purple heart plant potted Purple Heart

purple heart plant potted Purple HeartTradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'Tradescantia pallida, often called Setcreasea purpurea, hails from Mexico and is a fantastic choice for outdoor spaces in tropical and semi tropical regions, where it serves beautifully as ground cover. This lovely plant has also long been a staple as a houseplant, but it's gaining popularity for outdoor gardens, too, both for ground cover and in containers. Growing up to 8 inches tall, its trailing stems can reach 18

Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'

Tradescantia pallida, often called Setcreasea purpurea, hails from Mexico and is a fantastic choice for outdoor spaces in tropical and semi-tropical regions, where it serves beautifully as ground cover. This lovely plant has also long been a staple as a houseplant, but it's gaining popularity for outdoor gardens, too, both for ground cover and in containers. Growing up to 8 inches tall, its trailing stems can reach 18 inches or more, adorned with thick yet delicate stems and pointed, narrow-oblong, v-shaped leaves that elegantly sheath the stems. You'll be delighted by the small clusters of pink, three-petaled flowers that bloom beautifully on this plant.

The cultivar 'Purpurea,' known affectionately as 'Purple Heart,' showcases even more stunning purple foliage than the species, with vibrant violet-purple stems and leaves that truly stand out.

As a tender perennial, Tradescantia pallida thrives in USDA Zones 10-11. It flourishes in rich, moist, well-drained soil, enjoying full sun to part shade, where the purple hues are at their best. Despite its love for sunlight, it’s good to note that strong winds can threaten its fragile stems, so ensure it gets some protection. After the blooms have faded, it's best to snip away the flower stems promptly. Feel free to pinch back the stems whenever needed to keep the plant looking its best and encourage fresh growth. While propagation is easy with cuttings, please note that seeds aren't available. You can save cuttings to overwinter for the following year, and if you have container plants, simply cut them back and bring them indoors for a cozy winter.

Height: 6"-9"
Spread: 1’-1.5'
Bloom: Seasonal Bloomer
Light: Full Sun-Part Shade
Water: Low
Zone: 7-11
Origin: Mexico