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ShrubsConservatory Greenhouse

Pleroma urvilleanum

glory bush

A lax evergreen shrub to 4m or more, with elliptic, softly hairy leaves with prominent longitudinal veins and rich violet-purple flowers 6-10cm across, with exserted, blackish stamens

Other common names
lasiandra
pleroma
see moreprincess flower
purple glory tree
Synonyms
Pleroma semidecandrum misapplied
Pleroma grandiflora hort.
see morePleroma urvilleanum hort.
Tibouchina grandiflora hort.
Tibouchina urvilleana
Tibouchina semidecandra misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Melastomataceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

A genus of evergreen flowering subshrubs, shrubs or trees, native to Puerto Rico and tropical South America, with dark green foliage, often edged with red. Showy, dark purple flowers with long white stamens appear in late spring to early summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Brazil

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water freely in summer but keep just moist in winter. Can be grown outdoors in moist, fertile, well drained soil in frost-free area

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 16°C in spring or strike softwood cuttings in late spring and semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 9. Plants grown under glass may need restrictive pruning in late winter

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

May be affected by oedema under glass

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