About
An upright perennial to a height of 50cm with slightly succulent, narrow, green leaves that can reach 35cm long. In summer clusters of light purple, blue or purple three-petalled flowers are borne.
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 typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in moist soils, bog gardens, and well-drained soil in sun or part-shade. Can be untidy so may need staking. See staking perennials
PruningCut back all foliage back to ground level at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by division in autumn after flowering, or in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust