FloridaLandscapeIQ
Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Princess Flower — South Florida Plant Guide

Tibouchina urvilleana

Family: Melastomataceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

bold purple flowering specimentropical garden focal pointcontainer treebutterfly gardenseasonal color screen

Style Tags

tropicalbold colordramaticfloweringspecimen

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Princess Flower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2-3x per week dry season. Consistent moisture for best flowering. Slightly acidic, well-drained soil preferred. Avoid both drought stress and waterlogged soils.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamorganic richwell drained acidic preferred

Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 or acid-forming fertilizer. IRON CHELATE supplement monthly — Tibouchina is susceptible to iron chlorosis in South Florida's alkaline limestone soils.

Schedule: March (after pruning), June, September with balanced fertilizer and iron chelate supplement.

Salt Tolerance

Low (3/10) — plant away from salt air exposure
Mature Height
815 ft
Mature Width
510 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
9b, 10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Princess Flower at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Princess Flower grow in South Florida?

Princess Flower has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Princess Flower safe for pets?

Yes, Princess Flower is considered pet-safe. No significant toxicity information. Generally considered safe.

How much water does Princess Flower need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Princess Flower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Princess Flower tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Princess Flower has low salt tolerance (3/10) and is not recommended near areas with significant salt air exposure.

Is Princess Flower available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Princess Flower is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate Broward availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

View County Guide →

Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Outstanding cold tolerance for a tropical — more reliable in Palm Beach County than many tropical shrubs.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited Collier availability — source from Miami-Dade/Broward wholesalers.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited Keys availability.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

View County Guide →

Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

Need a Spec Sheet?

Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.

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Ask about Princess Flower

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.