Tradescantia zebrina 'Violet'

RHS Plant Profile
silver inch plant 'Violet'
silver inch plant 'Violet' John Fielding
Houseplants

A tender, evergreen, trailing perennial, with succulent stems clasped by iridescent, silver-green leaves. Each leaf has a purple mid-rib and margins, and is dark purple beneath. Small, 3-petalled purplish flowers may be produced intermittently throughout the year

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Commelinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in standard houseplant compost in bright, filtered light. When in active growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pinch out growing tips to promote bushiness

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips

Diseases

Generally disease-free