Overview
Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' is a trailing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' 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 'Velvet Hill' (spider lily 'Velvet Hill') is a trailing perennial cultivar within the Tradescantia genus, known for its fleshy, evergreen leaves and distinctive three-petalled flowers. It thrives in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for full sun to partial shade and various exposures, it is hardy to UK zone H4. This cultivar is ideal for patios and containers, offering low-maintenance interest during spring and summer. Propagation is typically by softwood cuttings taken from stem tips in spring or summer.
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 'Velvet Hill' 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 'Velvet Hill'
- 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 'Velvet Hill'?
Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' need?
Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' 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 'Velvet Hill' hardy in the UK?
Tradescantia 'Velvet Hill' 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 'Velvet Hill'?
Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer.
More in the Tradescantia genus
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Blue Spider'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Gisela'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Iris Prichard'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little White Doll'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mariella'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mrs Loewer'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Ocean Blue'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Purple Profusion'