Silver Princess Flower | Purple Blooms Velvety Foliage

Silver Leafed Princess Flower

5 Gallon

$49.90

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Silver Leafed Princess Flower

Tibouchina heteromalla

A striking, upright shrub with large, velvety silver-green leaves and vibrant purple blooms from summer to fall.

$49.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Silver Leafed Princess Flower is a striking, upright evergreen shrub prized for its spectacular velvety silver-green foliage and vibrant, long-lasting blooms. This Brazilian native features large, 4-6 inch long leaves with prominent veins that are covered in soft white hairs, giving them a unique silvery sheen and velvety texture . In mid-summer through fall, it produces showy panicles of 1.5 inch wide, saucer-shaped flowers in iridescent purple-violet with five petals, creating a breathtaking floral display that attracts butterflies and other pollinators . A beautiful and textural plant, it is an excellent choice for adding a touch of tropical elegance to borders, containers, and as a focal point in mild-winter gardens.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Large, velvety, silver-green to gray-green, ovate leaves with prominent veins (often 5-7), covered in fine white hairs; 5-petaled, saucer-shaped, purple-violet flowers (approx. 1.5-2 inches across) in panicle clusters from mid-summer to fall .
Mature Height: 6-10 ft (can reach 8-12 ft in ideal conditions; often smaller in cultivation) .
Mature Spread: 4-6 ft .
Growth Rate: Moderate .
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 (can tolerate brief dips to 25-30°F with protection; damaged by hard frost) .
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage and flowering in sun; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates) .
Core Benefits: Stunning velvety silver foliage, vibrant long-lasting purple blooms, upright architectural habit, attracts pollinators, excellent container plant.
Best Uses: Specimen or focal point, mixed borders, foundation plantings, large containers, tropical and subtropical gardens, sensory gardens (textural leaves) .

Q: Is the Silver Leafed Princess Flower cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Mature plants can tolerate brief temperature dips down to about 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C), but foliage will be damaged, and stems may die back in a hard frost . In zone 8 and colder, it must be grown in a container and brought indoors to a bright, cool location for the winter . In cooler parts of zone 9, plant in a protected location.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best foliage and flowering?
A: For the most vibrant leaf color and abundant blooms, plant in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Along the coast, full sun is ideal. In hot inland climates, it performs best with morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch .

Q: How should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control size. Cutting back the branches helps maintain a more compact, bushy form and prevents the plant from becoming top-heavy . You can also lightly tip-prune during the growing season to encourage branching. Deadhead spent flower stalks after blooming to keep the plant tidy .

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for container growing. Use a large pot with good drainage and a well-draining, organically rich potting mix . Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering and should be brought indoors to a bright location before the first frost in colder zones .

Q: What are its ideal growing conditions?
A: It thrives in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. It appreciates regular watering, but once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, especially in coastal gardens . A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Q: Does it have any pest or disease problems?
A: It is relatively pest and disease-free when grown outdoors. Indoors, it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale, and mealybugs . Overly moist, water-logged soils can lead to root rot . Ensuring good air circulation and proper watering practices helps prevent most issues.