Purple Heart
Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
12 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Mildly toxic; can cause skin irritation upon contact with sap.
The Story
Plant Bio
Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as purple heart, is a trailing, tender perennial with succulent stems and violet-purple, lance-shaped leaves. It produces small, three-petaled, pink or pale lavender flowers that bloom for only a day. This cultivar is prized for its striking purple foliage that retains its color in full sun and drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for ground cover and container displays.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil
- Water regularly until established, about 2 weeks
- Place in full sun for best color
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Prune lightly to maintain shape in early spring
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote vibrant foliage.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Prune to shape after flowering
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during summer
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Neglect pruning or fertilizing
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| 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?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Heart, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Purple Heart bloom?
Purple Heart typically blooms in mid-summer 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.
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.
