Silver-Leaved Princess Flower (Tibouchina heteromalla): Velvety Foliage and Purple Blooms

Silver-leaved princess flower, or glory flower, is a tropical shrub native to Brazil, grown for its large, velvety, silver-haired leaves and showy purple flowers.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This evergreen shrub grows 6–10 feet tall. Leaves are large, ovate, covered in dense silver-white hairs, giving a striking silvery appearance. Flowers are royal purple, 2–3 inches wide, with prominent curved stamens, blooming in waves throughout the year in frost-free climates.

Cultivation and Uses

Prefers partial shade, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It is frost-tender; grow in containers in cool climates. Used for its dramatic foliage and flowers in tropical borders. Prune to maintain shape.

Note

The genus name Tibouchina comes from a Guianan indigenous name.