Tradescantia sillamontana
white velvet
An evergreen perennial to 30cm, with erect to trailing stems bearing ovate, folded leaves covered with silky white hairs; deep rosy-pink, 3-petalled flowers 2cm across in terminal clusters
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light; water moderately when in active growth using a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly, water sparingly in winter. Outdoors grow in moist, fertile soil in sun or shade. Water freely in dry weather
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in peat-free cutting compost or water, then pot up into peat-free, loam-based potting compost
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.