Purple Spiderwort Tradescantia pallida

Purple heart is a tender perennial cultivar in the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae) commonly used as a houseplant or an annual. The plant species is from Mexico, where it is grown as a ground cover. The genus name honors the gardeners who served Charles I of England, John Tradescant and his son with the same last name.   

Although generally an annual, this plant may come back in protected areas or in mild winters. To plant outdoors find a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, high organic matter soil that stays evenly moist. Full sun will result in the best color development. Plants placed in a shady location will tend to have a more greenish tint. Pinch back to encourage bushiness. ‘Purple Heart’ grows up to 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The available space to plant can be less than 12 inches up to 3 feet. This plant tolerates salt, drought and dry soil and is resistant to deer. Propagate by stem cuttings.   

The purple heart features trailing purple stems with violet-purple leaves and pink flowers that appear in the summer. Each flower lasts only one day. It is desired for its colorful and distinguishing purple foliage, stems and fast growth.

Grow it outdoors as a decorative ground cover or bedding plant that will survive longer than most bedding plants. Use it in a rock, drought-tolerant, cottage or children’s garden. It works well as a mass planting on slopes or in borders, containers or hanging baskets. It is also commonly grown indoors in a hanging basket or in interiorscapes as a ground cover. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaf front and back and stems are purple.
• Flowers are at the ends of stems and are usually pink.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and vine weevil are attracted, as well as scales and mealybugs. Outdoor plants can be munched on by caterpillars, slugs and snails. Protect from strong winds that can damage the stems. It has a tendency to become invasive in beds.

More information on Tradescantia.