About
A reliable perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing. It will stay compact and upright for a longer period in bright light but trail more quickly if exposed to less light. Narrow, pointed, hairy oval foliage varies in colour depending on light levels, but can be olive green with dark purple-red edges and yellow to grey-green to grey red-purple on the undersides. Flowers are white with yellow anthers. A white-flowered selection.
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 typeHerbaceous Perennial, Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Bedding
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 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
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