About
A perennial to 60cm, making a dense clump of narrowly lance-shaped leaves, with small clusters of pale blue, 3-petalled flowers 3-4cm in width.
About the genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHerbaceous borders, cottage gardens, cutting.
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Flower production is better in full sun, but light afternoon shade is beneficial in areas with hot summers. Plants may need support, see staking perennials
PruningAfter flowering cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowers
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust