About Princess Flower
A stunning tropical shrub producing large, velvety purple flowers with prominent curved stamens that give them an exotic, orchid-like appearance. The dark green leaves have distinctive parallel veins and a slightly fuzzy texture. In full bloom, the entire plant is draped in royal purple, making it one of the most eye-catching flowering shrubs for tropical gardens. It grows 2-4 meters tall and blooms most heavily during the rainy season. Princess Flower belongs to the Melastomataceae family and originates from Brazil; widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide..
Princess Flower performs best in the cooler Philippine highlands — Baguio, Tagaytay, Bukidnon, and mountain provinces — where it blooms spectacularly. In lowland Metro Manila, it can struggle with intense heat but succeeds when given afternoon shade and consistent moisture. It is a prized ornamental in upscale subdivision gardens and botanical collections. Less commonly available than mainstream ornamentals, but specialty nurseries in Silang, Cavite, and La Trinidad, Benguet carry them. The purple flowers make it an excellent accent plant for tropical modern landscaping.
Also known as: Tibouchina, Purple Glory Tree.
Popular Varieties
- Tibouchina urvilleana (standard large purple flowers)
- Tibouchina granulosa (Purple Glory Tree — grows to 10 meters, larger tree form)
- Tibouchina lepidota (Andean Princess Flower — more compact, highland variety)
- Tibouchina heteromalla (Silver-leafed Princess Flower — fuzzy silver leaves)
How to Plant Princess Flower in the Philippines
Princess Flower can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, seeds. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 10-15 cm cuttings from semi-hardwood branches (not too soft, not too woody).
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the top.
- Step 3: Dip cut end in rooting hormone to improve success rate.
- Step 4: Plant in moist perlite-peat mix or cocopeat.
- Step 5: Cover with clear plastic to maintain humidity. Roots develop in 4-6 weeks.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to light partial shade (full sun for heaviest flowering; tolerates morning shade). Position your princess flower where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times per week during dry season. Does not tolerate prolonged drought. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 22-32°C (prefers slightly cooler tropics; does well in Tagaytay, Baguio, and highland areas). High humidity preferred — mist regularly during dry season in lowland areas The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing princess flower outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Feed with acid-loving plant fertilizer or balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 4-6 weeks. Iron supplement helps maintain deep green foliage.
Pruning
Prune after each flowering flush to maintain compact shape. Pinch growing tips on young plants to encourage branching. Can be trained as a small standard tree.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaf edges browning and curling
Cause: Low humidity or too much direct afternoon sun in hot lowlands
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot areas. Increase humidity with mulching and misting. Ensure consistent watering.
Sparse flowering
Cause: Insufficient sunlight or over-pruning during bud formation
Solution: Ensure at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. Only prune after flowers fade, not during bud development.
Powdery mildew on leaves
Cause: Poor air circulation combined with high humidity
Solution: Improve spacing between plants. Apply fungicide or baking soda spray (1 tablespoon per liter of water).
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves with green veins)
Cause: Iron deficiency, common in alkaline soils
Solution: Apply chelated iron supplement. Acidify soil with coffee grounds or sulfur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Princess Flower in the Philippines?
Princess Flower needs full sun to light partial shade (full sun for heaviest flowering; tolerates morning shade). Water keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. water deeply 2-3 times per week during dry season. does not tolerate prolonged drought.. Feed with with acid-loving plant fertilizer or balanced fertilizer (14-14-14) every 4-6 weeks. iron supplement helps maintain deep green foliage.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 22-32°C (prefers slightly cooler tropics; does well in Tagaytay, Baguio, and highland areas) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Princess Flower?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from semi-hardwood branches (not too soft, not too woody). Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 pairs at the top.
Is Princess Flower toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic. Safe around children and pets.
Can Princess Flower grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Princess Flower grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Princess Flower?
Common issues include: Leaf edges browning and curling (caused by low humidity or too much direct afternoon sun in hot lowlands — provide afternoon shade in hot areas. increase humidity with mulching and misting. ensure consistent watering); Sparse flowering (caused by insufficient sunlight or over-pruning during bud formation — ensure at least 4-6 hours of direct sun. only prune after flowers fade, not during bud development); Powdery mildew on leaves (caused by poor air circulation combined with high humidity — improve spacing between plants. apply fungicide or baking soda spray (1 tablespoon per liter of water)).
Growing princess flower in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!