Big leaf tibouchina (Photo by Allen Owings)

Princess flowers include several species. One of the lesser known species is glory flower (Tibouchina grandifolia), also known as big leaf tibouchina. It has much larger foliage and larger flowers than the other commonly grown princess flowers.

Considered a tropical or tender perennial, the plant is winter-hardy most years in USDA hardiness zone 9A, which is generally south of I-10/I-12.

Purple flowers start in late summer and continue through fall.

Plants need full sun to perform best. Prune once or twice during the growing season prior to blooming to control size and make a better branched plant. Plants can be easily rooted using softwood cuttings

A few garden centers in Louisiana sell this plant, which ought to be planted more.

Allen Owings
Rick Bogren