About

Leonora' is a clump-forming perennial, to 45cm tall, with lance-shaped foliage and, in summer, clusters of violet-blue, three-petalled flowers borne at the ends of the branching stems.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
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
PruningAfter flowering cut back 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