Comments on: Tibouchinas – Stunning Floral Knockouts

By: Jeremy Hutner

Jeremy Hutner — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:19:57 +0000

I purchased some Tibouchina seed this past fall. Any special instructions to get Tibouchina to germinate? I saw a site that said to keep cool first (I’m going to refrigerate for 4 weeks) before sowing seed.

Thanks for any help.
– Jeremy

By: Andrew Bunting

Andrew Bunting — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:16:03 +0000

Liane,

You could keep it growing as a quasi-houseplant. However, at the Scott Arboretum we let them get slightly frosted and then dig them and plant them in a nursery pot. We put it into a cool basement (cellar-like conditions) with very little light. Any remaining leaves will fall off and it will sit in a somewhat dormant state for the rest of the winter. The soil should be kept on the dry side. We bring the Tibouchina out in mid-May and plant directly into the ground or into an ornamental container.

Andrew Bunting, Curator
Scott Arboretum

By: Liane Schleifer

Liane Schleifer — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:20:38 +0000

Any more detailed tips for overwintering? I cut several back, potted them up and brought them in my full daylight basement which I keep relatively cool. They still have their leaves. I had one tiny one overwinter last year, keeping its few leaves, but it stayed miniscule in the summer. Should I keep them at room temperature or way colder? Dark basement or light? How small should I prune them to prepare them for inside next year? Thanks.