Purple heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Family: Commelinaceae
Purple heart is the name of the most widely grown cultivar of Tradescantia pallida. The species is native to Mexico and Central America, but is cultivated in subtropical and tropical climates worldwide. It is used as a fast-spreading groundcover that tolerates drought and poor soil.Purple heart has an intense and unusual purple color, providing contrast for green-leaved plants. The flowers are light pink and attractive, but they fade in the midday heat. Many gardeners find Tradescantia pallida too aggressive for the garden, and it is known to be invasive in some tropical areas.
Flower colors:
Tags:
foliage, indoor, invasive, ornamental, perennial, sun, tropical
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Cultivation: Medium-sized perennial for USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Grows best in partial to full sun with moderate moisture.
Size: Reaches 6" to 18" (15 cm to 46 cm) tall with a spread of 1' to 3' (30 cm to 90 cm).
Flowering: Blooms year-round.
Propagation: cuttings.
Size: Reaches 6" to 18" (15 cm to 46 cm) tall with a spread of 1' to 3' (30 cm to 90 cm).
Flowering: Blooms year-round.
Propagation: cuttings.