Tibouchina Blue Moon

Tibouchina Blue Moon

This unusual Tibouchina has exquisite, large flowers like a watercolour painting - purple at the edges, fading to light lilac hue. Striking purple stamens provide a contrast at the centre of the blooms. It flowers for a long period in summer. The foliage has a lovely velvet sheen. The shrub is compact, growing to about 1.5 m tall. It is best in a sunny spot with protection from heavy frosts. I prune mine back in August and fertilise it at the same time. It grows quite well from cuttings.

Tibouchina organensis Blue Moon in my border

Tibouchina organensis Blue Moon in my border

My specimen is nestled amongst Pentas, many self-sown pink Salvia splendens, and has taller companions of blue Brillantaisia ulugurica and a pink Hawaiian Hibiscus. The colour of the flowers is so unusual and provides a lovely addition to this corner of my garden.

The label on my plant called it Tibouchina organensis 'Blue Moon' but this species name seems unresolved.