About
A clump-forming, evergreen perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing. Generally smooth, pointed oval foliage is dark grey-purple, with grey yellow-green stripes and dark purple-red undersides. Dark to pale purple flowers with a white centre may appear all year round, and are more likely to appear on plants grown indoors.
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 typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationUndemanding, easy-to-grow houseplant, or for summer outdoor displays planted in fertile, free draining soil. Direct sunshine may scorch the leaves. Indoors grow in bright filtered light, planted using peat-free, houseplant or multipurpose compost. When in active growth water moderately and liquid feed monthly. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further 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