Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Commelinaceae
Botanical Name
Tradescantia zebrina
Plant Common Name
Wandering Traveler
General Description
The showy bicolored leaves of inchplant contrast well with brightly colored bedding plants. This evergreen native of Mexico is a fleshy-stemmed perennial with a trailing habit. Its leaves are oval to lance-shaped and clasp the stems, which have swollen joints at the base of each leaf. These have silvery purple on tops lined with two distinct silver stripes and vibrant violet-purple undersides. In summer it produces small lavender-pink flowers that are marginally showy.
This tender perennial is happiest in bright, indirect light and moist, but not wet, organic-rich soil. It is used as a perennial ground cover in frost-free areas, or as a houseplant, bedding plant or container plant in colder areas. Inchplant can cause a mild skin irritation when handled.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Pink, Light Blue
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Purple, Burgundy, Silver
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Burgundy, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Purple, Burgundy, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Purple, Burgundy, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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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, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
