Purple Heart

Setcreasea pallida

Sku #1188

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.

Light Needs

Partial shade to full sun

Light Needs
Water Needs

Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.
USDA Zone ?

There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden. Learn More

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Detail

Key Feature

Dramatic Foliage Color

Light Needs

Partial shade to full sun

Landscape Uses

Border, Coastal Exposure, Container, Edging, Ground Cover, Houseplant, Mass Planting, Poolside, Rock Garden

Watering Needs:Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat or containers.

Plant type:Groundcover, Perennial

Deciduous/evergreen:Herbaceous

Sunset climate zones:12 - 24

Growth habit:Spreading, Trailing

Growth rate:Fast

Average landscape size:Quickly reaches 12 to 18 in. tall and wide.

Special features:Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Fast Growing, Gift Plant, Waterwise

Foliage color:Purple

Blooms:Summer

Flower color:Purplish-pink

Garden styleAsian/Zen, Contemporary, Tropical

Design 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)

Care

Care Information

Provide 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.

History & Lore

History:

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.

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