Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)
A popular houseplant, Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew) is a trailing evergreen perennial with attractive, lance-shaped, green to purple leaves with two wide, silvery longitudinal stripes, while the lower leaf surface is solid magenta.
A popular houseplant, Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew) is a trailing evergreen perennial with attractive, lance-shaped, green to purple leaves with two wide, silvery longitudinal stripes, while the lower leaf surface is solid magenta. Tiny boat-shaped rosy-purple flowers held in small terminal clusters appear sporadically throughout the year on plants grown in their native habitat, rarely on plants grown indoors. Fast-growing and easy to grow, it makes an attractive groundcover in warm winter areas. Where not winter hardy, it is usually grown as a houseplant, in hanging baskets or containers where it will trail gracefully over the edges.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-9 in. tall (15-22 cm) and will spread indefinitely. The stems branch or root at the nodes as they spread along the ground.
- Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in sun or partial shade. This plant does best in light shade outdoors, but bright light indoors. Reduce watering from fall to late winter.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids and vine weevil.
- Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in cutting compost or water then pot up into loam-based potting compost.
- Native to Mexico
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 12 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Tradescantia – Spiderworts |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 6" – 9" (15cm – 22cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |