Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Purple Profusion'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- trad-es-KAN-tee-uh
- Description
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'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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Tradescantia
- Species:
- x andersoniana 'Purple Perfusion'
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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