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Tibouchina laxa - "Glory Bush" 

Tibouchina laxa - the "Glory Bush" is a beautiful but uncommon shrub from Ecuador and neighboring Peru.  Almost all year it's adorned with showy blossoms with violet petals and contrasting yellow anthers.  Its leaves are attractive too, with a crinkled texture and covered with fuzzy hairs.  The plant is pretty easy to grow in both warm and cool conditions.  Fresh seeds might not be available elsewhere online!

Tibouchina laxa - "Glory Bush"

Tibouchina laxa is an open bush with slender branches that meander about 3-4 feet in all directions.  You can let it sprawl through other plants for support, or tie it up to a trellis, pruning it occasionally to keep it looking tidy.  Both the stems and the 2 inch leaves are coated with fine hairs, giving them a cool fuzzy look.  It flowers most months of the year here in San Francisco, with the heaviest show in summer.  The 2-inch blossoms progress through several shades of purple, and are followed by attractive, red seed pods that are fuzzy.

It likes full sun, but it does fine in part sun too.  Mature plants reportedly can survive a light frost, but i recommend protecting it from freezing temperatures.  It likes a well-draining, slightly acid soil that's kept evenly moist.  Over about 40% humidity is best.  It might need protection from strong winds, since the branches are somewhat brittle.

Tibouchina laxa - "Glory Bush"

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Growing the seeds

 

 

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