I am starting a new feature this week. On "Shrub Sundays" I will write about the shrub of the week, and "Tree Thursdays" will bring a similar post about that week's tree.

Last week, the Guide to Brazil Travel and I were talking about Brazilian trees. It made me daydream about home a little, since one of my favorite shrubs is Tibouchina urvilleana, the Princess Flower...a native of Brazil that is able to grow in Southern California.

Princess Flower is a stunning addition to any Zone 9-11 garden. It can also be grown in Zone 8, though any frost will kill it back until warmer temperatures return. The large, brilliant purple blooms will appear throughout the year, nicely complementing the soft, hairy leaves. Give your garden a royal treat by choosing Princess Flower, the shrub of the week.
_{Photo © Flickr user Dvortygirl}