Also known as Glory Bush · 12 saves
Tibouchina
Tibouchina, the genus most gardeners know as glory bush. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Tibouchina varieties
2 species of Tibouchina
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Tibouchina in Sow
Save the Tibouchina you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Tibouchina
Whats common across all Tibouchina varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Tibouchina year
- PruneMarch and April100% of varieties
Cut back and reshape after the main flush of flowers.
- FertilizeMay–September67% of varieties
Feed every 2-3 weeks with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer during growing season.
- Winter PrepNovember67% of varieties
Bring container indoors before first frost. Reduce watering over winter.
Do
- Keep the soil moist 💧
- Feed through the growing season 🌿
- Pinch young growth to build density ✂️
- Move it under cover before frost 🏠
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Let it dry out ❌
- Grow it in alkaline soil ❌
- Leave it out in frost ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Tibouchina
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale insects | Brown bumps on stems with sticky residue and sooty mould below | Scrape off by hand and treat repeat infestations with horticultural oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Whitefly | Clouds of small white insects rising from the leaf undersides when the plant is disturbed | Use yellow sticky traps and insecticidal soap; worst on plants overwintered under glass |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Reduce watering and ensure proper drainage |
| Chlorosis | Leaves yellow between green veins, worst on new growth, in alkaline soil or hard water | Grow in acidic soil, use rainwater where the tap water is hard, and apply a chelated iron feed |
Making more Tibouchina
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems
- Cut 4-6 inch sections with clean shears
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone (1 week)
- Plant in moist potting mix and cover with plastic
- Keep in warm, indirect light for 6 weeks
Stem cuttings
- Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
- Root warm under humidity in acidic compost.
- Pot on and pinch the tips to build a frame.
Tibouchina questions
How many types of Tibouchina are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Tibouchina varieties. The most popular — ranked by 12 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Tibouchina grow in?
Across its varieties, Tibouchina covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Tibouchina bloom?
Most Tibouchina varieties bloom in late summer, spring to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Tibouchina should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.