About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial with strong, upright stems, changing to trailing as they mature. Oval-shaped foliage can be cream, yellow or purple, depending on light levels, with green stripes. The stems and leaves are covered in velvety fur on the undersides, and white flowers with pink tips may appear throughout the year.
About the genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUndemanding, easy-to-grow houseplant, or use for summer outdoor displays planted in fertile, free-draining soil. Direct sunshine may scorch the leaves. Indoors grow in bright filtered light, planted using peat-free houseplant or multipurpose compost. When in active growth water moderately and liquid feed monthly. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove faded flowered stems
PropagationPropagate by taking stem tip cuttings or by division
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free