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Tibouchina Advice

1634 Racine1634 Racine Posts: 568
in Plants

Hello All,

I've just moved my Tibouchina (Urvilleana I think?) outside after a winter in the conservatory.  It's had a little top up with some ericaceous compost.

image

It's looking pretty leggy though.  Any advice on how I can get a more bushy plant?  I've not really pruned before other than removing a few old, weak stems.

Thanks

Posts

  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    Pretty vigorous plant. I'd chop it in half and stand back, but not 'til late May. It's a plant from the tropics, so beware of frost and even be careful of it on colder nights

    H-C

  • Chrissy the gardenerChrissy the gardener Posts: 1,072

    I think a little early to move it outside we could still get a frost,

    i agree with Hortum I would be chopping it just above where the first lot of branches um branch out but not yet !!

  • 1634 Racine1634 Racine Posts: 568

    Thanks both for the advice.  I'm keeping a close eye on the weather forecast in case of frost.  Just thought it would be nice to give her some direct sun and some fresh air image.  I'm in the south-east so all looks good for the rest of the week at least.

    I can't see many viable buds lower down in the branches as of yet but when the time comes I will be giving it a severe haircut I think.  Would be a shame to lose any of these beautiful flowers though

    image

  • OutdoorGirlOutdoorGirl Posts: 4

    Hi Racine.

    How did the pruning of your Princess Flower go?

    I bought one of these at the National Flower Show a couple of weeks ago. It's still quite small but has just started flowering.  I'm also in the South East so would love to know how you get on.

  • 1634 Racine1634 Racine Posts: 568

    I wimped out OutdoorGirl.  Left it as is.  Didn't want to risk losing the flowers this year.  I had a terrible experience earlier this year as well.  I repotted it in one of my lovely RHS glazed pots and it blew over and smashed the pot image

    I've found a nice little spot for it now though and the flowers are just starting to come now.

    image 

  • OutdoorGirlOutdoorGirl Posts: 4

    Looks happy enough Racine ?

    As I said, mine is just a baby. I think I will cut mine back next spring as I'd like to keep it as a bushy plant rather than a tall one. The flowers are stunning though. 

  • OutdoorGirlOutdoorGirl Posts: 4

    imageimage

  • 1634 Racine1634 Racine Posts: 568

    Looking good OutdoorGirl.  I would recommend a trim in the future for sure.  Mine romped away and is now a bit of a beast.

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