Purple Heart
Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
High preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Toxic to pets, sap causes skin irritation
The Story
Plant Bio
A species of spiderwort, Tradescantia pallida is a tender, trailing perennial with succulent stems and lance-shaped leaves. It produces small, three-petaled flowers. Known for its striking foliage color and spreading habit, making it an excellent ground cover.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings into moist soil and keep consistently humid for roots to develop in 4-6 weeks.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Select a well-draining soil mix and plant in partial sun for optimal growth.
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and provide bright, indirect light for vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight
- Pinch back stems to promote fullness
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
Don't
- Overwater leading to root rot ❌
- Expose to direct harsh sunlight which may scorch leaves ❌
- Ignore pruning which can cause legginess ❌
- Forget to provide well-draining soil ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Heart questions
What zones can Purple Heart grow in?
Purple Heart is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Heart deer resistant?
Yes — Purple Heart is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Purple Heart bloom?
Purple Heart typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Purple Heart need full sun?
Purple Heart does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Purple Heart drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Heart handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Tradescantia to compare
Sweet Kate Spiderwort
Tradescantia occidentalis 'Sweet Kate'
Virginia Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Variegated Wandering Jew
Tradescantia pallida 'Variegata'
Carmine Glow Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Karminglut'
Leonora Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Leonora'
Concord Grape Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Concord Grape'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Purple Heart with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
