Question
I have recently received this plant in the form of a tree about 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall.  I planted it in the ground in full sun, at the end of June. (I live in New Orleans.)  The tree has lost
most of its leaves but is still making a flower here and there.  
Is it normal for the plant to loose its leaves after planting, or do you think it is dying. The leaf tips turn brown and was this way when I received the plant.  
Is there anything that I can do to save it?  

Answer
Phyllis,

I am going to make the guess that the plant was probably grown in a grrenhouse immediately prior to your receiving it and planting in the full sun.

Now I know you are wondering what would have to do with anything.  so here is the scoop.

The light a plant recieves in the greenhouse is far less than outside.  Most plants will grow leaves with the chloroplasts arranged to more effectively gather light in the greenhouse.  When that plant is moved to the full sun outside the internal arrangement of the chloroplasts is wrong.  The plant can not re-arrange the chloroplasts in the leaves, but must produce new leaves for the full sun with the old leaves falling off.  The plant looks bad for a while but the new leaves will grow fairly quickly.

I would be patient and not do anything rash for at leat a month.

Did you know that Tibouchina urvilleana has been labelled as a noxious weed in Hawaii?

Good luck in the garden.

Gary