About
A trailing, slightly succulent perennial to 20cm in height, with narrowly oblong leaves to 15cm in length, glaucous green above, purplish beneath, and 3-petalled pink flowers 2-3cm across in summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Cactus Succulent, Bedding
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow as bedding, in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, or as a houseplant. Plant in moist but well-drained soil or peat-free, loam-based potting compost, and position in part shade or bright filtered light; direct sun may scorch the leaves. Water moderately when in active growth, and sparingly in winter. See houseplant cultivation for more advice
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