Glory bush (tibouchina) Pleroma urvilleanum
Glory bush (tibouchina) (Pleroma urvilleanum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Melastomataceae family, native to Southern Brazil (Atlantic coast and uplands). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Glory bush (tibouchina) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Glory bush (tibouchina) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Brazil (Atlantic coast and uplands) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | US (Hawaii): check local rules before planting |
Is Glory bush (tibouchina) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Glory bush (tibouchina)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Glory bush (tibouchina)
- How far apart should I plant Glory bush (tibouchina)?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Glory bush (tibouchina) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Glory bush (tibouchina) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Glory bush (tibouchina)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Glory bush (tibouchina) flower?
- From about August for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Glory bush (tibouchina) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; no poisoning reports found.
- What grows well with Glory bush (tibouchina)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Glory bush (tibouchina). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Tibouchina urvilleana. Needs acid, moist, well-drained soil and prompt pruning after flowering.
- Naturalises in wet tropical islands such as Hawaii; check local weed lists before planting.
- Typical garden-form values; local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Rose grape Medinilla magnifica
- Quaresmeira (glory tree) Pleroma granulosum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Camellia Camellia japonica