Felder Rushing
Family
Commelinaceae
Botanical Name
Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'
Plant Common Name
Purple Heart, Purple Queen
General Description
Vibrant with rich purple, wine or magenta-violet leaves and stems, purple heart selection 'Purpurea' is widely recognized. An eastern Mexico native, this evergreen, tender perennial has lax fleshy stems with long, oval, pointed, burgundy-purple leaves. In summer three-petaled pink flowers are borne in pairs in tips of the stems. The sprawling stems will root in the moist soil, soon to create a mass of ground-hugging foliage.
A drought tolerant plant, its foliage color is best in full sun in a moist, well-draining soil. Where it is hardy, it makes a beautiful groundcover or edging and should be pinched back after flowering to encourage bushiness and rebloom. Evergreen in frost-free regions, 'Purpurea' dies back to its roots with mild freezes but sprouts back once warmth returns in spring. In colder areas, it can be grown as bedding annual, in a container or hanging basket, or as a houseplant. It can be brought in over winter and kept in a sunny window with occasional trimming. In a container or hanging basket it quickly out-competes other plants for water and soil. It may cause a minor skin irritation when handled.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm
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Width
16"-30" / 40.6cm - 76.2cm
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Prostrate/Trailing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
No
