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Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)

Wandering Jew, Silver Inch Plant, Tradescantia pendula, Tradescantia tricolor, Tradescantia zebrina pendula

AGM Award
Tradescantia zebrina, Wandering Jew, Silver Inch Plant, Tradescantia pendula, Tradescantia tricolor, Tradescantia zebrina pendula
Tradescantia zebrina, 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. In contrast, 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 indoors. It is fast-growing and easy to grow, making an attractive ground cover 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

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Commelinaceae
Genus Tradescantia
Common names Spiderwort, Wandering Jew
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 9"
(15cm - 23cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort)
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Sweet Kate’ (Spider Lily)
Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Concord Grape’ (Spider Lily)
Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)
Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Commelinaceae
Genus Tradescantia
Common names Spiderwort, Wandering Jew
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 9"
(15cm - 23cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
Not sure which Tradescantia (Spiderwort) to pick?
Compare Now

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