Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
spider lily 'Maiden's Blush'
spider lily 'Maiden's Blush' RHS

Synonyms

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Maiden's Blush'
Tradescantia × andersoniana 'Maiden's Blush'

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse

A trailing perennial with lance-shaped leaves that emerge pink, becoming green; small white flowers open sporadically through the year, but it is not free-flowering

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light; water moderately when in active growth using a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in moist, fertile soil in sun or shade

Propagation

Take softwood stem cuttings approx 5-8cm long at any time through the year, and root in cutting compost or water, planting up in peat-free, soil-based compost after rooting

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free