Purple Heart
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
The Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida), also known as Purple Queen, or Purple Spiderwort, is a striking trailing perennial prized for its deep purple foliage and delicate, pale pink flowers. This vigorous grower adds bold color to garden beds, hanging baskets, and indoor plant collections.
Distinctive Features
Purple Heart is known for its long, trailing stems covered in lance-shaped leaves that range from deep violet to reddish-purple. Its small, three-petaled pink flowers bloom intermittently throughout the growing season, adding a delicate contrast to its vibrant foliage. This fast-growing plant is a standout in any landscape.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade; stronger sunlight enhances purple coloration.
- Soil: Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water moderately.
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity but adapts well to dry conditions.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates).
Ideal Uses
- Ground Cover: Spreads quickly, creating a colorful mat of foliage.
- Hanging Baskets & Containers: Trails beautifully over edges for cascading color.
- Indoor Decor: A vibrant, easy-care houseplant.
Low Maintenance Care
Purple Heart is an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives with occasional watering and pruning to maintain its shape.
- Watering: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering.
- Pruning: Trim back stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings.
Why Choose Purple Heart?
With its bold foliage, fast growth, and versatility, Purple Heart is an excellent choice for any garden or indoor space.
- Rich Purple Color: Foliage intensifies in full sun, adding dramatic contrast.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives with minimal care and occasional trimming.
- Drought-Tolerant: Adaptable to various growing conditions.
- Versatile Placement: Ideal for borders, containers, and indoor gardens.
For those looking to add a resilient, colorful plant to their collection, Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is an outstanding choice.
Order Fulfillment
- We're now offering nationwide delivery for plant material in small containers. If your selection isn't yet eligible for shipping, or you need delivery for larger containers and/or B&B material, please email shop@plantdetectives.com.
- All online orders can be picked up at our garden center, located at 45 Route 206 in Chester, New Jersey. Please remember to bring your order number and a valid photo ID with you.
- All gift card purchases are delivered via US Postal Service and can be shipped nationwide.