Can I grow a Princess Flower as a small tree in my zone? I am wondering about the viability of growing a Princess Flower as a small (5-10 ft) tree in my small front yard. I live in Ventura, California (93001) and the plant would be north-facing and receive partial sun. Is the plant drought-tolerant? Also, how long do the blooms last? Thank you.
It sounds like it would be a good fit for what you are looking for. They are somewhat drought tolerant but it takes them a year or so to get that way. They can take partial sun, especially if your area is very warm.
It blooms year round, especially if regularly deadheaded.
It was healthy with blooms and buds. I water it, put it in organic soil in big redwood tub, put organic fertilizer spear in it. What can I do to save it? It's lost nearly all leaves now.
According to my research, princess flower trees do not respond well to transplanting and may lose leaves or stop flowering until they are established. The best thing you can do at this juncture is to follow the care plan for a princess flower, which is found here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/princess-flower-bush/growing-princess-flower.htm
How do I prune for best growth? Mine is getting big. There are flowers on the outside edges but the middle is pretty barren.
Hello,
Thank you for sending us your gardening question. Pruning is part of regular tibouchina care. Remove flowers after they fade, to encourage the shrub to continue blooming rather than using its energy to produce seed. Use a pair of pruning shears to cut the flowers off below the spent blooms, just above a set of leaves.
Prune lightly in the late winter or early spring when the leaf buds begin to swell. Prune to improve the plant's shape and reduce its size. Select tall and misshapen branches and cut back to a parent stem, which is the larger branch from which it originates. Also, thin out crowded areas, especially in the center of the plant. A good rule of thumb to follow is never prune or thin out more than one-third of the shrub each year. Cut damaged and diseased branches back to the parent stem or just above a leaf bud. Do this type of pruning any time of the year, as necessary.
Here is an article you might find helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/princess-flower-bush/growing-princess-flower.htm
Please let us know if you have any other gardening questions and happy gardening!
Thanks
Gardening Know How
My princess flower tibochina hasn't bloomed this year. Any suggestions about pruning, fertilization, etc...? I live in Northwest Florida. Also, what is the best kind of spray and fertilizer to use on roses? Thanks.
Make sure you are adequately watering your plant.
Fertilize your plant with an acid based fertilizer, Azalea and Rhododendron formulas will work.
Follow the application directions on the packaging.
If plant grow still seems poor you should have your soil tested.
If it is extremely alkaline (which I suspect), you can work in pine needles or redwood compost to make the soil more acidic.
Here is an article with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/princess-flower-bush/growing-princess-flower.htm
My plant has shed all of its leaves.
Make sure the soil stays moist, with short periods of dry in between. This seems like a case of either under or overwatering. Also, to keep the pH balanced, it is a good idea to add dolomitic lime to the soil. This supplements calcium, magnesium, and acts as a buffer for the pH of the soil.
I live in zone 7. My Princess flower died when the temps dropped below freezing. I cut it down to 4 or 5 inches above ground. I've been waiting for it to come alive. The branches above ground are strong and firmly rooted in dirt.Am I waiting in vain? Bobbie
Yes, unfortunately. These can only survive down to zone 9. & will be too cold, and will kill it off during the winter. You will have to grow this in container and bring it indoors in the winter. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/princess-flower-bush/growing-princess-flower.htm
It has thrived for the last two and a half years with gentle pruning and little water other than rain. Now it seems to be dying from the inside out Grace and Peace Evan
If there is a drought, simply provide more water. These are quite drought tolerant, though. I'm not familiar with the climate of your country, except that it is the opposite of ours at any given time, so I suspect that you are entering or are in your warm season. If it was cold during your winter, then it could still be recovering from the cool weather. They also benefit from yearly pruning. If this hasn't been done, then this could help you here, too.
This article will offer more information on the proper care of the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/princess-flower-bush/growing-princess-flower.htm