Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet)
Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet) is an evergreen, erect perennial noted for its oval, stem-clasping, olive to gray-green leaves densely covered with silver-white, woolly hairs. In summer, clusters of small, bright purple-pink flowers are on display for about a month.
Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet) is an evergreen, erect perennial noted for its oval, stem-clasping, olive to gray-green leaves densely covered with silver-white, woolly hairs. In summer, clusters of small, bright purple-pink flowers are on display for about a month. Resilient and easy to grow, White Velvet makes a distinctive groundcover in warm winter areas. Where not winter hardy, it is usually grown as a houseplant or in containers.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 16-20 in. wide (40-50 cm).
- Easily grown in well-drained soils in sun or partial shade. The more sun and less water this plant gets, the more silver and compact it remains. Water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season. Water sparingly in winter.
- Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness.
- Cutting the plants back once flowering has ceased can often promote a second bloom and will help prevent re-seeding. Cut the stems back about 8-12 in. (20 to 30 cm) from the ground.
- Native to Mexico
Requirements
Hardiness | 10 – 12 |
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Heat Zones | 10 – 12 |
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" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 16″ – 20″ (40cm – 50cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |