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Tradescantia fluminensis 'Quicksilver' (v)

spiderwort 'Quicksilver'

'Quicksilver' is an evergreen perennial to 20cm, with elliptic to ovate leaves longitudinally striped with white, and terminal clusters of small white flowers intermittently throughout the year

Synonyms
Tradescantia 'Quicksilver'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Cream White Variegated
Summer White Green White Variegated
Autumn White Green White Variegated
Winter White Green White Variegated
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical 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

Unresolved

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.