[Fleur Pavlidis]

Oh! I've bought loads of Aloe vera from Lidl but they suffer in the winter cold and have never flowered - not even this year when my other aloes are blooming like crazy. This week Lidl had Tibouchina  which I bought. I believe you grow it in Cyprus, John. Any tips?

[John J]

Fleur, sorry but I've never grown Tibouchina and don't recall seeing others growing them. I believe they are 'semi-tropical' so if you are concerned about the cold then that might be a problem area. You may have to provide some protection in the winter.

[Alisdair]

When we lived in London I grew a plant of Tibouchina urvilleana outside, but sprawling up against a heated greenhouse. In that position it did tolerate the (very light) frosts we had. But it certainly wouldn't take significant frost. And it needs plenty of water.
It's a big genus and there may be some species from higher altitudes, but really they're all tropical or at best sub-tropical and I doubt if any are suited to Mediterranean conditions.

[Fleur Pavlidis]

Tibouchina urvilleana is what it is I think. I've lusted after it ever since we saw them in California in 2001- those velvety leaves are what attract me. I'll try them in pots and put them in the greenhouse in winter.

[Alisdair]

It's very easy to propagate from cuttings (I grew mine from seed that we'd collected in Ecuador, presumably from an escapee as it's not a native of there).