Tradescantia pallida, also known as Setcreasea purpurea, is native to Mexico. It is commonly grown outdoors in tropical and semi-tropical regions as a ground cover. Despite being a bit of a weed, it's still a popular choice. It's also a beautiful houseplant that has been used for many years. However, it's becoming increasingly popular for outdoor garden applications, either as a ground cover or container plant. This plant grows up to 8 inches tall and has a trailing habit. It has thick but fragile stems with pointed, narrow-oblong, v-shaped leaves that are sheathed to the stems. The stems can trail up to 18 inches or more. Small clusters of pink, three-petaled flowers bloom on this plant.
The cultivar Purpurea,' also known as 'Purple Heart,' has superior purple foliage to the species. Its stems and leaves are violet-purple.
Tradescantia pallida is a tender perennial that is winter-hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. It proliferates in rich, moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Purple leaf color is best in full sun. The plant has good drought tolerance. However, it must be sheltered from strong winds that may break its fragile stems. After blooming, remove flower stems immediately. Pinch back stems as needed to maintain plant shape and promote new growth. Cuttings quickly propagate this plant, but seed is not available. Cuttings may be overwintered for use the following year. Container plants can be cut back and brought indoors for overwintering.
