Propagating Princess Flower (Tibouchina) from Cuttings and Division

Softwood Cuttings in Spring

Take 6–8 inch green cuttings in spring. Strip all but the top 2–3 leaves. Dip in rooting hormone and plant 1–2 inches deep in warm, wet sand, perlite, or similar medium. Enclose the pot and cutting in a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the bottom warm. Check for roots after ~8 weeks; if a good root clump forms, transplant to a separate pot.

Root Ball Division

Alternatively, cut the plant back and dig up the root ball. Divide into separate clumps, each at least softball-sized with sufficient roots. Replant divisions.

Hardiness Note

Tibouchina urvilleana is native to Brazil and hardy only in USDA zones 8–11. In zone 8, it dies back but resprouts in spring. In colder zones, grow as a container plant brought indoors for winter.

— Tom