Tradescantia zebrina 'Deep Purple' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
silver inch plant 'Deep Purple'
Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

A clump-forming evergreen perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing. Pointed, oval-shaped foliage is dark purple-grey with paler grey stripes which may become covered in dark purple when exposed to strong sunlight. Older foliage is more dark grey-green with pale grey stripes. Undersides are dark purple-red and flowers, which may appear all year round, are bright purple with white anthers

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

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