This shrub to small tree has a short grey-brown trunk with spreading branches that form a rounded crown. It has glossy dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the profuse wheel-shaped purplish flowers appear in a cluster during autumn.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Tibouchina granulosa is naturally found in South America growing in Brazil along the margins of tropical forests.

It prefers a well drained, organic rich moist light soil with a pH range from 5.6 to 7.5 and grows in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

Lasiandra is grown for its flowers and its growth habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders for screening or grown as a specimen in lawns or in street plantings. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions establishing in 3 to 4 years and is long lived. This shrub is also planted in tropical settings and is used for strong colour contrast. ID 126

Tibouchina(ti-boo-CHEE-na) granulosa(gran-yoo-LO-sa)

'Tibouchina`: Latinate form of the native Guianan name for this plant; 'granulosa`: granulated (refers to the grainy surface of the leaves).

Melastomataceae (MEL-as-TO-ma-TAY-see-ee)