TRADESCANTIA pallida purpurea
Striking perennial with succulent ascending purple stems, purple leaves, and bright pink flowers in summer. A non-invasive cultivar.
There are some 50 Tradescantia species native to North and South America. Some of the trailing species are know to be rather weedy but T pallida purpurea is definitely not. It forms a sprawling patch of deep purple foliage up to 1 m across, and the color adds a great new dimension to many types of landscapes. It is particularly striking when combined with lime green or silver and blue foliage. Best grown in moist, free draining soil in full sun or light shade, it will tolerate some dryness and frosts once established (frost will burn the upper leaves but not the deepest shoots). Cut back ruthlessly when plants become straggly.
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