Q: I thought all tibouchinas were all purple — although some of the dwarf ones are white — but I saw a tall pink one. Do you know what it is? I saw it in the Blue Mountains; does that mean it only thrives in cold climates?
Alvira K., Cremorne, NSW
A: What you saw was
Tibouchina ‘Kathleen’, which grows into a small tree to 3 x 3m, and typically prefers warm humid climes. The plant you saw is likely positioned in a sun trap between buildings, so it's protected from cold winds and frosts. Although, in a very cold winter, I guess it gets a bit burnt back. If the purple cultivar ‘Glory Bush’ is too full on for readers, try ‘Kathleen’ for a softer look in late autumn.
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