Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Pixie'
purple heart spiderwort 'Purple Pixie'
A clump-forming evergreen perennial which initially has an upright habit, quickly changing to trailing as it grows. Wide, smooth, slightly furry oval foliage on short stems is dark grey-purple, with dark purple undersides. Pink flowers may appear all year round but are rare on plants grown indoors
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Grey Silver Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Winter | Pink | Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as bedding, in containers that can be moved indoors over winter, or as a houseplant. Plant in moist but well-drained soil or peat-free, loam-based potting compost, and position in part shade or bright filtered light; direct sun may scorch the leaves. Water moderately when in active growth, and sparingly in winter. See houseplant cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by taking stem tip cuttings or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- hanging basket
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Remove faded flowered stems
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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