Overview
Tradescantia bracteata is a trailing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Tradescantia bracteata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and low maintenance.
About
Tradescantia bracteata, commonly known as rainbow spiderwort, is a trailing perennial from the Commelinaceae family. It features fleshy, evergreen leaves typical of the Tradescantia genus and produces distinctive three-petalled flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suitable for patio and container planting, requiring minimal maintenance once established. Propagation is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken in spring or summer.
About the genus
Tradescantia is a genus of 85 species of herbaceous perennial wildflowers in the family Commelinaceae, native to the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Members of the genus are known by many common names, including inchplant, wandering jew, wandering dude, spiderwort, dayflower and trad.
Wikipedia contributors, "Tradescantia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tradescantia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tradescantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tradescantia bracteata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tradescantia bracteata
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, Mealybugs, Aphids, Vine weevil, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia bracteata?
Tradescantia bracteata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tradescantia bracteata need?
Tradescantia bracteata grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Tradescantia bracteata hardy in the UK?
Tradescantia bracteata has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Tradescantia bracteata?
Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer.
More in the Tradescantia genus
- Tradescantia 'Osprey'Spiderwort
- Tradescantia zebrina 'Pink Paradise' (v)Silver Inch Plant
- Tradescantia × andersonianaspider lily Andersoniana Group
- Tradescantia 'Angel Eyes'
- Tradescantia 'J. C. Weguelin'Spiderwort
- Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'Spiderwort
- Tradescantia 'Purple Dome'Spiderwort