Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Pixie'

RHS Plant Profile
purple heart spiderwort 'Purple Pixie'
Herbaceous Perennial Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants Bedding

A clump-forming evergreen perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing as it grows. Wide, smooth, slightly furry oval foliage on short stems is dark grey-purple, with dark purple undersides. Pink flowers may appear all year round but are rare on plants grown indoors

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Commelinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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

Grow as bedding, in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, or as a houseplant. Plant in moist but well-drained soil or peat-free, loam-based potting compost, and position in part shade or bright filtered light; direct sun may scorch the leaves. Water moderately when in active growth, and sparingly in winter. See houseplant cultivation for more advice

Propagation

Propagate by taking stem tip cuttings or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Hanging Basket
  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Remove faded flowered stems

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free