Purple Heart
Purple Heart
Setcreasea pallida
Item #1188 USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11




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Stunning purple, lance-shaped leaves on vigorously spreading stems are accented by small pale purple flowers. Dies back in cold weather then vigorously returns in spring. Heat and drought tolerant. Great for low maintenance areas, rock gardens and mixed borders. Cascades nicely over the edge of a hanging basket. Evergreen in mild winter climates.
- OverviewLight Needs:Partial shade to full sunWatering Needs:Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.Average Landscape Size:Quickly reaches 12 to 18 in. tall and wide.Key Feature:Dramatic Foliage ColorBlooms:SummerLandscape Uses:
- DetailPlant type:Groundcover, PerennialDeciduous/evergreen:HerbaceousSunset climate zones:12 - 24Growth habit:Spreading, TrailingGrowth rate:FastAverage landscape size:Quickly reaches 12 to 18 in. tall and wide.Special features:Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fast Growing, Gift Plant, WaterwiseFoliage color:PurpleBlooms:SummerFlower color:Purplish-pinkGarden styleAsian/Zen, Contemporary, TropicalDesign IdeasA stunning plant for frost free gardens used as a groundcover. Can fill beds on sheltered locations or be mixed into tropical plantings to add purple foliage color. Great choice for hanging baskets or dangling off the edges of pots. Nestles well into boulders and particularly attractive trailing around rock waterfalls. Color makes a stunning addition to minimal modern gardens.Companion PlantsFlax Lily (Dianella); Lantana (Lantana); Cranesbill (Geranium); Phormium (Phormium); Mandevilla (Mandevilla)
- CareCare InformationProvide enriched,well-drained soils. Best foliage color in full sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun exposures in hotter summer regions. Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system. Once established, tolerates moderate drought in cooler climates; benefits from continued regular water in warmer regions.Light Needs:Partial shade to full sunWatering Needs:Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
- History & LoreHistory:This plant is found in the southern U.S. and well into Mexico where it is native. Plants first came into cultivation as house plants known as "wandering Jew". It is often grouped into the Tradescantia genus.Lore:The purple coloring of these leaves are due to chemicals known as anthocyanins, which are the same ones that give beets and eggplants a similar color.