Accession Count: 85
Common Name:
purple heart
Family Name:
Commelinaceae
Botanical Name:
Tradescantia pallida
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Tradescantia pallida is a thick-growing herbaceous perennial native to Mexico (1,2,5). Stunning violet leaves grow 2-5 inches along purple stems that can trail up to 3 feet. (1,2,3). In the summer, bright pink 3-petaled flowers bloom to 1.5 inches in diameter (1,2,3,4,5)
Compound:
Tra pal
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Cultivation Notes:
Tradescantia pallida grows best in moist, well-drained soils (1,3,4,5). It thrives with moderate watering, but can survive dry periods (1,3,4). Over watering should be avoided (1,4). Plants may die off during freezes below 25 F, but typically will grow back by spring (2, 4).
Ethnobotany:
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Purple
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
