Overview
Princess Flower (Pleroma urvilleanum) is a tropical shrub or small tree with velvety leaves and large violet-purple flowers, serving as a dramatic protected-garden accent.
Mature Size and Habit
It grows 8 to 12 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide; train strong stems for a small tree or tip-prune for a denser shrub
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as a specimen, flowering screen, or tropical border backdrop with room for branches and easy cleanup of fallen petals
Sunlight
Full sun supports the most flowers with steady moisture; partial sun helps near reflective heat, while deep shade weakens growth
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in fertile, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil and maintain even moisture; alkaline fill, flooding, and drought reduce vigor
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Fall through early spring gives Princess Flower mild establishment weather in Tampa; warm-season planting also works with dependable irrigation and close monitoring.
Pruning and Maintenance
Tip-prune after flowering, remove weak or frost-damaged branches, feed moderately, and watch for scale, mites, and leaf spots
Wildlife Value
Pollen-rich flowers attract bees and occasional butterflies; add native nectar and larval host plants for fuller habitat value
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Heat and humidity suit Princess Flower, but freezes and dry winter wind damage foliage and stems; protected urban sites recover best
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
No major toxicity or thorn concern is widely reported; allow room for woody growth and maintain clearance from walks and foundations
Invasive Concerns
The species acts invasively in some warm regions but is not currently rated as a Florida problem; remove seedlings and contain debris
Helpful Resources
See UF/IFAS Princess Flower guidance and UF/IFAS assessment.