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

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