Tradescantia zebrina
silver inch plant
A trailing evergreen perennial to 15cm, with lance-shaped, deep bronze-green leaves with two longitudinal silvery bands above, purple beneath; rosy-purple flowers in small terminal clusters appear sporadically throughout the year
Other common names
wandering sailorSynonyms
Tradescantia tricolorTradescantia zebrina pendula
see moreTradescantia pendula
Zebrina pendula
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Purple | Bronze Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Bronze Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Bronze Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Winter | Pink Purple | Bronze Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) in bright filtered light; water moderately when in active growth using a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in moist, fertile soil in sun or shade. Trim to promote thick growth and strong shoots with bold foliage. Water freely in dry weather
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in cutting compost or water then pot up into loam-based potting compost (JI No.1)
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.