Plant DetailShow Menu

Tradescantia 'Purple Profusion' (Andersoniana Group) is often confused with:
Tradescantia ohiensis Tradescantia ohiensis
Native alternative(s) for Tradescantia 'Purple Profusion' (Andersoniana Group):
Tradescantia hirsuticaulis Tradescantia hirsuticaulis
Tradescantia ohiensis Tradescantia ohiensis
Tradescantia virginiana Flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Heuchera americana A cultivar with purple and silvery leaves
Viola pedata Viola pedata
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Tradescantia 'Purple Profusion' (Andersoniana Group) has some common insect problems:
Slugs & Snails on Ornamental Plants
Caterpillars Found on Flowers and Foliage

Tradescantia 'Purple Profusion' (Andersoniana Group)

Phonetic Spelling
trad-es-KAN-tee-uh
Description

'Purple Profusion' is a cultivar perennial spiderwort in the Commelinaceae (dayflower) family.  Spiderwort gets its name from the thick, sticky secretion that is present when a stem is cut.  This substance becomes thread-like and silky when it hardens, appearing similar to a spider web.  

It grows to 18 inches tall and wide and performs at its best when planted in acid rich soils.  It can also be grown in neutral or alkaline soils.   Flower production is increased when grown in full sun, however, in warmer climates, a little afternoon shade is appreciated. A singular plant will not produce seed.  Planting two or more plants together, seed will be produced.  The resulting seedlings may not resemble the parent plants.  

It is typically in bloom from May to August.  Once all the flowers on a cluster have bloomed, deadheading each cluster may extend the bloom period.  Deadheading will also give the plant a more attractive appearance.   Flowering will slow down or stop in the mid-summer heat.  The foliage will also decline as temperatures increase.  At that point, cut the plant down almost to the ground.  This will promote new growth to the foliage and may give you a late summer to fall bloom.

'Purple Profusion' is a clump-forming spiderwort known for its deep purple flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. Its young foliage is purple-tinged.  It has clusters sitting atop stiff stems with numerous flower buds on each cluster.  Flowers open a few at a time, lasting for one day.  On cool or cloudy days, the flower may remain open longer than on hotter, sunny days.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Snails and caterpillars may damage young shoots.  The mid-summer decline in flowers and foliage makes the plant unattractive. Can be subject to diseases if overhead irrigation is used on a regular basis.

More information on Tradescantia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#rain garden#small spaces#purple flowers#showy leaves#slopes#accent plant#mass planting#pond margins#moist soil#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#perennial#patio
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#rain garden#small spaces#purple flowers#showy leaves#slopes#accent plant#mass planting#pond margins#moist soil#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#pollinator plant#clumping#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#wet soils tolerant#perennial#patio
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Tradescantia
    Species:
    (Andersoniana Group)
    Family:
    Commelinaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Wildlife Value:
    Butterflies and bees are attracted to the spiderwort.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Small, 1.5" purple flowers with three sepals, three petals and six stamens. Bright yellow anthers appear at the top of its fuzzy filaments in the center of the petals.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The narrow, deep greenish/blue foliage can take on a scruffy appearance in late summer. Trimming back can alleviate this issue.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Pond
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Rabbits
    Wet Soil