A spectacular sight when in full bloom, Tibouchina urvilleana (Princess Flower) is a large, sprawling, tropical, evergreen shrub or small tree boasting a lush foliage of elliptic, softly hairy leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), sometimes edged in red, with prominent longitudinal veins. In summer, ravishing royal purple flowers, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), with long purple stamens bloom singly or in clusters. In tropical areas, Princess Flower will bloom sporadically throughout the year. Versatile, Tibouchina urvilleana can be trained as a standard or espaliered against a west-facing wall receiving at least five hours of full sun. It can also be trained on a trellis or arbor as a vine. Great for containers, as a houseplant and in Mediterranean gardens.