Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)
Wandering Jew, Silver Inch Plant, Tradescantia pendula, Tradescantia tricolor, Tradescantia zebrina pendula
A popular houseplant, Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew) is a trailing evergreen perennial with attractive, lance-shaped, green to purple leaves with two wide, silvery longitudinal stripes, while the lower leaf surface is solid magenta. Tiny boat-shaped rosy-purple flowers held in small terminal clusters appear sporadically throughout the year on plants grown in their native habitat, rarely on plants grown indoors. Fast-growing and easy to grow, it makes an attractive groundcover in warm winter areas. Where not winter hardy, it is usually grown as a houseplant, in hanging baskets or containers where it will trail gracefully over the edges.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 6-9 in. tall (15-22 cm) and will spread indefinitely. The stems branch or root at the nodes as they spread along the ground.
- Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in sun or partial shade. This plant does best in light shade outdoors, but bright light indoors. Reduce watering from fall to late winter.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids and vine weevil.
- Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage.
- Propagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in cutting compost or water then pot up into loam-based potting compost.
- Native to Mexico
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Tradescantia - Spiderworts |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 9" (15cm – 22cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Tradescantia - Spiderworts
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 12 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Tradescantia - Spiderworts |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 9" (15cm – 22cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Great Plant Combination Ideas with Tradescantia - Spiderworts