Dove Tree vs Princess Flower Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Dove Tree
Davidia involucrata
Davidia involucrata, commonly known as the Dove Tree, is a deciduous tree prized for its distinctive, large, white bracts that resemble doves or handkerchiefs hanging from its branches in late spring to early summer. It typically grows to a height of 20-40 feet in cultivation, although it can reach greater heights in its native habitat. The tree has an upright, pyramidal growth habit when young, becoming more rounded with age. It is primarily grown as an ornamental tree for its unique floral display and attractive foliage. This tree is not suitable for indoor growing; it requires outdoor conditions to thrive.
Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleana
Tibouchina urvilleana, commonly known as Princess Flower, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its vibrant purple flowers. Native to Brazil, it typically grows outdoors in warm climates. It features velvety, dark green leaves and produces profuse blooms throughout the warmer months. While it can be grown in containers, it requires significant sunlight and humidity to thrive, making it challenging to maintain indoors long-term. People grow it for its showy flowers and tropical appearance.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Dove Tree | Princess Flower |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Water deeply 1-2 times per week during the growing season, less frequently in fall and winter. | Every 3-7 days, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-70% |
| Temperature | 10-24°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast |
| Max Height | 6-12 meters (20-40 feet) | 1-2 meters (indoors, rarely reaches outdoor size) |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix. A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes monthly | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Dove Tree
| Scientific Name | Davidia involucrata |
|---|---|
| Family | Nyssaceae |
| Native To | Central and Southwest China |
| Also Known As | Dove Tree, Handkerchief Tree, Ghost Tree |
| Leaves | The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to elliptic, 8-15 cm long, and have serrated margins. They are dark green in summer and turn yellow or reddish-purple in the fall before dropping. |
| Flowers | The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, clustered in a dense, globular head. The showy part of the 'flower' is the pair of large, white bracts that surround the flower head. These bracts appear in late spring to early summer. |
Princess Flower
| Scientific Name | Tibouchina urvilleana |
|---|---|
| Family | Melastomataceae |
| Native To | Brazil |
| Also Known As | Princess Flower, Glory Bush, Lasiandra |
| Leaves | Oppositely arranged, ovate to lance-shaped leaves with a velvety texture. The leaves are typically dark green and can grow up to 15 cm long. |
| Flowers | Produces profuse, showy purple flowers with prominent stamens. Flowers are typically 7-10 cm in diameter. Flowering is less likely indoors due to insufficient light. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Dove Tree
Princess Flower
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Dove Tree
Methods: Seed, softwood cuttings, grafting
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Seed propagation is challenging and requires stratification. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer can be rooted with the use of rooting hormone. Grafting is often used to propagate desirable cultivars.
Princess Flower
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Dove Tree
The Dove Tree is unique due to its large, white bracts that resemble doves or handkerchiefs. These bracts are not petals but modified leaves that surround the actual flowers. The tree's distinctive appearance makes it a standout specimen in any garden.
- ✓ Provides a stunning visual display in spring.
- ✓ Attracts birds to the garden.
- ✓ Offers shade during the summer months.
- ✓ Increases property value.
- ✓ Provides a unique talking point for visitors.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Princess Flower
The velvety texture of the leaves and the vibrant purple color of the flowers make this plant stand out. It's also a fast grower, quickly filling in garden spaces.
- ✓ Provides vibrant color to gardens and patios.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Can be pruned into a desired shape.
- ✓ Offers a tropical aesthetic.
- ✓ Can be grown in containers on patios or balconies.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Dove Tree
Princess Flower
🌞 Light Requirements
Dove Tree
Full sun to partial shade
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Princess Flower
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Dove Tree
Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, when the tree is young. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Check soil moisture before watering.
Princess Flower
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain away. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves; signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Dove Tree
Temperature: 10-24°C
Humidity: 40-60%
Princess Flower
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 50-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Dove Tree
Davidia involucrataGardeners with the space and patience to grow a unique and beautiful ornamental tree.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a unique ornamental tree with a striking floral display.
- You have the space for a large tree in your garden.
- You appreciate the beauty of nature and are willing to wait for the tree to mature and flower.
- You want to attract birds to your garden.
- You enjoy the challenge of growing a somewhat difficult-to-propagate tree.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have a small garden or limited space.
- You are looking for a fast-growing tree.
- You live in a very hot or dry climate where the tree may struggle.
- You want a tree that flowers quickly.
- You are looking for an indoor plant.
Princess Flower
Tibouchina urvilleanaExperienced gardeners in warm climates who want a showy flowering shrub for their garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.
- You want a plant with vibrant purple flowers.
- You have experience caring for demanding plants.
- You have a greenhouse or sunroom to provide adequate light and humidity.
- You are willing to provide regular pruning and fertilization.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with limited sunlight.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You have pets that may ingest the plant.
- You don't have time for regular pruning and fertilization.
- You don't have a bright, sunny location.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Dove Tree has moderate growth, while Princess Flower grows fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Dove Tree Care Tips
The Dove Tree is an outdoor tree that requires specific conditions to thrive. It needs full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering, especially when young. It is not suitable for indoor growing. Requires patience as it can take several years to flower.
- Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply and regularly, especially when young.
- Protect young trees from frost damage.
- Fertilize in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches.
Princess Flower Care Tips
Princess Flower is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and high humidity. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the difficulty of providing adequate light and humidity. It needs regular watering and fertilization. Expect reduced flowering and potential pest issues indoors.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Dove Tree
Princess Flower
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Dove Tree
What are the light requirements for Dove Tree?
Dove Trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially during the hottest parts of the day. An east- or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample light without the harshness of direct sun. If you only have a south-facing window, position the tree a few feet away from the window or use a sheer curtain to filter the light.
How do I care for Dove Tree?
To successfully care for a Dove Tree indoors, provide bright, indirect light, ideally near an east- or west-facing window. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, using a humidifier or pebble tray if necessary.
How do I propagate Dove Tree?
Dove Trees can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist and humid. Roots should develop in 6-8 weeks.
Princess Flower
What are the light requirements for Princess Flower?
Princess Flower thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. A location near an east- or west-facing window is often suitable indoors. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. If grown outdoors, provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light can result in fewer blooms and leggy growth. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. During the winter months, when sunlight is less intense, consider supplementing with artificial grow lights.
How do I care for Princess Flower?
Princess Flower requires well-draining, acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Provide bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Maintain a moderate humidity level, especially indoors. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Repot every 1-2 years as needed, using a slightly larger pot. Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites, and treat promptly if detected. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
How do I propagate Princess Flower?
Princess Flower can be propagated using stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Rooting typically occurs within 4-8 weeks. Division can be done when repotting mature plants, carefully separating the root ball. Keikis are not common on Princess Flower.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.