Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Cream Pink Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Cream Pink Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green Cream Pink Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Cream Pink Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched, 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Undemanding, easy-to-grow houseplant, or use 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
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pinch growth tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green shoots from variegated cultivars
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and glasshouse red spider mite
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.