Tradescantia zebrina 'Tikal' (v)
silver inch plant 'Tikal'
A clump-forming evergreen perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing. Oval foliage is mid-green with two silver bands and dark red pinstripes which develop in bright light. Pale blue-purple flowers are slightly larger than other species, and may appear all year round
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Blue Purple | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical 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
Undemanding, 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
Propagation
Propagate by taking stem tip cuttings or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- 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
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.