About
Quicksilver' is an evergreen perennial to 20cm, with elliptic to ovate leaves longitudinally striped with white, and terminal clusters of small white flowers intermittently 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
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Houseplants
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light; water moderately when in active growth using a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in moist, fertile soil in sun or shade. Water freely in dry weather
PruningPinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in peat-free cutting compost or water, then pot up into peat-free, loam-based potting compost
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free