Tradescantia
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Tradescantia Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Tradescantia are 12-24, H1 and H2, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Tradescantia fluminensis (Wandering Jew) This native of South America rapidly reaches a whopping 2 inches tall and can spread indefinitely. Stems have swollen joints out of which dark green leaves grow. Flowers are tiny and white. This species is easy to grow and does well in window boxes, containers, and dish gardens. Can be cut back severely and will regrow. Needs partial to full shade and regular to ample water. Stems last a long time in water and root quickly. |
Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' (Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart') (Purple Heart, Purple Queen) This species is native to Mexico, and reaches 1-1.5 feet tall and about a foot wide. Stems are floppy, and leaves are strongly shaded with tones of purple. Flowers are pale or deep purple. Pinch back plant after bloom to encourage new growth and more blooms to pop. Use this species as a groundcover, for beds, or in pots. Needs full sun to light shade and moderate water. |
Tradescantia spathacea (Rhoeospathacea) (Moses-In-The-Cradle, Moses-In-The-Boat) This species is native to Mexico and central America and reaches 2 feet tall and a foot wide. Leaves are dark green on top, purple underneath, and are sword-shaped. Flowers are small and white. Use these in pots or hanging baskets or as a groundcover. Variety 'Variegata' has leaves that are striped with red and yellow-green. |
Tradescantia virginiana (Spiderwort) Best in zones 1-24 and H1, this plant is native to the eastern United States. It forms a clump 1.5 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are grassy and deep green, and flowers bloom all summer long. Can become invasive through self-sowing. Can take sun or shade, but needs ample water. The Andersoniana Group of Spiderwort plants come in a variety of colors including white, blue, lavender, purple, pink, and red. |
Tradescantia zebrina (Zebrina pendula) (Wandering Jew) This native of southern Mexico has pink or blue flowers and many forms have colorful leaves. They make great shady-area groundcovers and can also do well in containers. Needs partial to full shade and regular water. Varieties include 'Quadricolor' (with purple leavess that have bands of silver, pink and red), and 'Purpusii' (with dark green or dark red foliage). |
Caring for Festuca
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 636, Tradescantia
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