Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'): The Deep Purple Trailing Wonder

Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea', also called Purple Queen or Wandering Jew) is a striking trailing perennial with deep, velvety purple leaves and stems—one of the most intensely colored foliage plants available. It brings instant drama to containers, hanging baskets, and warm-climate groundcovers.

Color & Form

The lanceolate leaves are a rich, saturated purple (darkest in full sun), with a slightly succulent texture. Stems are equally purple, trailing to 1–2 feet. Small, three-petaled pink flowers appear intermittently in summer, nestled in terminal bracts. In frost-free zones, it's evergreen; elsewhere, grown as an annual or houseplant.

Taxonomy & Synonyms

• Family: Commelinaceae
• Genus: Tradescantia
• Species: pallida
• Cultivar: Purpurea
• Also known as: Purple Heart
• Synonyms: Setcreasea pallida, Setcreasea purpurea

Uses & Care

Full sun for best color; tolerates part shade. Drought-tolerant once established. Easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Use as a spiller in containers, edging in zone 8+, or indoor trailing plant. Can be invasive in warm, moist climates—check local status. A purple powerhouse for design.