Allure Tibouchina

Allure Tibouchina (Tibouchina mutabilis 'Allure') is a dwarf, dense shrub that grows about 1m tall and 2m wide, yet carries the large soft lilac blooms of its tree-sized relatives. Flowers cover it in masses through spring and autumn. A cross between Tibouchina organensis and Tibouchina mutabilis, it brings tibouchina colour to a small garden or a pot.

Why you'll love it

• Masses of lilac blooms. Large, soft lilac flowers cover the shrub in spring and again in autumn.
• Compact and dense. It stays around 1m high, so it gives a tibouchina display without the height of the tree forms.
• Built for pots. The dwarf habit suits large containers on a patio, balcony or entry.
• A low flowering hedge. Its dense growth makes a boundary hedge or border that flowers when it matters.
• A simple routine. One prune and one feed after flowering are all it needs to stay compact and flower heavily.

Where it works best

Large containers. A big pot of free-draining mix suits the dwarf, spreading habit and puts the blooms at eye level.

Small gardens. Use it as a feature plant in a front garden, where a 1m shrub gives colour without crowding.

Low flowering hedges. Plant 1.2m apart along a boundary or path edge for a low hedge that forms a solid band of lilac.

Mixed borders. Its wide habit fills the middle layer and works well with silver or green foliage.

Growing Allure Tibouchina in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, though it tolerates a small amount of shade. It suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and it needs frost protection, so in colder districts grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. Dig compost through the planting hole and mulch the surface.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, and water during dry periods. Feed with a controlled release fertiliser after flowering for the best results next season.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote compact growth and the next flush of blooms. A light shaping trim is enough.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Allure Tibouchina as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small, leafy plant on arrival, which should start to bulk up in warm weather and flower once it has filled out. Pot it into a quality mix or plant it out in a sunny, sheltered spot soon after it arrives.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full tibouchina range
• Plants for small gardens
• Plants that suit pots
• Alstonville tibouchina: how to get autumn purple

Common questions

How big does it grow?

About 1m tall and 2m wide. It is a dwarf, wide-growing shrub, so allow room for it to spread.

Is it frost hardy?

No. It needs protection from frost, so grow it in a pot in cold districts and bring it under cover in winter.

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering. A light prune promotes compact growth and the next flush of blooms.