pests or diseases on your tibouchina, it is important to treat them promptly to prevent further damage.
4. Nutritional deficiencies: Tibouchinas need nutrients to grow healthy and strong. If your tibouchina is showing signs of nutritional deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, you may need to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
5. Inappropriate soil pH: Tibouchinas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may not be able to absorb nutrients properly. You can test your soil's pH with a home testing kit or by sending a sample to a soil testing lab.
6. Temperature extremes: Tibouchinas are not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer warm, humid climates and can struggle in areas with cold winters or dry summers.
7. Salt damage: Tibouchinas are sensitive to salt and can be damaged by exposure to salt spray or salty water. If you live in a coastal area, it is important to water your tibouchina regularly to flush out any salt that has accumulated in the soil.
8. Improper pruning: Tibouchinas need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. However, if you prune your tibouchina too severely, you can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
9. Transplant shock: When you transplant a tibouchina to a new location, it can experience transplant shock. Symptoms of transplant shock include wilting leaves, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To reduce transplant shock, water your tibouchina regularly and avoid fertilizing it for the first few weeks after transplanting.

2. What are the conditions for Tibouchina?

Tibouchinas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of the tropics to any garden. However, they can be a bit fussy about their growing conditions. Here are some of the key requirements for growing healthy and thriving Tibouchinas:

1. Warm, humid climate: Tibouchinas prefer warm, humid climates and are not frost-hardy but will tolerate a moderate frost once established.
2. Full sun to partial shade: They prefer full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but they will not bloom as well if they do not receive enough sunlight.
3. Well-drained soil: Tibouchinas need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting them in heavy clay soils that hold too much moisture.
4. Regular watering: Tibouchinas need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but do not let it dry out completely.
5. Fertilizer: Tibouchinas benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.
6. Pruning: Tibouchinas need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. Prune them in the spring, after the last frost.
7. Protection from frost: Tibouchinas are not frost-hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below freezing.
8. Pest and disease control: Tibouchinas are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help to create the ideal conditions for growing healthy and thriving Tibouchinas. These beautiful flowering shrubs will reward you with years of enjoyment with their stunning blooms and lush foliage.

3. Where is the best place to plant Tibouchina?

The best place to plant a tibouchina is in a warm, humid climate with well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade. Tibouchinas are not frost-hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below freezing. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your tibouchina by covering it with a frost blanket or bringing it indoors.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a planting location for your tibouchina:

1. Space: Tibouchinas can grow to be quite large, so make sure to choose a planting location that has enough space for the plant to mature.
2. Drainage: Tibouchinas need well-drained soil that does not hold too much moisture. If the soil is too heavy or clayey, the plant can develop root rot.
3. Wind protection: Tibouchinas can be susceptible to wind damage, so it is a good idea to choose a planting location that is sheltered from strong winds.
4. Access to water: Tibouchinas need regular watering, so make sure to choose a planting location that is easy to access with a water source.
5. Aesthetics: Tibouchinas are beautiful flowering shrubs that can add a touch of the tropics to any garden. Consider choosing a planting location where the plant can be enjoyed from a patio or deck.

Once you have chosen a planting location, prepare the soil by amending it with organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. This will help to improve drainage and provide the plant with nutrients. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant. Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.

Tibouchinas are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some attention to thrive. Water them regularly, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize them every 2-3 months during the growing season. Prune them in the spring, after the last frost. Protect them from frost if you live in an area with cold winters. Monitor them regularly for signs of pests or diseases and treat them promptly if necessary.

By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful tibouchina blooms in your garden for many years to come.

4. Can you hard prune Tibouchina?

Yes, you can hard prune Tibouchina, also known as Princess Flower or Lasiandra. Hard pruning involves removing a significant portion of the plant's branches, often up to two-thirds or more. This type of pruning can be beneficial for Tibouchina, as it can stimulate new growth and promote a fuller, bushier shape.

Here are some guidelines for hard pruning Tibouchina:

• Best time to prune: The best time to hard prune Tibouchina is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the plant time to recover from the pruning and put energy into new growth.
• Pruning technique: Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make your cuts. Cut just above a set of leaves, leaving at least two inches of growth on the branch.
• Amount to prune: You can remove up to two-thirds of the plant's branches when hard pruning. However, it is best to err on the side of caution and remove a bit less, especially if the plant is young or stressed.
• Aftercare: After hard pruning, water the plant thoroughly to help it recover. You may also want to fertilize the plant to give it a boost of nutrients.

Hard pruning can be a bit of a shock to Tibouchina, so it may take a few months for the plant to recover and start producing new growth. However, with proper care, the plant should come back stronger and healthier than ever.

5. Can I take cuttings from Tibouchina?

you can propagate Tibouchina from stem cuttings. It is best to take cuttings in the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Here are some tips on how to take cuttings from Tibouchina:

1. Select stems that are non-flowering and have at least 4-6 inches (100-150 mm) of healthy growth. Avoid stems that are woody or diseased.
2. Use a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears to make cuts just below a node, which is the point where a leaf or branch grows from the stem.
3. Remove the bottom 2-3 sets of leaves from the cutting to minimize transpiration and promote rooting.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage rooting. This is not essential but can increase the success rate.
5. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
6. Make a hole in the potting mix with your finger or pencil and insert the cutting about 50-75 mm deep.
7. Water the potting mix thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes.
8. Place the pot in a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain high humidity around the cutting.
9. Keep the potting mix moist but not soggy and check for rooting every few weeks. Rooting usually takes 4-6 weeks.

6. Is Tibouchina rare?

The rarity of Tibouchina depends on the specific species and region. Some species of Tibouchina are more common and widely cultivated, while others are rarer and more difficult to find. For instance, Tibouchina heteromalla, commonly known as the silver leaf princess flower, is a popular ornamental plant and is relatively easy to find. On the other hand, species like Tibouchina papyrus are more restricted in their distribution and may be considered rare in certain regions.

7. Can you hedge Tibouchina?

Tibouchina can be hedged, but it is important to do so carefully to avoid damaging the plant. Here are some tips on how to hedge Tibouchina:

1. The best time to hedge Tibouchina is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the plant time to recover from the pruning and put energy into new growth.
2. Use clean and sharp pruning shears: This will help to prevent ragged cuts and make the healing process easier for the plant.
3. If you are new to hedging Tibouchina, it is best to start with a light trim. You can always remove more later if desired.
4. Use your pruning shears to shape the hedge into the desired form. Be sure to keep the top of the hedge narrower than the bottom to prevent it from becoming too wide.
5. Tibouchina will need to be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming overgrown.

8. Should I cut back my Tibouchina?

Yes, you should cut back your tibouchina regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Tibouchinas are fast-growing shrubs that can become leggy and overgrown if they are not pruned regularly. Pruning helps to keep the plant compact and encourages it to produce more flowers.