Tradescantia - Search results

Botanical names: Cyanotis somaliensis, Tradescantia somaliensis

Common names: Furry Kittens, Pussy Ears

Family: Commelinaceae

Origin: Eastern Africa, Rwanda, Somalia

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Cyanotis somaliensis (Furry Kittens), a plant native to Eastern Africa, Rwanda, Somalia, is an evergreen perennial related to Tradescantia. It is known for its tolerance to dry conditions, bright blue or lavender-purple flowers and most notably, densely ranked, lance-shaped leaves that are almost hidden by the hairy trail of its stems. It can be grown in USDA Zone 10-11.

Cyanotis somaliensis is an easy and forgiving plant to grow requiring little effort in terms ofplant care. It is best suited for a brightly lit spot away from direct sunlight and for the pot to be in semi-shade conditions. Compost should be kept moist at all time, and the plant should be misted regularly for optimal growth. When it comes to watering, liberally from spring to autumn and sparingly in winter. When it comes to propagation, cuttings can be taken from the stems.

Cyanotis somaliensis' growth varies depending on climate, such that in warm regions, it can be a groundcover, reaching low-growing of 2ft, while in colder regions, it may take the form of a small shrub, reaching 2-5 ft. With this said, when planting in cold regions, in addition to the care previously mentioned, some extra protection may be needed, such as mulching and additional layers for the pot when temperatures drop to make sure the plant receives enough warmth.

Botanical names: Tradescantia albiflora, Tradescantia fluminensis

Common names: Inch Plant, White-Flowered Wandering Jew

Family: Commelinaceae

Tradescantia albiflora (Inch Plant) is a low-growing and evergreen vine or creeper that can easily reach 2 feet in length. This plant features beautiful ornamental foliage consisting of tiny, succulent oval leaves from 0.5 to 1 inch in length. Depending on the light condition, its leaves are mostly green or purple. In the full sun, its leaves become green-grayish in color. And in the shade, they will exhibit more purple hues. It produces small white or off-white flowers that makes it an attractive addition to any garden.

When growing Tradescantia albiflora, it needs regular water and an average amount of water during its growing season. It can also tolerate moderate water if irrigation is delayed. For colder regions, it's best to grow this plant in pots, as it is not cold tolerant. It is grown in the USDA Zone 9-11, but can survive with regular care.

Tradescantia albiflora is a salt tolerant plant and can be grown near the seaside. It is perfect for adding texture and dimension to garden beds and edges, as a low-growing ground cover or as a hanging basket plant. It can also be used as a filler between stepping stones and pathways. When handling this plant, be careful as it can cause irritation to the skin.

Botanical name: Tradescantia navicularis

Common name: Chain Plant

Family: Commelinaceae

Origin: Peru

Tradescantia navicularis (Chain Plant), native to Peru, is a low-growing evergreen succulent that forms a groundcover. It can reach heights of up to two feet when mature, and can easily be spread and transplanted due to its roots which form at the stem nodes. Its fine hairs and boat-shaped grey-green leaves make it an attractive, ornamental foliage that can create a unique texture in any garden or landscape.

This plant is well suited to a wide range of climates and growing conditions, however it thrives best in humid and semi-shaded environments. Tradescantia navicularis requires moderate levels of water and is drought tolerant, making it easy to care for. It blooms pink flowers throughout the summer and autumn months, adding a unique charm to this small shrub which typically reaches a height of two to five feet.

It grows well in USDA Zones 9-11. Growing Tradescantia navicularis in cold regions usually require planting it in a pot, since it is not cold hardy. This will also make it easier for you to move the plant indoors if temperatures drop too low. Make sure to use an adequately sized pot and ensure the soil is moist but not over-saturated, too much water can cause root rot. It is best to provide the plant with a semi-shaded area, and to water it consistently throughout the spring and summer months. During the winter, reduce watering to every three weeks or so. With proper care, your Tradescantia navicularis will thrive and bring beautiful pink flowers and ornamental foliage to your garden.

Botanical names: Tradescantia pallida, Setcreasea pallida

Common names: Purple heart, Purple queen

Family: Commelinaceae

Origin: Louisiana, Florida, and Eastern Mexico

In its native habitats of Louisiana, Florida, and Eastern Mexico, Tradescantia pallida (Purple heart) is a low-growing, woody, semi-evergreen shrub growing up to two feet in height, forming a dense groundcover. Its ornamental foliage is deep purple in full sun and dark green in semi-shade. Its slight pink flowers are small but abundant, with each blooming only for one morning.

Under ideal growing conditions and regular watering with full sun, Tradescantia pallida is a fast-growing, easy-care perennial, suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. It does best in light to moderate soils with plenty of organic material, with protection from harsh winds and salt spray.

Although Purple heart does not require much maintenance, it does need some special care when planted in colder regions or in pots. In areas which are too cold for Purple heart to thrive, gardeners should take the extra step of mulching and wrapping the plant to protect it from frost during the winter months. It should also be kept well-watered year-round and provided with regular fertilization in pots since the soil may quickly become depleted of nutrients.

All in all, Tradescantia pallida is an attractive and ruggedly tough addition to any garden, making itself at home in hot and humid climates, as well as chilly coastal regions. This hardy, low-maintenance plant can create a stunning statement and bring a splash of color to any landscape.

Botanical name: Tradescantia sillamontana

Common names: White Velvet, White Gossamer, Cobweb Spiderwort

Family: Commelinaceae

Origin: Northeastern Mexico

Hardiness: 30°F

Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet, Cobweb Spiderwort) is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial from northeastern Mexico, belonging to the Commelinaceae family. It forms a dense, spreading mat up to 12 18 inches tall and 2 3 feet wide, with thick, succulent stems and oval gray-green leaves entirely covered in white, felt-like hairs. This woolly texture helps reduce moisture loss and protects the plant from intense sun, making it highly suitable for dry and seasonally dry climates. It grows best in full sun to light shade, in well-drained sandy or rocky soil, and tolerates neglect once established. Growth rate is moderate to fast under warm conditions. In summer, it produces small, bright magenta-pink three-petaled flowers nestled among the upper leaves. It is hardy to around 30°F, but foliage may be damaged by frost and will regrow in spring in USDA zones 9 11. Despite its tropical appearance, it has successfully overwintered in USDA zone 7b with proper drainage and light protection. Excellent for containers, raised beds, and dry borders. Not known to be toxic. May resemble some other Tradescantia species, but its dense white hair covering is distinctive.

Botanical name: Tradescantia sp.

Common names: Tradescantia, Spiderwort

Family: Commelinaceae

Origin: Central America, Caribbean, North America